Richard Gutierrez’s mother, Annabelle Rama, tried in vain to dissuade him from rescuing his “Patient X” co-actor Cristine Reyes, who was stranded on the roof of her house for 12 hours last Sept. 26 due to the floods.

“Sabi ko kay Chard, baka delikado pero ang sagot niya sa akin, ‘Ma, di ako makatulog kasi ‘yung tao (Cristine), humihingi ng tulong. Hindi ko matiis,’” Annabelle told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online at the “September to Remember” concert held at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel, Sept. 28.

Annabelle said she was so afraid for Richard’s safety during the five hours it took him to locate Cristine inside the submerged Provident Village in Marikina City.

“Niyaya ko na din lumabas si Eddie (Gutierrez, her husband) para hanapin si Chard pero pinigilan kami ng mga tao dahil lagpas ulo daw ang baha sa Marikina. Wala akong nagawa kundi magantay pero di ako mapakali kakaisip kung ano na kaya ang nangyari sa kanya,” said she.

Upon informing her that he was already safe, Annabelle said she felt as if “nabunutan ako ng tinik sa dibdib.”

She then unleashed a barrage of reminder for Richard to take care of himself, especially since he has had a car accident just a couple of months prior.

“Pero matigas ang ulo ni Richard—lalong pinigilan, lalong gagawin. Ganyan din siya pagdating sa mga stunts niya sa TV,” said she who was nevertheless proud of Gutierrez’s heroic act.

Annabelle added that Richard had also donated P200,000 to the victims of typhoon Ondoy, aside from soliciting millions of pesos in donations from the companies whose products he endorses.

“Ganyan talaga ang anak ko, matulungin. Wala ako’ng naging problema sa kanya,” said she.

Annabelle was one of the special guests of “September to Remember” concert producer, actress Daisy Romuladez, that night. She sat with Daisy at the table nearest to the stage, along with Deputy Security Adviser Chavit Singson, Gloria Romero, and Jinkee Pacquiao.

“September to Remember” featured Sam Milby, Erik Santos, Richard Poon, Rico J. Puno, Danita Paner, Dr. Manny Calayan, and The Foxy Ladies. It was directed by Jobert Sucaldito.

The concert was sponsored by DR Production in cooperation with PAGCOR, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Department of Tourism, the Manila Hotel, the Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN, Manny Pacquiao, Chavit Singson, and Joel Cruz of Aficionado.

It was sponsored by Willie Revillame, Annabelle Rama, Boy Abunda, Dr. Vina Javellana, Donna Villa, Princess Revilla, Ricky Reyes, Le Charman’t, Mayor Ambagan, General Insurance, Barbara’s, and Mano Po Restaurant.

Proceeds from the concert-cum-dinner show will be given for the construction of San Roque Church in Agmanic Santa Fe, Romblon.