CHRiS GUTiERREZ
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AMONG the new talents launched by Star Magic is Christopher Gutierrez,the son of Maritess Gutierrez and the grandson of Gloria Romero andJuancho Gutierrez. Born in Delaware, USA, on May 9, 1992, he is ingrade 7 at La Salle Greenhills. His dad is former model Gordon Balbinwho now lives in Seattle."It's Mr. Johnny Manahan who suggested I use Gutierrez instead ofBalbin as my screen name," he says.Has he seen past movies of his lola? "Yes, on TV, like 'DalagangIlokana'. I saw her in 'Tanging Yaman' and I cried sa ganda. But Ilike her best in her TV shows, like 'Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan' and'OK Fine.' I admire her very much as she's good in both drama and comedy."How would he describe his lola? "Very loving, sweet and caring. Iadmire her and love her so much. Even my friends tells me, ang baitnaman ng lola mo. I hope I'll be given the chance to act with her inthe future."What advice did she give him? "To always try my best. She also said,you can now sleep late ngayong may trabaho ka na."What about his mom? "She allowed me to join showbiz only on conditionthat I'll not neglect my studies. ABS kasi called her up to ask if Icould join Batch 13. E, talagang gusto ko ring mag-showbiz, so I saidyes. But my mom said studies should be my priority as I'm in the topfive of my class. I can only work after my classes at 3:30 p.m."Has he seen his mom's past films? "Yes, 'Halimaw sa Banga,' and Ireally got scared. She won an award there as best new movie actress." How's his Lolo Juancho? "He's still bedridden after his stroke. But hecan talk naman and he can move around on a wheelchair in our garden."Is it nice to be an only child? "Yes, kaya lang, kapag nagagalit sila,ako lang ang kinagagalitan kaya sometimes, I wish I had a brother."
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Kapu-fourteen pa lamang ni Christopher Gutierrez (Balbin) nung nakaraang May 9. Si Chris ang kaisa-isang anak ni Maritess Gutierrez at kaisa-isang apo ng veteran-award-winning actress na si Gloria Romero. Hindi ikinakaila ni Chris na isa siyang lola’s boy. Spoiled umano siya sa kanyang lola lalo na pagdating sa pagkain. Tatlong taong gulang lamang si Chris nang magkahiwalay ang kanyang mga magulang. Ang kanyang amang si Gordon Balbin ay naka-base ngayon sa Seattle, Washington. Huling nakita ni Chris ang kanyang ama nung nakaraang taon nang magtungo silang mag-ina sa Amerika. Kahit hiwalay na ang kanyang mga magulang ay constant pa rin naman ang kanyang communication sa kanyang ama. Sa nakaraang birthday ni Chris ay niregaluhan siya ng kanyang lola ng isang computer set at acoustic at electric guitar naman ang bigay sa kanya ng kanyang mommy. Isang taon na si Chris sa Star Magic pero wala pa siyang TV at movie project liban sa ilang TV guesting. Hindi ba siya nababagot at walang gaanong nangyayari sa kanyang career? "God has plans for everybody. It will come," simple niyang tugon. Inamin sa amin ni Chris na crush niya ang kasintahan ni Jericho Rosales na si Heart Evangelista. Si Chris ay 1st year high school student sa La Salle - Greenhills kung saan din siya nagtapos ng elementary.
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RIKKA Dylim hosted a luncheon for Star Magic’s talents who just celebrated their birthday. One of them is Gloria Romero’s grandson Christopher Gutierrez, who turned 14 on May 9. Tita Glo personally took her apo to the venue before going to the dubbing of her new film for Seiko, I Just Wanna Be Happy, where she is said to give another award-winning performance in her role as Eddie Garcia’s oppressed wife who suddenly decides to dump him and do all the things he forbade her to do before. We ask Chris if he’s spoiled by his lola.“Only when it comes to food and clothes does she give me what I ask for,” he says. “Also, for my birthday, she bought me a new computer that is the latest model, a Pentium 4.”Has she seen the old movies of his lola? “Yes, when they’re shown on TV, like Cofradia where she played a black girl. She’s really so beautiful then, at ang ga-ling umarte. I also watch her in OK Fine.”How did he feel when his grandpa Juancho Gutierrez passed away? “I was sad, but also relieved, kasi naawa na rin ako sa kanya as he had been bedridden for years and I know he was suffering.”How’s his mom Maritess? “She now works as a consultant for Pagcor.” Chris has grown a lot since we saw him at his launching with Star Magic Batch 13 last year. “And I also lost weight. Chubby pa ako noon. Now, I stand 5’7" and I’m still growing.”He has appeared so far only in ASAP and Homeboy, and played a vampire in an episode of Komiks. “I wish I’d be given more acting jobs so I can prove that I can act well. I want my lola to be proud of me.”
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Take a lola’s favorite, her mother’s daughter and a ‘gay boxer,’ and wehave a Sunday special here for you.You cannot miss Christopher Gutierrez as movie queen Gloria Romero’s apo for even the 14 year old La Salle Greenhills freshman confides: "Marami ang nagsasabi I look like my Lola."He and his mom Maritess have been living with Lola Gloria at her 7th St. residence in New Manila, Quezon City, near Mt. Carmer Church, for a decade already.Ever since his mom separated from his father Gordon Barbin and left Seattle for home, they are staying with his Lola.He admits being "spoiled sa lola, lalo na sa pagkain". Especially when she goes out whether to work or be with friends, Chris confides, "my lola always asks me what food she brings home for me later."And in our past talk with Gloria, she would tell us about what she misses doing – "Sinusundo ko iyang apo ko sa school when he was younger and we would eat somewhere muna before going home. Ngayon hindi na dahil malaki na at siguro nahihiya na siya. Baka bibiruin pa ng mga kaklase as Lola’s boy."When he was younger, he got the chance to go with his Lola to tapings and shootings: "Masaya kaya gusto ko ring pumasok sa showbiz."Chris is a member of Star Circle 13 and has guested in such shows as ASAP Fanatic, Homeboy and ASAP.He also reveals that in spite of the distance, he is also close to his father whom he visited in April last year.He is right now going through some workshops to prepare him for assignments. He considers her Lola Gloria and late Lolo Juancho as his inspiration.
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GLORIA Romero must feel very proud for having a grandson as handsome, decent and soft-spoken as Christopher Gutierrez. Chris is the son of Gloria’s only child, Maritess, who works as food supervisor in the VIP room of Pagcor. Chris told us that his parents are divorced, but he has remained close with his dad. He was only three years old when his parents’ marriage collapsed. What made him join showbiz? “Palagi po akong isinasama ng lola ko sa kanyang taping and I thought it was fun. Lahat po sila ay masasaya at mababait sa akin. Feeling ko po ay mag-i-enjoy ako nang husto,” he replied. Chris, a member of Star Circle Batch 13, loves to dance. He stays with his mom and lola in New Manila, Quezon City. He is in Grade 7 at La Salle Greenhills. Any birthday wish? “Ang makasama ko po ang aking lola sa pelikula.” Gloria would also love that.
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Fourteen-year-old Christoper is truly showbiz royalty being related to industry greats Gloria Romero and Juancho Gutierrez. He considers that a major blessing and is very thankful of his roots. This gave him the opportunity to enter showbusiness. He celebrated his birthday last May 9. He loves playing card games and watching TV. A 7th grader in La Salle Greenhills, he prides himself as a good actor and dancer which his grandparents are also known for. He had guestings in "Homeboy," "ASAP" and "ASAP Fanatic." Someday he wants to to make his lola and mom Maritess proud.
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Nakakatuwang malaman na magkasalungat pala sa disiplina minsan sina Gloria Romero at anak nitong si Maritess sa pagpapalaki kay Chris Gutierrez ng Star Magic. "Ang baon ko po everyday ay P80.00 lang na bigay ni mommy, pero pag gumimik ako ay binibigyan ako ni lola (Gloria) ng P500.00. Pero magkaiba sila pagdating sa mga gusto kong gawin, like nang magpalagay ako ng hikaw sa isang teynga. Okey lang kay mommy dahil naging in-na-in-ako pero si lola, nagulat at sinabing bakit ako nagpalagay ng hikaw. Pero I get the best from both of them naman," ani Chris. Fourteen years old na ang bagets at first year high school sa La Salle Greenhills. Sakaling magkaroon siya ng solo movie balang araw ay gusto niyang makatambal ang crush na si Angelica Panganiban.
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Another La Salle boy (he’s now 14, a freshman) who’s waiting in the wings for a good break is Chris Gutierrez, Gloria Romero’s grandson.Chris has been around with Star Circle Batch 13, he says he’s being "relaunched", meaning he has signed up for another year. He’s not in a hurry, he says. "After all, I am now in high school at mas demanding ang school work."But he feels he is being prepared for some breaks, after appearing in some ABS-CBN shows (ASAP, Homeboy) and going through a series of workshops.He enjoys seeing old films of her lola as well as those of his mom (Maritess) like Confradia, Halimaw sa Banga and Bulaklak sa City Jail. He’s aware that his Lola has been movie queen in her time and won many awards for her acting. So did her mom as supporting actress for Halimaw sa Banga.
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Chris Gutierrez is no stranger to show business. Being the grandson of showbiz legends Gloria Romero and the late Juancho Gutierrez, he considers it a blessing to have gotten the showbiz pedigree of his grandparents. It is no surprise then that he developed an interest of joining the business as he grew up watching old movies of his Lola Gloria and Lolo Juancho. He knows he could make his own mark because he is good dancer and can act. Fourteen-year old Chris is aware that it will be hard to juggle his studies and career but he will persevere and work hard because of the passion he has for both. There might be sacrifices along the way but he knows and he believes that it will be worth it.
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Chris is the grandson of actors Gloria Romero and Juancho Gutierrez.""We have rules in my lola’s house that I am made to strictly adhere to," he says during a recent interview. "My lola believes in discipline and moderation."One of the rules Chris follows as much as possible is sleeping early. During school days, the 14 year old should be asleep by 11 p.m.----something her lola makes sure by checking on him by then when she’s home."Even gimik nights are in line with this," says he. "The latest I could stay out is midnight; but only if the friends I’m with are ones my lola and mom know. Otherwise, the rule remains: 11 p.m."Chris’s daily allowance for school, surprisingly, is not as big as some would expect. He says he gets less than a hundred pesos. From these Chris is expected to save up for luxuries he wants."But they give me extra money when I go out on ‘gimiks,’" says he. "Sometimes I don’t even ask for money kasi sila lang din naman ang kasama ko. My lola and I watch movies together or I sometimes go with her to shootings or tapings." Where lola is quite exacting, Chris’ mom balances. Once, when we had an ear pierced, Gloria showed concern over his decision. But mom came to the rescue by putting it in perspective."Mom asked me, ‘You won’t wear that to school, would you?" And I said, ‘Of course not.’ Then she said, ‘Alright. It’s okay then,’" Chris says.Though his dad is in the U.S., Chris says he doesn’t feel his absence much as they correspond regularly through email and text messaging. Having him away also has its advantages in that he gets to have two bank accounts: One from mom, the other from dad."But it’s not as if I could withdraw money from these anytime I want. The money my dad sends me we keep for my college education," says he who is currently studying at De La Salle.When asked what movies of his grandparents are favorites, Chris could only cite "Tanging Ina." "We don’t have an archive of their works at home, that’s why," he says. "I guess she has done a lot of good movies but ‘Tanging’ is only one I have seen so far."How does he like to be known in showbiz?"As comedian. I’d give drama and other genres a try if I have to. But comedy is what I want to do because I’m the happy-go-lucky type who’s always smiling and goofing around. The genre is natural for my personality."At the age of 14, Chris has never had a girl friend. Given a chance, though, he’d like to get to know young actresses Shaina Magdayao and Angelika Panganiban better."I’m the type who believes that romantic relationship has better chances of lasting if you become friends first," says he. "That way, it’s not always the best foot forward between both and you get to know the real person in each other."Other new Star Magic discoveries are Victor Basa, AJ Perez and Angelo James Patrimonio.Star Magic is talent development and management center of ABS-CBN.
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Chris admits that being her grandson puts a certain kind of pressure on him, especially now that he's an actor himself. His grandmother has taught him a lot about acting, but of all the things he's learned from her, the most precious, says Chris, is her work ethic. Each time he has to leave the house to go to work and his grandmother is home, she reminds him to leave early so he won't be late and keep his co-stars and directors waiting. She also tells him to make sure he has everything he'll need before he leaves the house and to memorize his lines, because nothing less is expected of him. She always reminds him to love his work and respect the people that he works with.
This is the same work ethic that has made Gloria one of the most respected actresses in the business. It is also why at 73, she continues to be in-demand on television and in the movies.
Chris says he'll be fulfilled if, acting-wise, he can achieve even half of what his grandmother has. “I'd be happy, even with one-fourth,” he says.But he also wouldn't mind following the footsteps of his mother Maritess, who's a chef and restaurateur. She owns a restaurant called Straight Circle, which is located in the Manila area.
This is the same work ethic that has made Gloria one of the most respected actresses in the business. It is also why at 73, she continues to be in-demand on television and in the movies.
Chris says he'll be fulfilled if, acting-wise, he can achieve even half of what his grandmother has. “I'd be happy, even with one-fourth,” he says.But he also wouldn't mind following the footsteps of his mother Maritess, who's a chef and restaurateur. She owns a restaurant called Straight Circle, which is located in the Manila area.
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NAKATUTUWANG kausap ang apo ni Gloria Romero na si Chris Gutierrez who, at 14, is determined na maging sikat na artista tulad ng kanyang lola. Ganunpaman, ayon kay Chris, ’di niya na-realize how popular and well-admired ang kanyang lola, until he was 11. Ang alam daw lang niya, artista ang kanyang lola. And that’s it. Chris is the only son ng nag-iisang anak ni Gloria na si Maritess Gutierrez. Lolo ni Chris ang itinuturing na isa sa pinaka-guwapong actor ng kanyang panahon, si Juancho Gutierrez. Paano nga pala niya na-discover na, at one time, itinuturing na Queen of Philippine Movies ang kanyang lola? “Ganito ho ‘yon,” ani Chris. “Nasa sementeryo kami ng Lola ko, dahil may dinalaw kaming puntod ng isang kamag-anak. Taimtim hong nagdarasal ang aking Lola, nang dalawang babae, na halos kasing-edad niya, ang lumapit sa kanya at kilig na kilig na nagtanong kung puwede siyang halikan. Sagot ng Lola ko, oo naman. “Tapos, narinig ko na lang na naglitanya sila ng mga pelikula ng Lola na napanood nila. Ang dami palang nagawang movies ng Lola. “Tapos ho, bumaling sila sa akin. At sinabi nga nilang Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino ang Lola. “Talaga pong that moment, ipinagmamalaki ko ang Lola ko. Kung sabagay, magpahanggang ngayon naman,” susog pa ni Chris.
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VERY young and handsome student from De La Salle, Greenhills is Chris Gutierrez, the only grandson of all-time movie Queen Gloria Romero by her only daughter Maritess Gutierrez. Maritess, a professional chef, sees to it that her only son eats the right food. “You’ve got to believe us that not all heavy weights are healthy,” says Maritess. “People should be watchful of what they eat and their calories intake.” Meanwhile, Chris is engrossed with his studies and partly showbiz as acting runs in his veins. The first time he was on TV, he was shaking, not knowing that he shouldn’t because he comes from a showbiz family. Chris was born in Delaware, U.S.A., then moved to the Philippines with his mother, leaving behind his dad. Chris misses his cousins, his aunt Louise, uncle Gilbert Galla (a doctor) in Delaware. But every once in a while, he visits them and spend a few days to have a good time. Chris is in the company of other Star Magic talents, Angelo Patrimonio, Enchong Dee, AJ Perez and a dozen more very promising young wannabes in “Abt Ur Luv,” a teen-oriented show that airs every Saturday, 5 p.m. right after “Let’s Go.” Who among them Chris believes would be his rival? “No one,” he says. “I like their individual style in acting. They are different from one another.” Chris admits he has crushes, but he’s concentrated on his studies and showbiz career. He’s also engrossed with sports, especially volleyball.
