Lupin to the rescue

He has donned so many masks, as a half-man, half-bird in "Mulawin," a blind martial arts expert and his twin in "Sugo," a weakling with a superhero for an alter ego in "Captain Barbell" and now a con-artist with a big heart in "Lupin," and that’s just on TV. Richard Gutierrez, without a doubt, is so effective in hero roles that it is not a surprise anymore if he imbibes his compassionate characters.

Well, he has been hailed by the press as one of the most well-mannered young actors in local tinsel town. He is professional, according to his co-stars. He is a gentleman, attests his leading ladies. And he is a good son and brother, never a headache to his mom, the feisty Annabelle Rama.

Chard’s perennial screen partner, Angel Locsin, has been in the eye of the storm for quite some time now. She’s being described in un-angelic terms, from ingrate to monster, and has lately been blamed for the lackluster performance of "Angels," a trilogy she starred in and produced with her manager, Becky Aguila. Unfair the accusations may be, but the usually very accommodating star has been keeping herself scarce to the press lately, and in her stead, a number of her friends, including rumored boyfriend Marvin Agustin, has been vocal about denying the allegations.

Richard, who has known Angel since 1999 when they played fraternal twins in "Click," has come to the actress’ defense. He says he is perplexed as to where the negative write-ups about Angel are coming from. "She’s a good friend of mine. Before people judge her, I hope they get her side first," he implores. "I feel bad that there are a lot of negative things being written about her."

It has been written about that Angel has decided to take a two-month hiatus from showbiz to rest and also take up Fashion Design in London. A move which Richard says he is all for.

"I’m happy for Angel that’s she’s going to study. She told me she’s tired. I’m happy that she’s taking a break.

"People have this thinking that they won’t remember you if you leave, but I don’t think that holds true for Angel," he states. "People love Angel. She’s different from the other stars that left and suddenly found themselves without a career when they went back to the country."

Regarding the rumors that Angel got the ire of some people on the set of "Asian Treasures" because she allegedly shouted at some members of the crew, Richard found it incredulous. "’Di ko alam kung nangyari talaga ‘yun pero sa ugali ni Angel, hindi naman siguro masama ang intensyon niya, kung may nangyari ngang ganun," declares a disbelieving Richard, "Napakabait na tao ni Angel," he adds.

He himself has plans to study filmmaking in the future and he would also want to reinvigorate his own production outfit, IcedOut Productions, but has yet to find time for them.

"Mas lamang ako sa pahinga kay Angel kasi in between shows I take at least one month off, samantalang siya, apat na sunud sunod," he reveals.

"Usually I go out of the country to rest, dun sa places na hindi ako nakikilala. Once I met up with Georgina (Wilson, his girlfriend of three years) in Paris. That was before I made ‘Lupin.’"

Speaking of Georgina, the 23-year-old actor becomes tightlipped when asked whether he did a Tom Cruise and proposed to his model girlfriend in front of the Eiffel Tower.

"Wala pang ganun," says Richard, suddenly shy.

"Marami pa kaming gagawing projects. I want to do more movies. I want to do my own movies, I want to produce and direct them myself," he says.

His will also launch his website in two months. "Maganda ito," he promises. "It will be a hub for the people who support me but I’m still thinking of a good name because I just don’t want to name it richardgutierrez.com."

It will include everything Richard Gutierrez – his photos, videos, schedule, "Maglalagay ako ng scandals ‘pag na bore ako," he jokes.

Richard also corrects the report that he is displeased with his controversial mom’s decision to return to acting. "It’s just weird," he says, "Siguro my mom is just enjoying right now. Whatever makes her happy…." (Gie C. Trillana)
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