Eddie Gutierrez Turns 70, Says Marrying Annabelle Rama Is A Highlight Of His Life

WE HAD A great time at the 70th birthday celebration of Eddie Gutierrez that coincided with the blessing of their newly renovated home in Derby St., White Plains last Saturday night. Annabelle Rama toured us around and we’re very much impressed at how tastefully the whole place is designed, including the elevated swimming pool. All their kids were there, including Ramon Christopher and mom Pilita Corrales. But Ruffa was still asleep, suffering from jetlag as she just returned from South America. Her two daughters, Lorin and Venice, though, entertained the guests with a sprightly song and dance number.

Among the other guests were Susan Roces and Helen Gamboa, Eddie’s co-stars in “Walang Hanggan”, Sen. Tito Sotto, Ricky Davao (who’ll meg Richard Gutierrez’ new drama), Gov. Chavit Singson, Annabelle’s talents Bubbles Paraiso and TJ Trinidad, Malou Choa Fagar, Shirley Kuan, and many more. Richard’s new squeeze, a tall and beautiful dusky beauty, was with him, but he didn’t get to introduce her to the writers who were there.

We ask Eddie how it feels to be 70. “I still feel like I’m 39,” he beams. What are the highlights of his 70 years? “Definitely, marrying Annabelle is one of them,” he replieyos, making Annabelle smile widely, “and seeing my kids also join showbiz, like Tonton, Monching, Ruffa, Richard and all of them. Joining Sampaguita Pictures and staying with them from 1958 to 1968 is another highlight as I learned so much from it. Then winning best supporting and best actor awards for ‘Uubusin Ko ang Lahi Mo’ and ‘Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal’. But an actor is never satisfied with his work. You always want to do more, keep on learning. My idol is Clint Eastwood. At 80, he’s still very productive, di ba? But my number one idol is Elvis Presley and meeting him in person in the 70s is one of the biggest highlights in my life. I was shooting ‘Bontoc’ in Baguio with FPJ when I got a call that he passed away. Naiyak ako.”