Raymond back as StarStruck host

MANILA, Philippines - Mixed emotions fill Raymond Gutierrez these days as he returns as host on the StarStruck stage of GMA 7’s reality-based artista search’s fifth season beginning tonight, sans the other two hosts — Dingdong Dantes and Jolina Magdangal. Instead, Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana are taking over the hosting chores.

“I’m sad because I will miss working with Dingdong and Jolina who are so fun to be with,” Raymond says. “But at the same time I’m happy because I’m excited to be working closely with Dennis and Carla outside S.O.P. They are first-time hosts and I know how it felt when I was still a newcomer.”

During his first year in StarStruck, Raymond admits feeling uneasy doing his part. “Jolens and Dong were very accommodating,” he recalls. So Raymond began to feel confident and comfortable on stage. Watching locally and internationally-known hosts — from David Letterman, Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Seacrest to Paolo Bediones, Joey de Leon and Boy Abunda — had benefitted Raymond as far as hosting style is concerned. Raymond also considers direk Floy Quintos a big help “kasi siya yung nag-workshop talaga sa ‘kin.”

That’s why Raymond is more than willing to share the ABCs of hosting with Carla and Dennis. Following the script tops his list yet he believes doing adlibs and cracking jokes once in awhile would make for a better host.

“I was stiff before because of the many things on my mind. Everything I say has to be perfect. But now that I have learned to be more relaxed, I will tell Carla to lay her cards down on the table and be at ease,” Raymond answers when asked what’s the first advice he will give Carla. Raymond will be pitching in for Dennis, who is in Beijing shooting some scenes for Mano Po 6, for the show’s live airing tomorrow, Nov. 22.

Are televiewers about to see a different Raymond as he puts himself on the line once again?

“As much as possible I don’t want to put a different persona. I’ll just be myself. I’ve known what it’s like to be a host so now I pick it up from past experience more than from other people,” replies Raymond who has been hosting for five years now.

His interaction with the new members of the council, composed of Lolit Solis, Iza Calzado and direk Floy, is among the many things Raymond looks forward to in StarStruck 5. The inclusion of StarStruck Avengers LJ Moreno, Arci Muñoz and Paolo Avelino to do live updates will add to the show’s lively, energetic atmosphere.

“It’s nice to see what they have become after what they’ve been through when they were contestants. They really worked hard for it. What’s exciting in StarStruck is you somehow become part of their lives, makakasama mo sila at alam mo lahat ng pagdadaanan nila,” Raymond relates.

StarStruck 5 also adds training workshops under Gina Alajar for acting; Douglas Nierras, dancing; Jai Sabas Aracama, singing; Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, imaging; and Barbi Chan for makeup.

“This (search) is all about becoming the next big star so aside from the acting stuff, aspirants must know how to carry themselves well. They should be confident all the time,” adds Raymond.

As host, where does he feel more at ease — doing a reality or a talk show?

“I always challenge myself but I don’t compare the shows that I do. I always make sure to do the best I can,” he answers.

That’s a tip StarStruck hopefuls should follow.