It takes guts to be Panday

Well, it really takes guts to follow in the footsteps of an iconic hero like Fernando Poe Jr.

Still, Richard Gutierrez seems undaunted by the prospect of playing “Panday” in the new TV5 primetime series, which premieres on Feb. 29.

“When I signed up for the job, I initially felt the pressure,” Richard told the Inquirer in an exclusive interview. “But after a few days of taping, I started owning the character. I want to come up with my own version of ‘Panday.’”

Carlo J. Caparas, creator of the komiks hero immortalized by FPJ on the big screen, told the Inquirer that Richard was his only choice for the latest retelling of “Panday”—which is part of a multibillion, multiplatform deal he inked with Viva big boss Vic del Rosario five years ago.

“Among the male stars of his generation, Richard has the right qualities for Panday,” said the komiks novelist-film director. “Like the late FPJ, Richard is also enigmatic. He keeps his personal life private. He is a man of few words, too.” He also wants Richard to take over two classic FPJ roles: “Durugin si Totoy Bato” and “Ang Maestro.”

Richard recounted that he watched “Panday” as a kid.

“Panday is a very Filipino superhero,” the actor related. “My family and I are fans of FPJ. My mom and dad were close to FPJ.”

Even before winning the plum role, Richard has always looked up to FPJ as a “larger-than-life idol.” “If ever I get to talk to Tita Susan (Roces, FPJ’s widow), I will tell her that it is a huge honor to play Panday, and to be mentioned in the same breath as FPJ.”

Zion, his 2-year-old son with ABS-CBN talent Sarah Lahbati, is the biggest “Panday” fan in the Gutierrez household. “He visited me on the set recently. He was excited to see the bright lights and all the actors in costume. He knows that I am playing a superhero. I can’t wait for him to watch the show with the special effects in place.”

After his initial meeting with the “Panday” creator, Richard recalled that he felt “inspired.” “From then on, I had no choice but to work my butt off.”

Lifestyle change

From the get-go, he knew that he had to completely change his lifestyle. He admitted, “I had to be prepared mentally, physically, spiritually.”

He hits the gym as often as he can, frequently for two hours, twice a day.

“I lift weights in the morning and do cardio at night,” he said of his grueling workout sessions. “I run on the treadmill, play basketball or do boxing in the evening.”

He is also on a Spartan diet. “There’s no secret. I just avoid all the bad stuff. Less fat, sugar, salt. I eat carbs every other day. I need it for energy when I have taping.”

RICHARD Gutierrez as Panday

Doing a fantasy series is no walk in the park, conceded Richard, who previously topbilled another Carlo J. komiks serial, “Kamandag,” on GMA 7. “I’ve done many fantaseryes in the past. I know that it can be tough.”

For “Panday,” he has his work cut out for him because he is portraying three characters (Flavio in the origin story; Miguel in the Spanish era; and Juro in the modern setting).

“It’s challenging but exciting; you really get to play with your roles,” he explained. “But when all three characters meet… that would be tricky.”

He is also doing double duty because tapings for the fourth season of the family’s E! reality show, “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” will start soon. “The show will feature me at work on the set of ‘Panday.’”

Just because he is playing Panday, does it follow that he is supporting the presidential bid of Grace Poe, FPJ’s daughter?

Richard candidly admitted that he is still “undecided” on whom to vote for this May. Suffice it to say that he wants a “true leader” as the next president. “A strong leader. Someone who will lead by example. Someone who really understands the country’s situation and is willing to make a change.”

He wants a president who will “end corruption, eradicate poverty and create more jobs.”

“Development should not be limited to Manila. Jobs should be spread all over the country [because] that would help ease traffic in the capital,” he said.

Environmental concern is also a priority. “Typhoons are getting worse; we need to fix the drainage system in our cities.”

He revealed that he had been approached by a certain candidate for a possible endorsement deal.

“I’d rather remain neutral. I want my choice to be between me and my conscience,” said Richard, who will vote in Cebu with the rest of the Gutierrez clan.