Richard Gomez gets second wind in his career
Supportive husbands not only get their wife’s undying love. They are also rewarded in many other ways – like their career.
Ask Richard Gomez, who, years after helping wife Lucy Torres jumpstart projects in the 4th District of Leyte, which she represents in Congress, made a successful TV comeback via the hit teleserye “Walang Hanggan” with Dawn Zulueta in 2012.
This year is turning out to be just as fruitful. Richard’s latest movie, “She’s Dating the Gangster,” was a hit. So Star Cinema figured a follow up project, “The Trial,” this time a drama with John Lloyd Cruz and Gretchen Barretto, is in order.
Glory days
On TV, Richard is reliving the glory days of his hit 2008 show, “Family Feud” via TV5’s new game show “Quiet Please! Bawal ang Maingay” (Sundays, 8 p.m.).
The show is an exercise in self-control. Contestants must not make noise while doing a chain of
timed challenges. A giant noise-meter will tell just how much noise they make while say, opening a can of Coke, or tearing a piece of paper.
The challenges are as varied as Richard and the show’s creative staff want them to be.
“It’s nice to be part of the creative process. I brainstorm with the show’s writers on the program flow, and other things that will make the show better.”
Carrying the Philippine flag
Knowing that the Philippines is the first country in the world to air the show by Freemantle makes Richard feel more inspired and challenged to give his all.
“Kami ang gumagawa ng bible for ‘Quiet Please’ before it starts showing in Asia. The Philippines will set the standard (for the show). Ang importante yung pinaka rules and regulations ng show, hindi pabago bago.”
Carrying the Philippine flag is not new to Richard. He was one of the athletes who represented the country in the first Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship (AMCC).
Balance
As the country’s volleyball ambassador, and the only celebrity who is active in this kind of sports these days, Richard is chief of a 110-strong contingent of athletes that will represent the Philippines in the Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand come November.
“We are now selecting the athletes para maganda ang training nila. Lalaban kasi sila.”
Sure, showbiz and sports keep Richard busy. But they do not rob him of precious family time – his priority.
He tapes “Quiet Please” every Friday and shoots “The Trial” thrice a week.
“There’s balance,” Richard says.
Positive outlook
Eight months into 2014 and the actor can’t ask for more. The words of a feng shui expert who told him in 2013 that 2014 will be a very good year for Richard, are coming true.
Or perhaps it’s his positive outlook that is making the good things happen (his Cinemalaya indie film “The Janitor” raked awards a week ago).
“Relax lang ako. Enjoy lang.”
Whatever it is, Richard never had it so good. He has a happy family. He’s getting a second wind in his career.
Richard has paid his dues in showbiz and sports. Now’s the time to enjoy the rest of the journey.
