MA-7 fair-haired boy Richard Gutierrez ends the year with a big bang as he headlines Kamandag, another big-budgeted fantasy series that is expected to bolster his popularity even further.

With 14 television shows under his name that include ratings-winners Mulawin, Captain Barbel, and Lupin; 18 movies to his credit ranging from comedy, drama and love stories; 3 special awards and a handful of commercial endorsements, Richard Gutierrez, is without a doubt the biggest male superstar of the present generation and now that he is Vergel in Kamandag, expect his star to shine even brighter.

Who would ever think that the chubby toddler (together with twin brother Raymond) would transform into a certified hunk. When he was growing, Gutierrez lay low in showbiz while trying to finish his studies.

Richard is of course, part of the famous Gutierrez clan. The legendary patriarch is former sixties matinee idol turned award-wining character actor Eddie Gutierrez. The feisty matriarch is talent manager Annabelle Rama. His sister, Ruffa was formerly the Miss World Second Princess, showbiz talk show host, commercial model and hailed as one of Manila 's most beautiful. Twin brother is a fast rising host while half-siblings Tonton and Ramon Christopher are also very visible in the boob tube.

After living a “normal” life in his wonder years, he came back into the entertainment scene and was initially paired off with Chynna Ortaleza in different comedy and drama shows and bubble gum movies.

He finally struck gold with his team up with Angel Locsin, when Mulawin (that also became a box-office hit movie and was even given an A rating) catapulted both stars into their present day stellar status.

His team-up with Locsin (who admitted in one interview that their screen partnership and friendship blossomed to “mutual understanding” status) made their producers laugh their way to the bank as their movies were certified blockbusters among them were Let The Love Begin, I Will Always Love You, and The Promise (a 2K version of the much revered Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit). Another movie opposite Locsin that earned him rave reviews was Sigaw (now remade into a Hollywood scare flick The Echo with the lovely Iza Clazado reprising her role as the ghost/battered wife).

These days, the public's eyes are once more glued to Richard as his mother network launches Kamandag, a popular comic strip written by pop icon Carlo Caparas in an English tabloid that came out during the 80s. He gives life to the role of Vergel, a half-human/half-snake superhero who searches for his self-identity, progeny, and love.

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

The crowd composed of mostly entertainment and lifestyle correspondents broke into a hearty applause as members of the cast of Kamandag were recently presented to the public for the first time.

The stage resembled a jungle kingdom. It heightened the curiosity of the people inside the studio as it gave them a sampling of the world of Ambog—the mythical universe where deities of the animal kingdom rule and dwell.

Ambog is divided into five kingdoms and the monarch or queen of each subdivision, in their half-man/half-animal finery, paraded in front of the mortals who were simply awed what with all the costumes and the snakes that literally slither on some of the ensemble cast.

The many theme songs of the series were sang by a chorus of children, a band and emerging singer Jan Nieto and this heightened the already palpable excitement.

There was King Saban (Gardo Versoza) and his mortal wife (Eula Valdez) from the snake kingdom of Hasbaya; King Budog (Johnny Delgado) of Oroboya, the bull kingdom, with a menacing presence; King Gular (Zoren Legaspi) ruthless leader of Loboyam, the wolf kingdom that was most royal; King Dingol (Benjie Paras) of Goyboya, the monkey like beings and his most loyal subject Ikoy (Rainier Castillo); and Queen Kuran (Francine Prieto) of Pusbaya of the wild cats kingdom was most comely.

The lives of these mythical characters will intertwine with Vergel and Lucero (Mark Anthony Fernandez); Lily (Maxene Magalona) and Jenny (Jewel Mische), some of the mortals who are instrumental to the many journeys and adventures that Kamandag must face.

After the confetti bomb exploded and the applause subsided, standing on stage is the man of the hour, Richard Gutierrez, smiles and beams proudly, like a true-blooded super hero.

TALKING WITH RICHARD

Of the many things that Richard Gutierrez cannot forget, in as far as being Vergel is concerned, are the many snakes he has to get to be comfortable with as these slithering amphibians will naturally play a major part in Kamandag.

“It didn't feel natural at first, you know, to have eight snakes crawling on your body,” shares Richard on his experience with shooting with the animals. “I was nervous of course, I cannot deny that but I had to remain calm. Anyway, I was assured that the snakes being used were not venomous. Now, I just play with them, a lot!” he guffaws.

How does the role of Vergel differ from his other heroic characters? “Well, for one, Vergel is an edgier character. He has more angst, I guess. In addition, it is not everyday I get to do someone who has venom in his body. Also, I can move freely with my costumes. You see, it is only the upper part of my body that transforms here, unlike, well, let us just say in Captain Barbell, mas mainit ang costume,”

He continues, “Another exciting aspect about Vergel is the manner in which he fights. I have a new fight trainer, Brandon Vera, whom we all know is a mixed-martial arts heavyweight. I train with him every day, two hours, twice a day and we do Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,

“I prepared myself physically, mentally and emotionally for this role. I think being away for two months gave me the chance to recharge myself and be, as they say a normal person in the U.S. It was fun and relaxing time, I got the chance to discover my wild side,” he adds.

What can he say about his new partners, Maxene Magalona and Jewel Mische? “They're both beautiful and I am so happy to be working with them. You know, what makes me feel good about having new partners is this, it gives me a certain sense of fulfillment that I am now in a position to guide and give them pointers,”

This early people are very excited about his team-up with Jewel and some are even speculating that she might be Richard's next girl friend (his two-year old relationship with Georgina Wilson recently ended).

“I'm still getting to know Jewel as a person. To be honest, I am trying my best to be close to her. I like her personality. We're on that level wherein we are trying to get to know each other, to be comfortable. I don't want to give meaning to it. Go deeper into it. Although that is not remotely possible either since I like the fact that she is a simple girl and a real person.”

Is it true that Jewel is a snob? “That is not true! I will speak up for her because she doesn't speak up sometimes. She is not a snob at all and I think she is actually very shy,” defends Richard.

He concludes, “Kamandag is not just my personal big-bang, career wise. It is also a big-bang for the network; we are introducing something new here.”

With renowned directors Mark Reyes and Topel Lee, Kamandag boasts of excellent production, form the awe-inspiring story to the state-of-the-art props, costumes, set design as well as its formidable cast.

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