R for relevance

Even with the coming of newer and fresher stars, Richard Gutierrez remains relevant, his career making a steady grip and his star not waning a bit.

From the matinee idol he once was, Gutierrez found a greater niche as an action star. With the success of The Iron Heart and Incognito, the actor need not much reinvention as he found solid footing in what he does best — action.

So, why does he continue to be relevant in this day and age where the industry paved the way for newer and fresher faces?

"I've been in this industry for quite a while. It's nice that I'm still here, still active. Maybe it's because of my passion for the craft. When I started as a young actor, I didn't see this as a career just to make money or get paid. I really love the craft," Gutierrez said during his solo media con for Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, where he plays an ordinary guy who fought evils and demons in the movie's finale episode.

Accidental hero

Most horror films bring about heroes, and Gutierrez’s character did heroic acts even as an ordinary guy.

"I think my character is an unexpected hero. He didn't want to be in his position. It just happened to him. He just wanted to survive. He needed to fight. He needed to take care of the people around him. He didn't want to be a hero, but unexpectedly, he needed to fill the boots of a hero. That's what he did," he said.

Most popular horror franchise

A staple during the Metro Manila Film Festival, Gutierrez welcomes the return of SRR on the big screen.

"It's so Pinoy. It's a household name in Philippine cinema. I'm so happy that it's back and I'm happy to be part of it," he said.

"And yes, from the moment the concept was presented to me, I said, 'it's good to be back in a horror film,'" he added.