Richard Gutierrez

MANILA, Philippines — “Challenge me,” Richard Gutierrez dared GMA Network’s creative team when they were brainstorming on his next soap.

The actor wanted to get out of his comfort zone, tackle a role he has never done before. This year, he will no longer be doing an adventure-fantasy series. Richard is eyeing drama with some action.

Richard also wants to share the limelight with actors he has never worked with before.

The new soap is expected to run in March or April.

Before that, “Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown,” which Richard is hosting, will have its finale on Feb. 10, aired live from GMA-7.

The “Survivor” host promised twists and turns during the finale on Feb. 10.

Meanwhile, the Gutierrez siblings – Richard, Raymond, and Ruffa – signed up with Viva, making the entertainment company headed by Vic del Rosario their agent for commercial projects.

Best Child Actor As E-Boy

What makes ABS-CBN’s new primetime adventure series “E-Boy” interesting is its theme of seeing the world through the eyes of a child, and that child is Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 Best Child Performer Bugoy Cariño.

“E-Boy,” a child robot given human characteristics, will realize that being human isn’t just about having flesh and blood, but more importantly, it is about being part of a family, building friendships, and loving unconditionally.

Joining Bugoy in the drama are Ariel Rivera, Jomari Yllana, Agot Isidro, Valerie Concepcion, Jaime Fabregas, Chinggoy Alonzo and Pen Medina. It will also star Blythe Gorostiza, Arjo Atazde, Carme Sanchez, Akiko Solon, Bryan Santos and child stars Maliksi Morales and Deydey Amansec.

“E-Boy” is directed by FM Reyes and Nick Olanka (“Lobo” and “Imortal”).

Stars Pig Out In Greenhills

Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar, located at the 2nd Floor of Fox Square Bldg. along Connecticut St. in Greenhills, was formally inaugurated recently. Owners are father and daughter Nacy and Nadine Nocom and Lovely Rivero.

Leading the ribbon-cutting rite was San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez. Also there were political luminaries including Rep. JV Ejercito and Vice Mayor Francis Zamora. Showbiz celebrities spotted were Lorna Tolentino, Ara Mina, Jessa Zaragoza, Melissa Mendez, Glenda Garcia, Shyr Valdez, Anjo Yllana and Ana Capri among others. The event was hosted by Tim Yap.

The event highlighted Executive Chef Ed Quimson’s menu such as junior crab cakes, taco spring roll, beef caldereta lasagna, slow roast pork belly and a variety of pasta. Manny O’ Wine was served. Luscious desserts included chocolate ganache, raspberry cheesecake, classic red velvet.

For more information or reservations, visit www.facebook.com/nacicomfortfood.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 8, go to our dear President Noynoy Aquino, director Leonardo Garcia, Ronnie Henares, Bea Guanzon, Gen. Joven Gongora, Edith Diaz, Martin D.C. Alegre and Jenny Miller…