Papa Richard enjoys being a dad

Curtain-raisers:

A newcomer from a showbiz clan is becoming known as Miss Tardy because of her habit of showing up late. At a recent shoot for a shampoo commercial, the girl arrived on the set four hours behind schedule and her two co-stars (“Who are more popular and more famous than her,” according to the Funfare DPA), were fuming because they came ahead of time and were patiently waiting for her. If the girl doesn’t change her ways, she might end up a has-been before she can even make it big.

•Showbiz couples whose marriage is going through troubled water should learn from their colleagues who do everything to save their relationship, not just for their own sake but that of their children. A couple I know is attending a fellowship to help them sort out kinks in their marriage. They are keeping their altar vow, you know (to paraphrase): What God has put together, let no third party put asunder.

• An invitation from Bearwin Meiley (organizer): Please join and support the first KAPPT/Actor’s Guild of the Philippines Fun Run with the Stars on June 29 (Sunday), starting at 4:30 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand. We have 3k, 5k, 10k and 16k distance categories.

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Did you know that when his girlfriend Sarah Lahbati gave birth to Zion in Geneva last April 29 (Taurus), Richard Gutierrez was beside her and it was he who cut the baby’s umbilical cord?

“I stayed in Geneva for only five days,” Richard told Funfare a few minutes before the presscon for his new movie Overtime (with Lauren Young as leading lady, directed by Wency Ong and Earl Ignacio for GMA Films) last Wednesday at Victorino’s restaurant. “Masaya na nakasama ko si Baby Zion for five days pero malungkot din because I had to rush back for some commitments.”

Richard said that his hands were shaking as he did the cutting, nervous as he was.

“Sobrang kaba ko because, you know, every time people would have their picture taken with me, especially when I’m abroad, they would say, ‘Buhatin mo naman ang baby ko,’ and I always begged off,” related Richard. “I didn’t know how to carry a baby, kasi parang ang lambot-lambot, so very fragile.”

But when the nurse handed Zion to Richard right after the umbilical-cord cutting, Richard said he was surprised that he cuddled Zion like an expert.

“Sobrang sarap ng feeling,” he gushed.

Now Richard enjoys being a dad to the hilt. He alternates with Sarah (who delivered the normal way) in changing Zion’s diapers and preparing the feeding bottles.

But if Richard looks rugged in Overtime, it’s not due to his irregular sleeping schedules which he and Sarah have adjusted to Zion’s timetable, but his role as a hacker in the suspense-thriller. Enough said, lest I spoil the suspense. Just watch Overtime when it opens nationwide on July 2.

Incidentally, Richard and Sarah are having a triple celebration on Sunday, June 15 — the christening and the birthday (belated) of Zion and Father’s Day. By the way, other godparents not included in the list printed by Funfare a few days ago are former CamSur Gov. LRay Villafuerte, Joy Alberto and Flawless boss Rubby Coyiuto.

(Reminder: For Richard and Sarah’s first interview together, with Baby Zion in tow, watch tomorrow’s Startalk on GMA, starting at 3:30 p.m.) 

Meet the ‘new’ Lance Raymundo

It could be said that Lance Raymundo is enjoying a second life after that horrible gym accident that cost him a good part of his face. After three surgeries, led by Dr. John Michael Porquez (of Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City), Lance looks as good as new, more handsome than he originally was.

Lance’s parents, Nilo and Nina (Zaldua-)Raymundo, recently had a thanksgiving Mass/dinner for Lance. Among the guests was Sister Gloria of a healing center in Novaliches, Quezon City, where Nina (who got healed) serves several times a week.

The series of hospitalization prevented Lance from attending the premiere of his starrer, A Thief, A Kid & A Killer, an American movie by Nathan Adolfson, first in California and then in London (last month). More screenings are scheduled in Seoul and Manila next month.

Before the accident, Lance also wrapped the thriller Gemini, directed by Ato Bautista, which will be entered in international film festivals. During his post-surgery TV guestings, Lance got an offer for a TV work.

“I’m booked until end of August,” said Lance.

At the moment, he’s shooting an Elwood Perez-directed movie which is not, Lance clarified, about the gym accident.

“It’s an inspirational story written by Elwood 10 years ago and he waited for the right time to have it filmed,” explained Lance. “My recovery was a factor in Elwood’s decision to finally do it. Anytime now, I will start work on an Australian movie with other Filipino actors.”

On the personal side, Lance is busy with inspirational speaking engagements on campuses for young audiences.

“I want to share with them the value of faith, forgiveness and positivity,” said Lance who requested the gym owner not to fire the instructor who was unwittingly involved in the accident. “Hindi n’ya ginusto ang mangyari ‘yon. Aksidente lang talaga.”