Gutierrez kids go ‘normal’ for reality TV

FILIPINO celebs (from left) Ruffa, Eddie, Annabelle, Raymond and Richard try to keep up with the Kardashians.

For the E! reality program “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” cameras followed the beautiful, glitzy and oftentimes controversial Gutierrez family in a weeklong Asian cruise. And when you put together such huge personalities as Ruffa, Richard, Raymond, and parents Annabelle and Eddie, sparks are bound to fly.

“The show will give viewers a peek into our lives as a family…Maraming mga pasabog!” Ruffa said of “It Takes Gutz,” which was partly inspired by  another E! reality show, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

Speaking of pasabog: In the recent press preview for the six-episode show (airing Sundays, 9 p.m.), a teaser clip of matinee idol Richard was shown, in which he hinted about his rumored baby with girlfriend Sarah Lahbati.

In 2013, Sarah, who was embroiled in a legal tussle with GMA 7 exec Annette Gozon-Abrogar, flew to Switzerland, causing speculation that the actress was hiding her alleged pregnancy.

Though he didn’t elaborate, Richard, in a recent interview with the Inquirer, said that “It Take Gutz” was the “perfect platform to address the unanswered questions.”

“Now is a good time kasi wala na masyadong gulo,” added the matinee idol, who was joined by twin brother Raymond and sister Ruffa in the interview. The three are also the program’s executive producers.

Ruffa doesn’t have an intrigue to deal with, but felt stressed about not looking her best on TV.

“In one scene, I thought I saw wrinkles on my forehead, and in another, I looked fat. So, I was like, ‘Can we edit that out? I should be skinny in all the episodes!’ Ruffa related, laughing.

Usually seen as the fashionista and the more serious twin, Raymond said that he got the chance to show his true personality. “People will see my sense of humor…  You’ll see us bagong-gising and doing normal things,” he said.

So how did the cruise go?

Raymond: Because we have different careers and maintain very hectic schedules, we barely have time to go on vacations together. It was a nice change of pace for us. We went to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand…

Did you feel uncomfortable being followed around by cameras all the time?

Richard: There were cameras with us 24/7—except in the shower and toilet! It was awkward at first. But after a couple of hours, everything became almost natural.

Ruffa: The good thing is that we’re used to being in front of the cameras. Personally, I didn’t think it was that difficult to adapt.

But did it feel intrusive at some point?

Raymond: No, because we understood the concept and what we signed up for. We did this to share our lives.

Richard, you seem to be the more private family member. Did you have any qualms about doing the show?

Richard: It took me a while to decide but once I saw the show’s potential and that everyone’s working very hard, I felt that it was the perfect opportunity for us to be known better here and outside the country. I eventually became more open. When I put my mind into something, I give 100 percent.

Was your mom required to speak in English?

Ruffa: I told her to, but of course she expresses herself better in Tagalog and Cebuano. She’s the only one who has subtitles!

Were you pressured to always have something interesting going on?

Ruffa: We just get followed around. I think we’re naturally entertaining, and so there were lots of material to choose from…

Richard: And you can’t choose which things you want to share.

Aside from your mom, who’s the one to watch out for?

Raymond: Each of us had the chance to shine throughout the show.

Ruffa: My dad surprisingly also had a moment. Ako lang yata ang walang drama! I was a good girl! (Laughs)

Were there clashes?

Ruffa: Iyakan, sigawan, away-bati! Stress! But of course we resolve and settle our issues.

Will the show change how people see your family?

Ruffa: We’re not here to change perceptions; we just hope they understand us more. They’ll be very entertained.”

Are you worried that the show would make you vulnerable to bashers?

Raymond: We’ve developed a force field against the bashers. ’Di namin sila pinapatulan.

Do you see the show as a platform for career advancement?

Ruffa: We’re thinking of having an agent represent us abroad. I might become a guest judge in a fashion reality show to be shot in Bangkok, in August.

Raymond: The show is slowly opening doors for us!

Where should Season Two take place?

Ruffa: Istanbul, because I want my daughters, Lorin and Venice, to be reunited with their father (Ylmaz Bektas). Hello, can he take care of us naman? He’s, like, abandoned us. What better way to go to Istanbul than with cameras following us… At least hindi ako matatakot, because it’s going to be filmed and documented!