Can Richard be a castaway?

After hosting two editions of the GMA reality-TV Survivor Philippines, can Richard Gutierrez be a castaway for a change?

If he could, why not?

But then, having led the castaways in the various challenges, it wouldn’t be fair because he knows the ins and outs so well, and the so-called “secrets of the trade” on how to survive in the usually challenging setting without the usual amenities (no toothpaste, no soap, no comforts of home, etc.).

Richard’s first stint, Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition, was shot on an island in Bangkok and the second, Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown (with grand finals set for tonight…see related story by Jerry Donato in D-Section), in Palawan.

“It was a tough assignment but I survived it,” said Richard who used the experience in his foray into public affairs shows, eight so far, about climate change and taking care of the environment. “Now I know that lost in the jungle, I can survive with ease.”

It wasn’t the only test that Richard has survived beautifully. In his personal life, he has emerged from broken romances with his self-confidence intact.

“He’s very secretive when it comes to his love life,” said somebody close to Richard. “Even after breaking up with a girlfriend, Richard keeps mum.”

Only three of his showbiz romances have been made public, including those with Anne Curtis, Georgina Wilson and Jewel Mische. (Was KC Concepcion his “semi-girlfriend,” that is, before Piolo Pascual came into KC’s life?) He was also linked to a half-German/half-Filipina girl (a film student at Bigfoot Academy in Cebu City) for a while but Richard broke up with her when the media got wind of it.

“That’s Richard,” added the somebody close to him. “Once his private life is played up by the media, he shrinks back. He loves carrying on a ‘secret’ romance.”

He has also survived the star system by proving his mettle in genres other than romance-comedy.

“I want to do something new, something more challenging,” said Richard.

Go bold(er), perhaps?

“Why not?” he dared. “I can bare myself for the right project,” but up to certain point. “Basta huwag lang frontal.”

Ronnie Liang entertains children with cancer at the Philippine Children Medical Center

Ronnie gives love on his birthday

Last Jan. 31 when he celebrated his birthday, Ronnie Liang spent an early Valentine with children who have cancer (mostly leukemia) at the Philippine Children Medical Center, his second time to do so.

“I want to make them happy even for only a while,” said Ronnie who entertained around 60 kiddie patients who were allowed to go out of their rooms so they could eat, play sing and dance with Ronnie.

To cap the day, Ronnie distributed toys among the kids.

Ronnie was touched by a letter sent to him by the mother of one child. It read: Happy birthday, Ronnie. My son is gone, and today is the 40th day after his death, I wish that he were here watching you and enjoying with his fellow patients. More blessings to your career and to your family. Please continue what you’re doing.”

That’s just what Ronnie has in mind — to make it an annual mission.

(Ronnie said he would like to thank Joel Cruz Signatures, Macfriends, his siblings, Burger King and Viva [with which he’s now under contract] for helping him make his mission successful.)

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