Richard Gutierrez on being a Kapamilya

MANILA, Philippines — In a contract signing today, Richard Gutierrez confirmed that he is now a Kapamilya.

After years of hiatus, Richard returns to television as he joins the cast of ABS-CBN’s new action romance series, “La Luna Sangre.”

“I’m very happy and thankful to be in ABS-CBN,” the actor said in this afternoon’s press conference.

“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.”

He said he really chose to get away from it all.

“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, however, did not deny that for a moment during his hiatus, he felt like showbiz was not for him.

“During those times of being away from the limelight, you also can’t help but to think about if it’s really the path for me. May mga times na pumapasok sa isip ko, ‘Maybe I could do something else in my life. Maybe I could go somewhere else.’ Hindi mo maiiwasang maisip ‘yun eh while you’re away. But I guess, God has plans and I didn’t expect this. When this offer landed, I’d be stupid to refuse. So, I’m happy to be here now. I guess, this is the path for me now.”

“La Luna Sangre” is the third installment of the hit fantasy franchise, after “Lobo” and “Imortal.”

In the series, Richard plays Sandrino, the supreme vampire and long-lost son of Magnus (Jake Roxas).

“Perfect timing ‘yung nangyari. I was on a vacation with my family when I heard the news, so from the moment I got back from that vacation, I had to hit the gym right away. But the timing was perfect. 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.”

According to him, being away from showbiz helped him to be ready and to prepare for his character well.

“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!”

His mom and manager, Annabelle Rama, is also very happy and “teary-eyed” of him jumping ship. His mom is a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is not in good terms with ABS-CBN. Richard and Annabelle declined to comment on how his transfer to ABS-CBN would affect his mom’s relations with the president.

“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 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. I’m very happy for who I am and I’m going to do my best now that I’m here in ABS-CBN.”

It is also a plus that his partner, actress Sarah Lahbati, is also with ABS-CBN.

“Right now, we all know how great ABS-CBN is as a network and how well they produce their shows and how well they market their artists and how well they produce their films. I know their capabilities, so it’s time for me to show them what I got and to be part of the team that will help them with their goals.”

What does he feel about competing with GMA and its revival of “Mulawin,” which he and Angel Locsin started?

“I knew this question would somehow come along. I’m thankful for what GMA has done for me through the years. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy where I am today. I’m thankful, but I’m also looking ahead.”

For him, no matter what home network one serves, the important thing is to always do your best.

“I’m the position wherein I can entertain the audience. Sa dami ng problema ng Pilipinas, they can escape for 30 minutes to an hour watching. That’s my goal, that’s my purpose. Kung anuman ang pagtanggap, kung sino man ang competitors, I’m just going to give my best!”