Eddie Gutierrez at 84: Grateful for family, long life

MANILA, Philippines — Screen legend Eddie Gutierrez showed that he’s very much “alive, well and kicking” as he marked his 84th birthday with a star-studded celebration.

The STAR learned that the gathering was initially meant to be an intimate affair, limited to immediate family. But after the veteran actor became the subject of fake news about his health status — claims he personally debunked through a pre-birthday video message — the family decided to turn the occasion into a bigger celebration.

Friends from both inside and outside the entertainment industry came to greet and toast the patriarch of one of the most prominent clans in Philippine showbiz.

Eddie, who went through spinal medical treatments in Singapore at the end of last year, said, “I had to talk and explain that it wasn’t true. Ako ay buhay na buhay pa at syempre nagpapasalamat ako sa aking one and only Annabelle Rama.”

The birthday celebrant with the rest of the Gutierrez family, including Eddie’s children Tonton, Ramon Christopher, Ruffa, Raymond, Richard, Elvis and Rocky, and grandchildren.

“Huwag kang mag-worry sa ‘kin, Eduardo,” Eddie’s wife Annabelle, in response, began. “Alam mo naman ako, ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo mula noong hinahanap-hanap kita, hanggang nakuha na kita, hanggang pagtiyagaan kita, hanggang ngayon nandiyan pa rin ako sa’yo.”

She further quipped, “Don’t worry, wala akong planong manglalake or anything like that. Wala akong planong palitan ka, Eduardo, mahal na mahal kita.”

In her signature candor, the momager then addressed the guests, “I’m very happy na nandito kayo ngayon para patunayan na si Eduardo ay hindi patay. Buhay na buhay.”

Eddie’s children, who have mostly followed in their dad’s footsteps, likewise gave touching messages.

“Dad, we’re so happy that you’re back. You’re well now again. You’re 84 now; we’ll be seeing each other when you’re 95. But Dad, again, we love you so much. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang pag-galing mo, we’re always here behind you and just praying for you,” said Tonton Gutierrez.

Raymond, Ruffa and Richard share their wishes for their dad.

“(I’m wishing you) good health lagi, Dad, and we’re still going to tape for the new show of Richard. We love you, Dad,” Ramon Christopher said.

“I know you’re always there for us, and I know that you’re really positive about everything. I know you’re going to be with us for 20 more years, Dad. More Elvis songs and Lakers games to come,” wished Ruffa, the only daughter of Eddie with Annabelle.

“We’re all very happy na naging successful ang journey sa Singapore. You’re back, you look good, you look healthy, and sana tuloy-tuloy ang pag-heal ng katawan mo. You also give us strength. You show us that lumalaban ka and kaya mo lahat ang mga nangyayari. You’re always smiling, no matter what happens. We get that energy from you. We’re always here for you,” said Richard.

After all the well-wishes, Richard’s twin brother Raymond, the night’s instant host along with the family’s long-time publicist Jun Lalin, called the rest of the Gutierrez family onstage, prompting the birthday celebrant to jokingly react, “Ganito na pala karami ang ginawa ko.”

The veteran star credits wife, Annabelle Rama, as the rock of the family.

Also joining the Gutierrez family celebration were Jericho Rosales (boyfriend of Eddie’s granddaughter Janine Gutierrez), Barbie Imperial (girlfriend of Richard Gutierrez), Lorna Tolentino, Vina Morales, Sunshine Cruz, Donita Rose with husband Felson Palad, Tirso Cruz III and wife Lynn, Phillip Salvador, Regal Entertainment’s Roselle Monteverde with son lawyer Keith Monteverde, PTV4’s Malou Choa-Fagar, Phillip Salvador, among others.

Long life, storied career

During a brief interview with The STAR, Eddie (who was dubbed the Elvis Presley of the Philippines at the height of his matinee idol years in the ’60s) took the opportunity to express his gratitude for his long life and enduring career.

“I feel good and this birthday has given me more life. I have my friends here, my family and you press people who have all been kind to my family and to myself,” he started.

Eddie gets a kiss from one of his grandkids and Richard’s eldest son Zion.

Photos by Nice Print Photography via Ruffa Gutierrez’s Facebook page

“I would like to thank Sampaguita Pictures, where I started my career. Also to ABS-CBN because way back in 1968, they gave me ‘The Eddie Gutierrez Show.’ And I want to thank them for that.”

He then acknowledged his wife as the steady force holding the family together.

“I want to thank God for giving me another year and (for) especially my wife, Annabelle, who has been the rock in our family. She’s everything to us, to the kids, to me. Everything! She’s always there to love us and to protect us.”

“When we were young, we had our quarrels,” he further recalled, quipping, “because my motto was, make love, make war. Kung puro make love, hindi masaya ang relationship (laughs). But now, it’s all ‘make love, enjoy our life, our children and our family.’”

With Ramon Christopher and his children, including actress Janine and singer Diego.

“So, I didn’t expect to live this long. My life was full of sports, filming, puyatan, so sometimes I was not living a healthy life. But I thank God because I made it to 84 and I hope He will give me more years.”

Meanwhile, the veteran star is leaving for Singapore again in three weeks’ time to undergo a final medical procedure.

Is he still open to accepting more acting work once he’s fully recovered?

He shared, “If someone offers me a nice role, why not? Because this is my life. I started when I was 16 years old, in 1958. Hindi pa kayo pinapanganak lahat (laughs).”

To date, he said, some of his favorite projects include “Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal” (1992), for which he won Best Supporting Actor from both the Film Academy of the Philippines and FAMAS. Another standout for him is “Uubusin Ko Ang Lahi Mo” (1991) with Phillip Salvador.

Tonton with actress-wife Glydel Mercado and their kids.

“The Eddie Gutierrez Show” remains his favorite television series, as it allowed him to portray different characters and work with various actors each week.

He no longer has any dream projects, having “done almost all kinds of roles.”

He added, “I did comedy, action. I started as a matinee idol, then I graduated to father roles, and then I was offered villain roles, kontrabida — almost all kinds of roles I was able to do.”

As for the secret to his career longevity, Eddie reflected: “Firstly, you have to love what you’re doing. Me, I love what I’m doing. When I have shooting or taping, papunta pa lang ako, I’ve already memorized my lines. So when I arrive on the set, I’m ready.

“That’s one secret of acting. Lalo na ngayon, the younger ones memorize very fast. So, when you’re on the set and you’re always on Take 2, it means you’re not fully prepared.

“And also, love your fans! If someone wants to take photos with you, give in. Don’t neglect or ignore them. Yun ang tutulong sa ’yo to stay long in the business.”