Richard Gutierrez

"It was a perfect script for me,” Richard Gutierrez said about “Patient X” where he plays the lead role as a doctor. “I was looking for a script that would give me a role entirely different from the roles I have played in my previous movies or TV series. And when the script was shown to me, I said to myself, ‘this is it!’”

Richard, who is known to melt hearts with his romantic blockbuster films, will shake spirits as he performs his most challenging role so far as a confused doctor who suddenly finds himself trapped in the murderous rampage of “aswangs.”

On the other hand, Cristine Reyes who is known to allure men with her sexy body and irresistible looks will now chase them away, as she unleashes all of her evil side with her role as the notorious “Patient X.”

From the trailers we saw, “Patient X” is very different from other horror movies in terms of concept and fresh twists that will undoubtedly bring new meaning to Philippine horror movies. With a world-class concept and a powerhouse cast, GMA Films, Viva Films and RGutz Production’s “Patient X” will not only be another “scare film” but more rightfully, a “chillingly awe-inspiring movie.”

“I was scared,” that’s how Cristine Reyes described her reaction when she read the script.

Behind this much-awaited and innovative masterpiece is the award-winning director Yam Laranas. Fresh from Hollywood, Director Yam incorporated high-class concepts that he acquired while co-directing “The Echo,” the American version of Regal Films’ thriller “Sigaw.”

Because of his phenomenal skills in making horror movies, people who have seen his works are giving their thumbs-up to the director. Film aficionados are already talking about “Patient X” and are waiting to see it!

Miriam Quiambao, who also plays a significant role in the movie, described herself as “old enough and young at heart.” She added that “I would not like to fall in love with a politician, he would just use me.”

Asked how does she know when she is truly in love, she said: “The heart knows!”

“With my role in ‘Patient X,’ which is really very challenging, I have to internalize the character until I am sure I am already living that character,” she stressed.

“Patient X” is a very scary movie that’s why GMA Films, Viva Films and RGutz Productions decided to make it a Halloween presentation. Making it even scarier is the sound which is in Dolby 5.1 sensurround, processed in Bangkok. The director himself went there to supervise the processing of the sound of the film.

In the movie, Richard’s older brothers Rocky and Elvis play the villains (as aswangs) and he and the director were so impressed with their performances. Elvis is actually the husband of Cristine who is also an aswang. He wants her back.

Everyone in the Gutierrez household is excited about the movie, and not only because it’s Richard’s first venture into movie production, but because it’s a good project, and very appropriate for Halloween. By the way, Richard and his co-stars – Cristine Reyes, Miriam Quiambao, TJ Trinidad, Dion Ignacio, and Paulo Avelino among others – continue their mall tour to promote the movie on Oct. 24 (at Market! Market! in Taguig, and on Oct. 25 at SM Manila where the premiere will be held at 7 p.m.

The earlier mall tour for “Patient X” has brought the cast to SM Valenzuela, SM San Lazaro and SM North EDSA. Regular viewing for the movie starts on Oct. 28.

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‘Bubble Gang,’ 14 and still going steady

From the pigeonhole:

“Bubble Gang” is undoubtedly the country’s most successful and most popular gag show. From a list of perfectly executed gags and commercial spoofs to the funny sketches and recurring characters that keep us all in stitches, it is not surprising how it has remained number one even after 14 years of existence.
In celebrating its ivory year, “Bubble Gang” has prepared a special primer highlighting the show’s unique brand of comedy, as well as three equally hilarious flicks, which will air on Oct. 23 and 30, respectively.
Entitled “14 Going Steady,” the primer will feature not only exclusive behind the scenes of the three flicks, but it will also look back on the past 14 years of BG – from its inception in 1995, its evolution as the country’s leading gag show, the various trends and craze it has created, and its impact on Philippine pop culture.

If that’s not enough, it will also uncover never-before-heard trivia about some of BG’s well-loved segments, and interviews with celebrities, TV viewers, and former “bubblers” recalling their cherished memories of the show.

Lastly, “14 Going Steady” host Paolo Bediones will get to know the Bubble Barkada – Ogie Alcasid, Michael V., Wendell Ramos, Antonio Aquitania, Rufa Mae Quinto, Francine Prieto and Maureen Larrazabal – through a sit-down interview.

Then on Oct. 30, three films outfitted for television, which was created by “Bubble Gang’s” very own creative team and pioneering cast member Michael V., will cap off this two-part anniversary special. The films will star the “Bubble Gang” cast along with celebrity guests Dennis Trillo, Iza Calzado, Julia Clarete, and Ms. Regine Velasquez.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Oct. 23 go to Ms. Verni Varga, Teody Buenaflor, Brgy. Captain Fely Igmat, Maria Belinda, Malou Matias, Carol Jao, Baby Detoito, Joel David Flores-Wenceslao, Babes Tirona, Marilyn Bermudez, Dondon Moral, Deth Paras, Mrs. Maria Rosario-Fernandez, Lheng Estanislao, Lirio Covey, MB Online Entertainment editor Jojo P. Panaligan, and our California-based aunt Juanita V. Palma.