Richard wants to take things slow

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Gutierrez is now taking a new direction in his showbiz career as he wants to “try living a life without a contract.” And one can feel Richard’s excitement emanating from his “indie” spirit.

According to the GMA statement, Richard’s exclusive TV contract expired last May 28 and he still has a live contract with GMA Films. Love & Lies was his last TV project from the Kapuso network.  

Richard’s sojourn from TV will allow him to fulfill other endeavors he has been wanting to do like going to school. Sister Ruffa is set to study international-political economy in London’s King’s College Summer School this month.  

“I will study for two to three months,” shares Richard, who is bent to enroll in a directing or producing program at the Bigfoot Entertainment’s International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu with campuses in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Miami. “If I have to go back to Manila, I can always go back to Manila. (I can) fly in and fly out any day.”

He’ll be staying at his brother’s bed and breakfast resort, Casa Carmela, in Mactan, which is five minutes away from the school. Since the place is by the beach, Richard can go diving.

But on top of that, Richard will be busy supervising his businesses — a gym in Metro Walk, a steak house and bar in Greenbelt, a nightclub and lounge in Makati. He has also co-partnered with twin Raymond for a bar in Gramercy, the tallest building in the Philippines.

“I wanna be hands-on and spend quality time with my family,” he says. “Now is the right time, the perfect opportunity to do that. It’s time for me to unwind and relax a bit and not be under pressure and not be under any contracts.”

As a freelance TV artist, Richard welcomes “any contracts… If there are good projects or offers (that will come my way) that I would love to do, I will do them.”

This taking time-out is different from his vacations in the past which were only good for two weeks. It’s the type that is stress-free, taking things in his own terms — and smelling the roses.

“When you’re on vacation while you’re under contracts and working on projects, it’s not really a vacation because you’re still thinking of your schedule when you’re back. And you can’t extend (your vacation)… Not being under contract is a great opportunity. I have the freedom to choose (projects) and I’m looking at it on the positive side.”

Richard is also considering to act in indie films. Showbiz watchers can’t wait to see him doing edgy and meaty roles and being deglamorized. “I really wanna do indie movies,” he says. “I haven’t done anything like that.” He can also star in a movie and direct it at the same time.

Richard’s movie, My Lady Boss, produced by GMA Films and Regal Films, with Marian Rivera will open July 3 in theaters nationwide. 

Asked how long he’ll be away from the klieg lights, Richard replies, “I won’t be away for too long, maybe a few months.”

“I’m happy where I am right now,” Richard concludes. “I’m happy with my private life.”

For sure, Richard will be back with a vengeance.