Richard Gutierrez and Heart Evangelista in 'Full House'

With the recent Department of Justice’s reversal of the dismissal of the libel case filed by Richard Gutierrez against Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), the high ratings of his latest TV series “Full House,” good health and a happy family life, a cover story in S Magazine, the return of “Captain Barbell” on television in 2010 and more – matinee idol Richard Gutierrez is indeed ending the year 2009 with a “Full House” of blessings!

According to the actor, these are the results of his hard work and dedication to his showbiz career and his acting craft. Ever since he stepped into the limelight, he was already told by his parents that showbiz wasn’t all about glamour or fame. The most important aspect he was taught by his parents, Eddie Gutierrez, a popular actor during his era, and Annabelle Rama, a former actress and now talent manager, was work.

Some of the fruits of his invested time on tapings and shootings can be seen and read in S Magazine where his family’s multi-million mansion located at Dasmariñas Village, Makati City, is featured in this month’s issue. Everyone who has followed the actor’s career know that he has contributed a lot in the renovation of the said house.

Another family value he learned well in his showbiz life was not forgetting his roots or the people who have helped build his career to what it is now – a success!

This is the reason he has often done charity works, sometimes even without the public’s knowledge. He has also displayed how he can be a “true” friend when he rescued actress Cristine Reyes during typhoon Ondoy. Such is also the driving force why he and his siblings as well as the talents handled by his mother Annabelle Rama, host a yearly Christmas party for the entertainment press. And in this year’s Christmas party, they gave away hundreds of thousands of pesos in raffle prizes!

“I don’t think I can ask for anything more this Christmas. And Christmas is about giving so this is my way of giving back especially to people who have always supported me,” exclaimed Richard during the recently held Royal Era’s Christmas Party for the entertainment press and launching of S Magazine’s December issue.

“God has always been good to me and my family and I’m very thankful,” he added. “I pray and wish that next year would be as fruitful and be more positive in terms of work and my personal life.”

Another method on giving back to people was the recent release of the DVD of “Planet Philippines,” his TV documentary produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. The said DVD can serve as a reminder to its viewers of how beautiful the natural resources of the Philippines are and that it is a “must” to take care of them with our own little means of conserving the environment!

With the success of “Full House,” Richard Gutierrez has proven that even without super powers, roles he usually play on television, he can withstand the competition with good ratings. What he is prouder of with “Full House” was the show’s drawing power especially since it is a Filipino-version of the very popular Korean teleserye aired a few years ago on Philippine television.

For him what worked for the show is not just their director, Mark Reyes’ treatment, the story and the wonderful actors involved, but his chemistry with his leading lady Heart Evangelista.

“We really clicked in this show. And it’s fun when you’re working with someone as bubbly, friendly and funny like Heart. We’ve grown a lot since working in ‘Asero’ and I can say that she has grown as an actress. I’m just glad that viewers have accepted our tandem warmly. They’re the reason we keep working hard in the show,” said Richard in an interview.

And for Friday night’s episode, Richard as Justin and Heart as Jessie will finally get married. Avid followers of “Full House” will surely get mushy with their wedding vows and wedding kiss.

Chicky, the entertainment reporter played by John Lapus, would gate-crash as a waiter to the Justin-Jessie nuptials. He is out to squeeze the juiciest story about the wedding especially through Mamita’s (Pilita Corrales) mouth. But will he succeed? “Full House” airs after “Darna” at GMA-7’s “telebabad block.”

“There are more ‘kilig’ moments in ‘Full House’ and I’m sure that people will enjoy watching Justin and Jessie more in the coming episodes,” smiled Richard.