When it comes to his TV series “Zorro,” matinee idol and primetime hero Richard Gutierrez is all smiles as the show earns praises for its wonderful run as proven by its high ratings for its time slot. Like his past shows that faced odds in their onsets, “Zorro” has continued Richard’s lucky streak as a bankable and formidable lead actor for a prime time series!

“The series is almost over and we’re very proud and happy over its performance. Viewers can expect more excitement and twists and they’ll surely enjoy what we have in store for them these few days. I can say that this is one of the happiest shows I’ve ever done,” exclaimed Richard during the “Zorro” cast party held recently at GMA-7’s executive lounge.

He added that since they started the project, it was such a big dream for them to mount it successfully. But with everybody’s creative collaboration – from the cast down to the crew – they have achieved what they worked for with flying colors!

Ms. Redgie A. Magno, senior production manager and in-charge of “Zorro,” explained that GMA Network believed in the said project as it infused a big budget in it for the entertainment televiewers.

“We really didn’t know how people would take it since it was a period project. But the ratings showed that we have succeeded in our goals. We were also blessed in a lot of aspects like our beautiful location in Bagac, Bataan. It was the first time that the owner allowed a shooting to happen and it was for ‘Zorro,’” bared Redgie who also pointed out that “Zorro’s” success wasn’t only because of Richard Gutierrez’s strong following but because of the whole production team who worked hard and diligently for the show.

Its director, Mark Reyes, is also elated with what “Zorro” has achieved.

“We made it. When we were starting, we didn’t know whether we would be accepted or if the audience would like what we offer, for the simple fact that it’s a period TV series. So we were asking ourselves if the audience would like to watch something like a period play in high school wherein they’re being taught history every night. But I guess we did something right,” he stressed.

Data given by GMA Research for July 21 when the show earned a 36.4% rating, showed “Zorro’s” stronghold in the primetime ratings. Other ratings like from their July 17 data has pegged “Zorro” to have earned 30.8%.

The constant high ratings gained by “Zorro” can also be attributed to the anticipation of viewers for more exciting action to come until the series ends next week. As insiders from the show revealed, the final two weeks of “Zorro” “will be treated with more gripping episodes as more people will perish and climatic revelations will unfold along the way.” As for Richard Gutierrez who has showcased his superb fighting and combat abilities throughout the series, he will be involved in more “extreme stunts and fight scenes!”

Richard, shocked again

If Richard Gutierrez has gotten used to seeing his TV shows soar with high ratings, what he is not used to is being chased by intrigues and nowadays being involved in legal matters, particularly the case filed against him for “Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide” by Lorayne Pardo, the widow of his personal assistant Nomar. It can be recalled that Nomar died from a vehicular accident months ago with Richard behind the wheels.

“I was really shocked that a case was filed against me,” lamented the actor during the “Zorro” party.

He was also disturbed about reports that he allegedly never gave any help to Nomar’s family.

“Even before Nomar’s death I’ve been helping his family. I know how hardworking he was because he has a goal of putting his children to college. And I was helping him reach that  goal because he was more than a friend to me. He was family,” he intimated.

According to him, he offered to shoulder the college expenses of Nomar’s children and that he was willing to give Nomar’s monthly salary to his family for three years.

“All I know is Nomar wants his children to finish college. I don’t know what his wife wants… I also lost a friend in the accident,” he sighed.

Lifted from his press statement last July 25, Richard Gutierrez clarified that, “What happened in the morning of May 22 was an accident, one which took my friend’s life and where I also could have died. The trauma which that accident caused me I will carry all my life but I was not negligent, nor did I commit any crime… I wanted to help not because I have legal obligations to Nomar’s family but because I cared for a friend I had lost and I knew that is what my friend would have wanted.”

He also reiterated in his statement, “It was an accident that could have happened to anyone. In fact the initial reports which were released soon after the incident confirmed that there were at least six vehicular accidents in that same area. We will present evidence of that fact at the proper time.”