Bringing joy to Kaogma Festival

PILI,Camarines Sur, Philippines — “It’s always fun to go to different provinces, to see the reaction of the people first hand and to connect with the audience,” describes Richard Gutierrez of his recent Kapuso visit to the country’s Wake Boarding Capital along with Captain Barbell co-stars TJ Trinidad, Michelle Madrigal and Ervic Vijandre.

“It makes me grow continuously in my job that fans appreciate,” he adds. “It’s a team effort (between the network and its artists). We do what we can to compete in different areas. Slowly, we are able to penetrate the provinces.”

The stars had a meet and greet at the SM City Naga and graced Kaogma Festival’s Kapuso Night. An estimate of 12,500 Kapusos trooped to both events.

Richard lived up to the festival’s name, which means happiness, as many particularly kids left the Pili Capitol Grounds with a smile on their faces. This shows that Richard and Captain Barbell have a soft spot in every kid’s heart.

“I’ve been blessed to be given the right projects at the right time,” says Richard of the success of his fantaseryes. “When I was starting out, I did Mulawin, Sugo and Captain Barbell. And I was able to bring something new at that time; also thanks to my martial arts training. It’s a mix of attributes and blessings.”

Richard Gutierrez: It’s fun to go to provinces to connect with the audience

Does Richard have plans of doing mature roles in the future?

“Yes, I have,” he answers. “I’m going to stop doing fantaserye for a time. I will do different roles. That’s all in the plan. It’s just that Captain Barbell was again offered to me and it’s been awhile since the last one. So I considered doing it.”

In the pipeline is another Survivor Philippines edition on top of a teleserye which will show his vulnerable side like in Mano Po 5 Gua Aidi (I Love You), Let The Love Begin  and The Promise. Meantime, Richard will wear weeknights his Captain Barbell cape to the children’s delight.

Hosting the Kapuso Night were Mike “Pekto” Nacua and John Feir who treated the crowd to on-ground games. TJ showed his singing chops in David Cook’s version of You’ll Always Be My Baby. Aside from doing solo spots, Michelle and Ervic grooved to the beat of Waka, Waka.

Capping the Kapuso event was Shamrock performing hits like Kay Sarap ng May Minamahal and the Captain Barbell theme song.

The Pili crowd is treated to on-ground activities

As the Captain Barbell stars went off stage, one could feel the Pili crowd’s wish to spend more time with them.