Richard’s Kamandag
Article posted January 11, 2008

A man oozing with mystery, Kamandag’s character is a riddle waiting to be solved. Just like the actor portraying the character of Vergel a.k.a Kamandag, Richard Gutierrez is an enigma not just to the loyal followers of Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag but also to thousands of ladies who have been victimized by Richard’s kamandag. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez

Turning 24 this year, Richard Gutierrez has achieved a great deal compared to a typical guy his age. Who can forget Aguiluz (Mulawin), Miguel (Sugo), Mars Ravelos’ Captain Barbell and Lupin? All of these became a part of our nightly viewing habit, establishing the young actor as an icon in Philippine show business.

Primetime King

With successful back-to-back primetime shows and his unmistakable mass appeal, Richard Gutierrez was nicknamed as the ‘Primetime King’ of Philippine television.

“’Yung audience ng GMA, nag-soar ng 10 to 12 rating points higher, mainly because nakuha ni Richard ang young viewers,” says the Senior Vice-President for Entertainment of GMA Network, Ms. Wilma Galvante.

Establishing his bankability as an actor, he had slowly made a name for himself and has grown beyond being known as another Gutierrez actor. Portraying his character conscientiously, Richard has captured not just the young bracket of viewers but also the attention of GMA’s executives.

"We are really very careful to give this talent of ours very good projects para ma-maintain nya 'yung pagiging artista at the same time makapagbibigay [siya] ng adventure at ng entertainment sa mga viewers, lalo na sa kabataan,” affirms Ms. Galvante during the press conference of Richard’s top-rating show, Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag.

Meanwhile, Richard responds to GMA’s treatment by being thankful and acknowledging all the good breaks that he has received.

“I am very thankful to GMA na binibigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon and it is really an honor for me and I am very happy. Every time I do my job I just give it a 110% para mawala ‘yung pressure, kasi syempre ayan binibigyan nila ako ng mga title and all that. I don’t even listen to that. I will just do my job 110% para kung ano man 'yung mangyari, I gave it my best 'di ba?”

Richard’s Kamandag

Although a public figure since he was a toddler, Richard’s success did not come in a silver platter. He had his share of teeny bopper movies and other supporting roles until he got his first big break in Mulawin. From then on, Richard did not waste time and the opportunity that was given to him. It is no wonder that the GMA management is commending this young actor for his industriousness and professionalism. “Kahit na sa kanyang personal life at sa kanyang career, makikita mo naman na na-maintain nya ang kanyang professionalism at pagiging role model sa mga ka-edad nya at sa mga viewers natin,” confirms the GMA SVP for Entertainment.

Indeed, Richard has every reason to be happy with the way his career is going. At the moment Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag is doing great in the ratings game and soon he will be seen on the silver screen again via GMA Film’s Valentine’s Day offering.

“I’m very happy with my career now. I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am today. My dad always taught me to be professional and love my work,” shares Richard during his exclusive iGMA Live Chat.

For his parting message he invites the viewers to tune in every night on GMA’s telebabad block and watch him portray Kamandag. “Abangan nyo 'yung mga mangyayari pa sa Kamandag, marami pang twists and exciting moments na mangyayari!”

Catch him portray one of Carlo J. Caparas’ classic characters, weeknights right after Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan.