In his latest “In Your Eyes,” Richard Gutierrez plays his most serious role to date. The movie, produced by Viva and GMA Films, Richard plays a man torn between two lovers, sisters yet, played by Claudine Barretto and Anne Curtis.

As expected, Richard who has done dramatic, romantic, comic and heroic roles both on the small and big screens in the recent past, delivers a good performance in “In Your Eyes,” as attested to by director Mac Alejandre.

In the story, Claudine (as Ciara) and Anne (Julia) are sisters caught in an unexpected love triangle with Richard (Storm). Ciara is a physical therapist in Los Angeles, California who devoted her life to younger sister Julia, when their parents died. After years of separation, the sisters are reunited in LA when the latter got her student visa.

Julia asks him to marry her sister who is an American citizen for him to acquire immigrant status. And while Storm struggles to find his place in a foreign land, Julia chases her own dream, causing them to drift apart. Meanwhile, an unexpected love affair develops between Storm and Ciara.

In this movie shot partly in Los Angeles, California, Richard’s craft is also “severely tested” by the love scenes with both Claudine Baretto and Anne Curtis. These are his most daring love scenes to date.

Still there were awkward moments during the shooting, especially the first few days and that love scene inside a car, while hitting the road. But it turned out the Chard-Anne chemistry is still there after all.

Opening on Wednesday in theaters nationwide, “In Your Eyes” also stars Joel Torre, Maricar de Mesa, Raymond Lauchengco, Rey “PJ” Abellana, CJ Jaravata and LA-based Leandro Muñoz.

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Is ‘Tarima’ worthy of a CCP premiere?

The gay film “Tarima” is being scheduled for a world premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Nicanor Abelardo Hall (Theater) on Aug. 28. The question being asked now is: Is the movie directed by Neal “Buboy” Tan deserving of a CCP premiere considering its genre and explicit same sex love scenes?

Well, why isn’t it worthy of a CCP premiere? “Tarima” is well-crafted and its cast are established and acclaimed actors who’ve proven their mettle. Those who’ve seen the movie during its press screenings are of the belief that Tan’s advocacy movie is of international calibre just like “Ataul for Rent.”

The CCP has always been regarded as the center for legitimate and classical arts, until it has become the home for the now-popular Cinemalaya independent festival. Hadn’t the Manila Film Center closed down, it could have been the more apt venue for cinema arts.

“Tarima” boasts award-winning actors: Gloria Romero, Rustica Carpio, who recently tied with multi-awarded Anita Linda, for the movie “Lola.”

Beauty and fashion icon Fanny Serrano’s sensitive and heart-felt performance can’t be ignored as a compassionate gay grandchild, friend and lover.

Adding excitement to “Tarima” are hunks Rocky Salumbides and Raymond Cabral who respect Fanny’s sexual preference.

Another element that enhances “Tarima” is the inspired theme song “Napapagod Din Ang Puso,” composed by Sherwin Castillo, sung by MJ Ringor.

All systems go for the movie’s world premiere at the CCP Main Theater lobby, on Aug. 28.

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On ratings

GMA-7 may still be behind ABS-CBN in national ratings, but it surely is in a good position to eat up on the Kapamilya Network’s lead. Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s July national people ratings show GMA trailing ABS-CBN by just 1.5 percent, 6.0 versus 7.5.

Seemingly signs of good things to come for the Kapuso Network are its programs that are now being preferred by viewers nationwide over their direct ABS counterparts.

These include “Danz Showdown,” “Trudis Liit,” “Basahang Ginto,” “Hole in the Wall,” “Queen Seon Deok,” and “Mel and Joey.” Further, “Eat Bulaga” also led the Kapamilya Network’s new noontime show “Pilipinas Win na Win” in NUTAM from Aug. 2 to 9 (overnight data). And with GMA’s line-up of newly launched and upcoming shows such as “Ilumina,” “Kaya ng Powers,” “Love ni Mister, Love ni Misis,” and the highly anticipated “Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown,” the NUTAM ratings will expectedly be a tighter race between the two networks.

Mega Manila, on the other hand, continues to be a Kapuso territory.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Aug. 18 go to, Manny Calayan, Atty. Larry M. Patag, Patricia Lim, Marilen Tantoco, Clarita Cristobal, Marilou Garcia-Morena, , Ma. Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Girlie M. Antonio, Jojit de Nero, Boy Limjoco, Noel Bautista, Barbara Addison, Rochelle M. Reñosa, Elena V. Diga, Mrs. Luzviminda Galang, Lara Lua, Girlie Tan and Angelica Jones.