Goma between showbiz & family

It is not easy doing two equally important things at the same time. But Richard “Goma” Gomez happily juggles career and fatherhood as he gets to do one project after the other while fulfilling his duties as dad to Juliana and husband to Lucy Torres.

The sportsman, model, director and actor who played a not-so-good dad to Sergio on the now-defunct GMA 7’s Marimar and an unfaithful husband to Gelyn on Asero is the complete opposite of his on-screen characters. He never counts his family out in his priority list, always finding time to bond with Lucy and Juliana as often as possible through out-of-town trips or even just in the comforts of their home especially now that he is given another task as host of Kapuso network’s latest game show Family Feud, to air starting tonight before 24 Oras.

“We often bond in the kitchen doing the thing we all love to do — cook,” Richard says. “Sometimes, we don’t realize it’s already 3 a.m. Kwentuhan pa kami ni Lucy. Actually, that’s quality time for me and Lucy.”

And though they hope to have another bundle of joy soon, Richard cannot be thankful enough for having a daughter like Juliana each day he wakes up.

“I really wished for a boy but when Juliana came, I am just too glad for having a girl because she’s very loving. Ang lambing talaga and all that we had prayed for in a baby is in her — healthy, playful, makulit,” Richard offers.

It doesn’t matter now whether a boy or another girl comes next. Richard hopes it will be given to them before the year ends. “Juliana is already eight. That’s why I did ask Joey (Marquez) for a tip and he told me it should be with different mothers. Of course, I won’t do that,” he laughs out loud.

And unlike other dads who do not display affection too often, Richard knows everything concerning his daughter including her interests and crushes. He never tires listening to Juliana about Hannah Montana. He is delighted hearing her shriek in admiration for the Jonas Brothers. But dreads the day when the time comes Juliana speaks about love.

“Hopefully, it will be 10 years from now pa before anyone courts her,” Richard says.

He, too, believes instilling good family values is a must. Discipline, he adds, should be done in a diplomatic way for the child to fully understand the pros and cons of his actions.

“Everything can be talked about in a nice way. Lucy and I make sure that we get to explain everything in a manner Juliana will best understand,” Richard says.

In fact, he and Lucy never had one major and serious fight. They know how to sit down and listen to each other’s opinion before arriving at a decision. They, too, both jump with joy for every granted wish or prayer.

“We’re both glad upon knowing that I was the top choice to host Family Feud. Lucy knows how I worked hard to get the job,” Richard says.

And who wouldn’t when there were 10 of them, including Marvin Agustin, Ogie Alcasid and Eugene Domingo, aiming for the role?

Besides, being a game show host is what Richard has been longing for even while he was still with ABS-CBN up to the time he transferred to GMA. He finds it amusing to see contestants and the audience laugh while interacting with them. That’s why Richard didn’t have second thoughts auditioning for the job.

Does his being a game show host soften talks about his being arrogant?

“A lot of people think I’m arrogant but I just speak my mind. I will say what I think is right,” he replies.

Will he ever direct a movie or star in an indie in the future?

“Mother Lily (Monteverde) has been asking me to direct a movie for her but as much as I want to, I can’t find the time for it. Yes, I’m willing to be in an indie maybe in the future,” he answers.

And what can he say about the movie industry now?

“I guess due to the economic situation, it has become the least priority now. To provide help, we have organized Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino to give assistance to less fortunate members of the industry like providing them health cards, housing and soon a cooperative for movie workers,” Richard says.