Mond for all seasons

MANILA, Philippines - Mond Gutierrez can sometimes be a mystery. Despite his being known as one of the country’s premier hosts and the high profile that his family keeps, Mond seems to choose to keep his personal life quiet.

Aside from the random selfies here and there on his Instagram account, he keeps his thoughts in riddles, opting for one liners that are cryptic and only known to his close circle of friends. It is almost ironic, for someone who is born into showbiz, to be so “non-showbiz.” 

A fixture in showbiz talk shows, Mond shifts gears and has just changed networks, and is now with TV5 for a new show called Showbiz Police. Mond can practically do this show with his eyes closed, so it would be interesting to see how he ups his game with this new show, plus his rapport with his new set of co-hosts.

“The only thing constant in life is change, so change I will,” says Mond. If he was able to transform his body a few years back to merit a billboard campaign, I don’t see how he won’t be able to make this change work to his benefit.

Supreme sat down with Mondie for a chat session. As with most things, Mond is at his best off the record. For that reason, we are printing this interview verbatim, for you to appreciate Mond at his most candid. 

See Mond change.

What makes you sweat these days?

Aside from the Fight Form classes at Ultimate Fitness, it’s the fear of rejection. Thankfully it happens more in my head than in real life. 

What excites you at this point? New beginnings and having the freedom to open up the playing field. Working with a network that’s also accepting of new ideas and concepts. I’d like to produce my own shows someday and I think this is one step closer to that goal. 

Who inspires you in your life now?

It’s always been my family and close circle of friends. I tried the being-inspired by one-person route and it didn’t work out so well. So it’s about going back to basics and knowing who’s truly important. Seeing my family constantly rise through adversity and seeing my friends work as hard as they do, that to me is inspiring. 

What can you say to your haters?

I don’t acknowledge them. Only the opinions of those who matter to me matter. I grew up in this industry and have managed to build a forcefield against the haters. 

What are your regrets in life?

The fact that I let myself go, gained weight and was overweight for four or five years in my mid-twenties. I could’ve had so much more fun and maybe earned a lot more if I didn’t haha! But it’s a major lesson for me and I’m making up for lost time. 

What has changed since 10 years ago when you came back to showbiz after living in the States?

I’m more sure of who I am and how I want to make my mark in this world. Ten years ago when I moved here, it was all for fun. Who didn’t want fame and money at a young age? But now I’ve built a career out of TV hosting and was able to branch out creatively into the corporate and publishing industries. 

Being in the magazine and showbiz industry at the same time, which do you prioritize more?

Hosting is my main job, it’s what pays the bills and it’s something I’d like to think I’m good at. It will always be my fall back. My work as an editor is where I can play around. I like being surrounded by creative people and producing images. Hosting stimulates my brain while being creative stimulates my heart. It’s a good balance. 

What is the most liberated thing you have done recently?

This photo shoot. To be removed from my armor, the suit, and be photographed this way is something that even surprised me. 

Of all the rumors said about you what is the most ridiculous thing you’ve heard?

That I purposely gained weight to create my own image away from my family. Who gets fat on purpose? 

Why did you decide to transfer to another network after being with GMA for how many years?

For me it’s never been about leaving one station to move to the next. My priority was really to become a freelance artist to give me the freedom to work for different networks. That’s what I have now with TV5. I’ll always be grateful to GMA for all the opportunities and my personal relationship with the people there won’t change,  but at this point in my life this is the path I choose to take. 

How did you feel when Party Pilipinas and HOTtv said goodbye one after the other?

It was simply a situation that I had to face. I’m not a very sentimental person so I wasn’t emotional about it. More than the show, it’s the people that I will miss because the real fun happened backstage. I told them, if the next show doesn’t rate they should just film our conversations in the dressing room. 

Now that you’re about to begin a new show with TV5, how excited are you for this new chapter of your career?

It’s like going to a new school and dealing with new personalities. But more than anything, the showbiz talk show I’m doing is a little more serious and comprehensive than the ones I’ve done before. So I really have to step up my game with this one and be more fearless with my opinions. It’s gonna be a challenge but I’m ready for it. 

Is this the beginning of a bolder Mond?

I’ve become comfortable with who I am and that shows in most of the things I do. Im more in charge of my career now and make my own decisions. I grew up and people need to get used to it. 

What are your future plans?

Right now I’m working on a new restaurant and bar concept with Erik Cua and the Republiq group. It’s gonna be the first rooftop establishment on the 71st floor, so it's nothing Manila has seen. I like being involved in the creative process — from interiors to menu design, so I’m currently focused on that and we should be open last quarter of the year.

How do you see yourself 10 years from now?

It’s what everyone aspires to be: successful, established, well-traveled and maintain a good balance between my personal and professional life. It’s a long way to go, so excuse me while I hustle. 

Raymond is the new host of TV5's Showbiz Police. Premieres tonight at 6 p. m.