Showbiz 101

Source: Jason John S. Lim, gmanews.tv

After three seasons as a host of 'StarStruck,' it can be argued that Raymond Gutierrez has learned a lot sa competition na ito. And that's why we ask him what this season's contenders should do to make it big sa larangan ng showbiz.

Start pa lang ng season na ito, Raymond already promised that StarStruck V will be bigger than its predecessors.

"I'm very, very excited," pahayag ni Raymond nang interview noon. Dahil bukod sa mga bagong twists na darating from the show, Raymond is also reuniting with his StarStruck family. "I've been with them for how many seasons already, they're like a family to me." And, he tells us, it's also his first time na makatrabaho si Carla Abellana.

What else is Raymond excited about? Seeing how this season's contestants handle the pressures of being a star, being a celebrity, "and of course, the challenges that go along with it."

Sabi nga nila, every season of StarStruck is different. Hindi lang dahil may mga bagong twists na aabangan lagi, but also because ibang-iba lagi ang personalities ng mga nakakasama sa competition. "So exciting [din] how it's gonna be different creatively."

Isa sa mga bagong addition sa season na ito, compared to the seasons Raymond has been part of, is the mentorship program. Five experts with their own fields of expertise are coming together to give the finalists a top-notch education in singing, dancing, acting, grooming and image development.

Kaya naman nasabi ni Raymond na, "if I was a contestant, I would maximize the fact that I have these mentors around me. I'll ask as many questions as I can, and really try to absorb their advice, really try to listen. Kasi sila talaga 'yung nakaaalam sa bawat aspeto ng industriyang ito."

At dahil nga ito ang gagawin niya if he were in the contestants' place, ito rin ang advice niya sa mga remaining survivors ng StarStruck V—to ask. "Whether it's with acting, or with style, or with singing—anything that would hone their skills, to make sure they stand out."

"Kasi, at the end of the day, I'm sure they want to stand out." Raymond says that if these contestants really want to impress the judges, they should maximize the fact na mayroong silang mentors.

We asked him, kung siya ba ang papipiliin, ano ang gusto niyang makita sa future star na mahuhulma ng StarStruck V? Raymond said that the overall package is important sa competition, that the winner should not just have talent, but also wit. "Someone that can carry themselves in any situation, someone na kayang i-express 'yung sarili nila—‘yun 'yung hinahanap ko."

"And also dedication, determination, 'yung pagiging strong-willed. Importante ‘yun in becoming a star," he added.

Do our survivors have what it take to make it big, sa batayan ni Raymond? We'll find out as the competition continues on StarStruck V.

Catch Raymond hosting StarStruck V every Saturday, pagkatapos ng Pinoy Records, where he breaks down everything that has happened for the week.

You can also catch shorter updates from Mondays to Fridays sa StarStruck ShoutOut bago mag-Family Feud. And, of course, ang elimination nights ay live na live every Sunday night sa Studio V, pagkatapos ng Kap's Amazing Stories, with Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana.


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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA - Actor Richard Gutierrez on Wednesday admitted that he was saddened by the criminal charge filed against him by the wife of his deceased personal assistant Nomar Pardo.

"Nalulungkot ako at ang buong pamilya ko na kinakailangan at ginusto nilang pumunta sa ganoong desisyon and 'yon ang gusto nilang tahakin na paraan. For us, you know kung 'yon ang gusto nila then we will have to fight it out in court," Gutierrez said during the premiere night of "The Echo", the Hollywood remake of his film "Sigaw."

The actor said he and his family tried their best to talk to the family of Pardo but the latter refused to settle things out of the court.

"Nalulungkot ako. Hindi ko ini-expect na sa ganitong time ng buhay ko pa mangyayari ang ganitong klaseng...but I just would like everybody to know na kahit anong nangyayari ngayon it's motivating me and inspiring me to work harder," he said.

Pardo's wife, Lorayne, sued Gutierrez for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in connection with the May 22 vehicular accident that killed Pardo and almost killed Gutierrez. The case was filed before the Municipal Trial Court of Silang, Cavite on September 18.

Lorayne blamed Gutierrez’s alleged utter disregard of traffic rules for the death of her husband.

Cavite Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco said his office found merit to the complaint filed by Lorayne but dismissed the latter's claim that Gutierrez abandoned Pardo after the accident.

“Within 30 days ise-set na ng husgado [ang kaso]... magi-issue ng warrant of arrest against the accused, Richard Gutierrez. [The court will set] bail at P30,000. Then after iyong payment ng bail, [ise-set] ang arraignment niya,” Velasco said.

Lorayne claimed that Gutierrez immediately boarded a GMA 7 van and left Nomar who was gravely injured but still alive at that time. Nomar was later pronounced dead on arrival at Adventist University Hospital in Silang, Cavite.

But Velasco argued that, even if it was true that the actor immediately proceeded to the nearest hospital for medical attention, such act could not be taken against him. “Human experience has time and again demonstrated that the instinct to survive is paramount,” Velasco said.

Likewise, he noted that there were witnesses who told investigators that Gutierrez did not immediately leave the scene of the accident.

“On the contrary, respondent tried to look for Nomar Pardo in the ravine, which was so dark at the time. Respondent left the scene in order to seek medical attention only upon being assured that the other persons have joined in the efforts to look for Pardo,” Velasco added.

Gutierrez reiterated that what happened in Cavite was an accident. "Hindi ko gusto ang nangyari. I think gusto nilang i-demolish ang character ko but hindi ako papayag and I'm gonna let my lawyers do their job. Lalaban ako dahil alam kong hindi ko ginusto ang nangyari. Wala akong crimnal intention or wala akong binalak na ganoon for me willing ako to fight it out in court," he said.



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