I was watching the news the other day when I saw a report about Richard Gutierrez’s transfer to ABS-CBN. As I watched him talk about the move to his former rival station, my mind wandered off to memory lane.
I recall the time when this young man was just a little kid – yes, I’ve known him since he was still a child star and as part of their on-screen duo with his twin brother, Raymond.
I remember how I used to take him to the movies and we would eat ice cream afterward. He was a simple kid with such a kind and innocent heart. It scared me a little when he finally decided to move to the Philippines to take his showbiz career seriously. He was growing into a typical adventurous teenager. It felt like letting go of your own son so he could spread his wings. I remember telling him that life in the Philippines would be different and that no matter what happens, he should always look back and remember his fans who were there for him when he was just starting out.
Several years later, standing before me now, is a fine gentleman with a string of accomplishment up his sleeves – the greatest of which is becoming a father to his son Zion.
Fatherhood seems to suit Richard pretty well and he is maturing in so many ways. His relationship with his partner Sarah Lahbati is going strong and this network-move seems to be heading in the right direction.
Among his projects with ABS-CBN are a movie with his former onscreen GMA partner, Angel Locsin, and Angelica Panganiban, and the upcoming series “La Luna Sangre.”
In “La Luna Sangre,” Richard will play the role of Sandrino, the supreme vampire and the long lost son of Magnus (Jake Roxas).
“La Luna Sangre” is the third installment of the hit fantasy franchise, after Lobo and Imortal, both produced by Star Creatives. This is Richard’s first role as a vampire and is definitely a must-see. I am looking forward to seeing him again perform in a teleserye. Without a doubt, he is definitely going to rock this role!
“Everything fell into place perfectly. I believe that it’s a blessing. I believe that God won’t give me this blessing if He knew I’m not ready. An opportunity, an offer like this doesn’t come very often. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to embrace it and enjoy it and work hard for it! My whole family is very happy. Actually, napanood nila ‘yung live stream. They’re very supportive and very happy. I’m so blessed to have my family with me all the time,” he said.
Richard is very thankful for the trust the network has given him. “At ‘yung pag-welcome nila sa’kin, ang sarap ng feeling. Pati sa set, napakabait nila sa’kin…I couldn’t ask for anything better…” Richard said at a press conference.
It’s been years since Richard went on a hiatus from the limelight and now that he is back, he brings such a calm and renewed demeanor like we’ve never seen before:
“I’ve been away from the limelight for a while now. I really needed that to grow as a person, as a man, to spend time with my kid and my family. I needed that time away. Now, I’m back. Now, I’m ready. I’m reenergized and focused and I know myself better now.”
“I chose to rest, to really step back, to look myself, to look at people around me, what really matters to me, to my family, and I needed that just to re-energize myself,” he added.
In many ways, Richard has grown into the very person I wished for him to be. Without taking credit, I really believe that he has taken all of my advice to heart – and for that, I will always be thankful and proud of him.
To Chard,
You’ve heard me say this one too many times but I’ll say it again: keep your head high and your feet on the ground. I wish you all the best on your projects with your new home. In your journey as a parent, I have no doubt in my mind that you will carry with you all the lessons you’ve learned growing up and teach Zion everything he needs to know to grow up to be like his dad. Stay as loving as you are now to your family and friends, and most especially to Sarah. She is such a great influence and an amazing partner to you. Advance Happy Father’s Day! Hope to catch up soon!
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
