Richard Gomez

In Ormoc, Leyte, the survey shows, according to Richard Gomez, that he is 54 percent of winning his congressional candidacy for the 4th District of Ormoc City, a realization of his dream to serve in an elective post.

“That’s very encouraging, and I am surprised,” he said. “The people in Ormoc really wanted change, like in other parts of the country. They do not like political dynasty,” commented Richard Gomez during the recent press conference of his returning show at GMA-7, “Family Feud.”

The actor added that he symphatized with the people of Ormoc when it comes to change because he has observed that progress in Lucy’s (wife) province was “stagnant.”

“Maraming dapat baguhin dun. Wala kasing masyadong progress sa Ormoc, and people are looking for improvement. I believe that Ormoc has the potential of becoming a tourist destination. But in the past couple of years hindi nagawan ng maayos na tourism programs. And that’s one of its problems. Another is drugs. The trickle effect of tourism is that the money goes straight to the people of Ormoc and business establishments,” he explained.

Richard said that there are good signs for his future as a congressional candidate but he stressed that his work and preparation for a political career are continuous.

“In fact ayaw kong pumasok sa politics sa Ormoc kasi ayaw kong guluhin ang family nila doon pero it was the father of Lucy who gave the blessings. Sabi nila wala talagang mangyayari sa Ormoc so let’s try to do something about it,” he shared.

So what kind of pressure does he feel in running for Congress?

“Napakalinis ng pangalan nila Lucy sa Ormoc and I have to live up to their family’s legacy. I cannot fail dun sa kanila,” he replied.

His political preparation is not the only thing that will keep Richard Gomez busy in the months to come because he is back on television hosting the popular game show “Family Feud” for two more seasons.

The actor-turned-game show host admitted that the 26 weeks waiting for its return felt almost like a lifetime. But it was worth the wait especially with “Family Feud’s” changes that would be more visually entertaining. Instead of having the captain of each team introducing each member of their respective families, each team will have a video introducing each one of the members.

In answer to requests of enthusiastic viewers from different parts of the country, “Family Feud” will be shown nationwide.

“It’s the same game show with the same prizes. But we changed the style of our audition. We are now going to hold auditions in the provinces. Last time kasi yung ibang contestants gustong sumali kaso lang hindi sila makapunta sa Manila. So yung ‘Family Feud’ na lang ang pupunta sa provinces like Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Dagupan. And yung mga mapipili, i-house na namin dito sa Manila,” related Richard.

Production insiders said that the new “Family Feud” has a brand new look with a high-tech playing mode and advanced lighting effects.

He also added that another exciting about “Family Feud” is the addition of “Miss Pampabuenas.” “Miss Pam,” a sexy woman who would be giving away money and will accompany the contestants to the sound proof room.

“Kapag kinakabahan yung contestants, siya yung lumalapit sa mga kabadong contestants kaya Miss Pampabuenas talaga,” he smiled.

In “Family Feud” two families try to outsmart each other with what the “survey said” in polls conducted with 100 people. The family with most points advances to the “Fast Money” round wherein two members of the winning family could win the grand prize as much as P150,000 when their total combined points reach 200. If not, they get a P50,000 consolation prize and a chance to win a jackpot prize of P250,000.

“Family Feud” airs on Oct. 19 replacing “Hole in the Wall.” For its initial week telecast, celebrities like Allan K, Ariel and Maverick and young actors from GMA Artist Center will be the contestants.

“I really enjoy game shows. Ito ang mga gusto kong shows like lifestyle, talk shows, sitcoms kasi very light... I’m very happy with GMA-7 too. Importante naman na inaalagaan ng network ang mga artista nila kahit sa anong network wag lang kalimutan ang mga artista nila and everything will be okay,” he smiled.