Richard Gutierrez: The Mulawin is now a vampire

MANILA, Philippines — “Dream come true.”

That is how actor Richard Gutierrez described his new character, the supreme vampire Sandrino, in ABS-CBN’s upcoming soap opera, “La Luna Sangre.”

“Initially, very vague kasi ‘yung naging usapan, but when I read the script, the storyline and the character description, I knew right away that this project is perfect. To be portraying a vampire has always been a dream of mine as an actor and doing something like this as my first project for ABS-CBN is a really good path for me,” he explained this week in a press conference for the show.

“Vampire – astig ‘yung character eh, so happy ako!” he declared. “Very challenging role! First time ko pa lang gagawin ‘to.”

While taking cue from Hollywood vampires such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in “Interview with the Vampire” and Wesley Snipes in “Blade,” Richard wants Sandrino to be different from the rest.

“Originally talaga, one of my favorites is ‘Interview with the Vampire.’ I rewatched it when this offer came in…It was pretty good. I got some ideas there,” Richard shared.

“I have to dig deep for this character, prepare mentally, physically, research. Watch movies and series. I did my research also so I’d be aware of what vampire I’m going to be.”

According to him, “That’s also the exciting and challenging part for me, to create my character Sandrino different from the rest. I’m thankful also that I’m surrounded by creative minds like direk Cathy Molina.”

“It’s a vampire role but we’re not really making it a dark character. We’re going to make it different by attacking it differently and having some light moments and we’re going to do the best we can to give life to Sandrino in a very collaborative way.”

He said that though a vampire, Sandrino is not pure evil.

“Maraming layers ‘yung character. ‘Di lang s’ya straight na character. Medyo dark ‘yung presence n’ya ngayon dahil sa mga pinagdaanan n’ya sa past, kaya ganun s’ya, kaya ganun ‘yung mga ginagawa n’ya… Pero ‘yung character n’ya marami pang revelations. Marami pang layers na ipapakita, so abangan n’yo na lang po!”

He has taped a lot of episodes and hopes to be there for the entire run of the series.

Fans of the actor are surprised that instead of appearing in GMA’s “Mulawin vs. Ravena,” the sequel to “Mulawin,” in which Richard and Angel Locsin originally starred in, Richard headed for the TV show of the competitor network.

“I’m thankful for what GMA has done for me through the years. They shaped who I am. But as an individual, as an actor, I’m happy where I am today. I’m thankful, but I’m also looking ahead,” Richard explained.

He is not scared of being pigeonholed as a fantasy series actor. “I’m doing different things. But I’m enjoying this process, these characters they give to me. “

When asked if he also bites his real-life partner, Sarah Lahbati, he said: “Minsan!”

When asked with the follow-up question, “Gaano kadalas ang minsan?” Richard quipped: “Ngayon ‘di na kasing dalas, pero mas madalas dalas bago nag-start ‘yung taping!”