Richard Gutierrez and Chynna Ortaleza: Perfect Couple

When the phrase, "perfect couple" comes up, vivid descriptions start swirling in one’s head as one tries to paint a picture of modern-day fairy-tale characters. Good looks, bright smiles, sweet nothings, and fingers lovingly laced…the list could go on. Or, one could take a short cut and hold up a picture of Richard Gutierrez and Chynna Ortaleza, who play Enzo and Mimi on Click.

"I play Mimi, the kikay girl on the show," relates Chynna Ortaleza, whose warm smile, sweet voice, and bright-eyed beauty seem to fit her teen TV alter ego flawlessly. "She’s usually the trendy one, always after the latest fashion. But what I like about the character [is that] she’s not your normal kikay, bobo girl. She has a serious side and all." Mimi, in spite of her fashionista attire, is "a great listener", adds Chynna. "When there are fights, they usually go to her. She’s the peacemaker." Richard Gutierrez, meanwhile, plays Enzo, the self-described boy next door. "The writers make us the perfect match, the perfect couple," says Richard. Chynna adds, "It’s nice, because Mimi’s the sweet, lighter character, and Enzo’s more serious, so when we’re together, it’s the perfect blend."

Together with their friends in the TV show, the couple embarks on weekly adventures and misadventures typical of the teenage years. From the first discovery of true love to the confusion of finding one’s identity and fitting in, Richard and Chynna certainly make the two dimensional Enzo and Mimi come alive, making these fictional characters real people to which teenagers can relate. Of course, they do experience the spiced up scenarios. This is television, after all. When asked what the hardest scene they each had to do as a couple, Chynna replies, "When I answered him on a beach in Calatagan. That was the first time we kissed, and it was really nakaka-tense, especially on the first take. But the circumstances, the situation made it more comfortable. Richard cites another scene. "It was a raining scene. We had to do it in one take, because the water was going to run out, and Chynna had to cry. It was really a big scene, and thankfully, we were able to do it."

Whether it’s on a beach or under the rain, Chynna and Richard certainly have enough sparks to inspire songs about true love (or at least, that kilig feeling that the Click viewers can expect. However, when it comes to sparks off-screen, both agree that the relationship is purely platonic. "We’re friends. We’re definitely not anything at this moment," says Chynna. Richard adds, "We’re close." In fact, they do admit a certain mutual professional admiration for each other. "She’s a good actress. She motivates me," says Richard. "During a difficult scene, she gives me tips on how to get through it." Chynna says, "Even though he’s new [in the business], he tries hard to make himself improve. We talk before sweet scenes or tough scenes. I think that’s important."

Despite the success of their love team, both admit that they do want to pursue meatier roles. Chynna maintains that she would "love to play the contrabida. I’m not really the kikay type. But my goal is really to be a versatile actress." Richard admits, "Gusto ko talaga action." Yet for now, these two rising stars seem to be content to be thrown together in the career path. Who could blame them? After all, if you were to be working with an attractive member of the opposite sex whose personality and work ethic you happen to like, would you be complaining as well.