‘Fireworks’ and big revelations in Gutierrez reality show

MANILA, Philippines – As the Gutierrez family made their way into the fancy hotel function room, warm applause and flashes from the cameras welcomed their arrival, a sight not uncommon to stars such as themselves.

Present in the gathering were prominent members of the brood – a former beauty queen, a socialite, a famed talent manager, and two generations of matinee idols – arguably royalty in Pinoy showbiz.

Fame and stardom aside, the Gutierrez clan agreed that they are simply one happy family, and their latest international project is set to show just that.

In a couple of months, It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez kicks off on E! Asia, as the first family reality series to feature an Asian family.

The show is set to follow Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, together with their daughter Ruffa, sons Rocky, Richie Paul, Elvis, and twins Richard and Raymond, as they go through their daily lives in and out of the spotlight.

The series, to be directed by Mike Carandang, will stretch through 6 episodes, and will also feature Ruffa’s daughters Lorin and Venice, as well as other celebrities close to the family.

‘This is a reality show, Ruffa!’

In a press conference held March 6, matriarch and family talent manager Annabelle delighted the media with her antics, directed at daughter former beauty Queen Ruffa, who she said, often called her out for not speaking in straight English.

To this, the outspoken probinsyana (someone from the province) replied, “Ruffa, reality show ito!” (Ruffa, this is a reality show!), adding, that she will be true to herself throughout the series.

With this as an example, the family assured that the show will have no scripts and no cuts.

“Dito sa show na ‘to, we cant look good all the time, it depends on the situation,” said actor Richard.

“Wala silang i-cu-cut, ‘yon ang sinabi sa’kin ng director, si Mike Carandang, kasi reality show ‘to.” said Anabelle who narrated an instance in a beauty parlor when she said she didn’t look her best. She said Carandang refused to remove the scene.

Similarly, Ruffa said the director also refused to reschedule the shooting of the pilot episode even when Ruffa came down with a fever.

“Just be sure that whatever you see is what you get and we will be real at all times, because that’s what reality shows are all about… With this reality show, you will see the raw Gutierrez,” she said.

Ruffa also revealed that the family is part of the creative team, which she said, assures that the show will be real and tasteful.

Kardashian-inspired?

The family said that they are aware of possible comparisons with a similar US-based reality television show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, but they claimed that reaching for a show at that level would be “aiming high.”

The series, which has been on E! for 8 seasons, follows the life of the Kardashian family, mainly personalities Kim, Klhoe and Kourtney Kardashian.

The difference, according to Raymond, is that the Kardashians gained much popularity after the show.

It takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez, he said, “will take you into an inside look at the life of a celebrity family, like switching sides this time.”

Ruffa also noted that their show will be different, given the difference between Asian and Western values.

To add, Richard said viewers will see how the members of their family relate to each other.

“As individuals, people have their perspectives on each one of us, but how we relate inside the house, how we talk and everything, the whole relationship of the family, I think that’s going to be something new for the viewers and they’ll get to know us even better, each and every one of the whole family.”

Expect Fireworks

If it’s not a Kardashian type of show, what, then, should viewers expect in this inside look into the lives of one of the Philippines’ most famous families?

“Fireworks,” said Richard, to which his twin brother socialite and TV host Raymond agreed.

“I think they will have a lot of material that will surpass the 6 episodes. Maraming pasabog, mga announcement. Lahat ng nakikita niyo sa headlines ay sasagutin namin sa show,” revealed Raymond. (There are a lot of revelations, announcements. Everything you see in headlines will be answered in the show.)

Early on into the press conference, Eddie Gutrierrez joked how many will perhaps be expecting a lot from his wife, who has been known for her outspoken and opinionated nature.

But Annabelle, who was in good spirits throughout the conference, said the important thing is for the Filipinos to enjoy watching her and the whole family.

“Diba, hindi plastic,” she stated. (No pretentions.)”

In addition, Annabelle considers the opportunity a dream come true. “I’m so happy and proud na hindi ko inexpect na mapunta ang beauty ko sa international. Dream come true.” (I’m so happy and proud I did not expect my beauty to reach international levels. Dream come true) – Rappler.com