Richard reaches out to the youth

It’s just natural for someone as hardworking as Richard Gutierrez to enjoy the fruits of his labor and gift himself a Porsche as he turns a year wiser today. But the young actor also knows how to share his blessings. He aims for the good of others and to touch lives the way he deems best.

In a month or two, Richard hopes to acquire the necessary papers to launch the first program of his foundation that would cater to the needs of the youth, arts and environment.

“The youth is closest to my heart. I see young people as my inspiration to look forward to a brighter future,” Richard says.

In fact, there are a number of street children Richard has already made friends with. He saw them grow and the kids are already familiar with the car Richard drives every now and then. He gives them something every time he chances upon the kids on his way home.

“This year, I hope to organize more charitable events and look for people who would want to support the foundation. This way, a lot would benefit in my every project,” Richard states.

His interest in cars that led him to put up Events Management, Richard says, may also serve as a way to organize events for a charitable cause.

Indeed, the young actor who has a face that could launch a thousand sighs has a golden heart to boot. And even if success is all over Richard these days, his feet remain firmly planted on the ground.

“My family keeps me humble especially my parents who always remind me to pray and thank God for whatever blessings I receive,”  Richard shares.

No wonder, Marian Rivera, his co-star in GMA Films and Regal Entertainment’s joint venture My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend,  has nothing but praises for Richard.

“Richard is such a nice person. Even prior to my playing Marimar and those times where I portrayed mother roles, he never fails to greet me every time I guest on S.O.P.,” Marian says. “What Richard doesn’t know is that I felt awkward before because he’s not just good-looking but a big star as well.”

Richard, in turn, finds Marian refreshing to work with. The two hit it off well as soon as they meet on the set of their first movie together. They share the same passion for food. This makes Richard  wishes for Marian to cook sinigang for him as a birthday present.

My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend is Richard’s fourth Valentine movie offering after the success of Let the Love Begin, I Will Always Love You and The Promise. It will be shown on Feb. 13 with a premiere night on Feb. 10.

 In the movie, Richard plays Ivo, the spoiled, rich kid who attends a friend’s stag party where he meets Grace (Marian), a dancer who comes out of the giant cake. Ivo is surprised when he learns that Grace is his best friend’s (played by JC de Vera) girlfriend. When Ivo is dumped by his girlfriend (Ehra Madrigal), he hires Grace to make her jealous. This leads to some unexpected things for Grace and Ivo.

Is it possible for Richard and Marian to be partners even  off screen?

“Marian is a beautiful person inside and out,” Richard replies. I’m not going to close my doors on the possibility that my heart will fall for her. But right now, I’m just focused on my work and I see Marian is busy with her career, too.”