Richard Gutierrez: I’m here to stay

MANILA, Philippines – Richard Gutierrez is back into acting via TV5’s upcoming TV series “Ang Panday.”

“Matagal ako nawala pero ito na ‘to. I’m here to stay,” said Richard on Tuesday during the press conference of “Ang Panday.”

He was away from the limelight for two years, with his last project “Love and Lies” under GMA in 2013.

Richard described the offer to do his upcoming show as “the right project, the right time.”

“Kinailangan ko rin ‘yon, e,” he added, referring to his short break. “I had to step back and look where am at in the moment.”

As for portraying the iconic character, Panday, Richard said: “Malaking karangalan sa akin na maging isang Panday. Of course, si FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr.) ang unang nagpasikat sa character ni Panday. Kaya malaking shoes ang kailangan ko i-fill.”

He’s also happy to be working with a familiar production team led by Director Mac Alejandre.

“We’re on the same page, and that’s to give the viewers the best possible show,” he said. “I realized na this is what I want, and I’m happy na I’m here.”

“So expect the best version of me in this project,” he added.

“Ang Panday” will air daily starting on February 29, 8:30 p.m. on TV5.