Richard Gutierrez Formally Presented By ABS-CBN In A Solo Presscon As A Kapamilya, Now Doing A New Soap And A New Movie For Them

RICHARD GUTIERREZ, looking younger and handsomer than ever, was presented by ABS-CBN in a solo presscon to officially introduce him as a Kapamilya. He was initially announced to be doing a new movie, titled “Wife Husband Wife”, with Angel Locsin, with whom he did six movies with GMA and Regal Films before, the last being “The Promise” exactly ten years ago.

Richard says he really felt so excited to work with Angel again after a decade and he will prepare for it as it’s gonna be a really big movie also co-starring Angelica Panganiban in a story about sisters-in-law who are torn apart by infidelity. Now, Richard is also part of the new ABS-CBN primetime fantaserye, “La Luna Sangre”, a sequel to “Imortal”, where he plays Sandrino, the King of Vampires who’s the long lost son Jake Roxas as Magnus. This will replace “Dear Heart” that ends in three weeks.

“Nearly, five years ago, I chose to rest for a while to spend time with my family,” he says. “It was a time for me to reflect on what really matters to me. I chose that path to grow as a man. I thought maybe I could something else with my life. Now, I feel so re-energized, more focused, I know myself better than before. The timing of the offer of ABS-CBN is perfect and it would be stupid for me to refuse it. I was then in Europe and I felt it’s a blessing as it came when I felt I was really ready. When I read the storyline they sent me, I know this will be a great project as a Kapamilya as I’ve always dreamed of playing a vampire.”

But why did he accept it when he did title roles before where he’s the lead actor? Now he’s supporting a popular love team, Kathniel. “But I don’t look at it that way. All I know is I am in a good project where I’m playing something very different and working with a really good team headed by Direk Cathy Molina and a great action director they got from Singapore. Marami na kaming na-taped na episodes and I’m really enjoying it.

“As for Kathniel, I don’t really mind working with their love team. It’s my way of paying it forward or giving back. Besides, very vital ang character ko sa story and I have a direct link to the characters of Kathniel and we’ll do many scenes together, so I’m looking forward to that, working with them, also with Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz na kasama rin sa show.

“Ang sarap nga ng feeling na katrabaho ko uli si Angel after ten years, kasi sabay kaming nag-start sa kabila. And I’m looking forward to working with John Lloyd for the first time dahil contemporary ko siya. But I really want to thank Tita Malou Santos and Tita Cory Vidanes for their trust in me. They were really so warm when they welcomed me kanina sa contract signing and I’m now enjoying my new journey. Parang nagsisimula ako uli.”

How did his mom feel about his moving to ABS-CBN? “They’re all very supportive. My mom was teary eyed. It’s a big plus that Sarah (Lahbati, his partner) is also here. Pareho na kami ngayon ng home base and I can really say I am happy where I am now.”

So how did he prepare for his role as the King of Vampires? “I had to prepare for it mentally and physically. I also did my own research about what vampires are really made of. And since I will be doing action scenes on a harness, I have to work out, lose weight to strengthen my back and my core. My brother Raymond was also training then and we had the same trainer. Pati family ko, laging nakabantay: huwag mong kainin yan! You really have to watch what you eat.”

What about his and Sarah's plan to have a new baby now that Baby Zion is four years old? "Well, I guess that would have to be delayed now that I'll be so busy doing a new soap and a new movie."