It's going to be another busy Christmas for actor Richard Gutierrez, as he is promoting his upcoming movie "Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins" under Regal Entertainment for the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The last time Richard was part of the MMFF was in 2018 with the movie "Fantastica," starring the Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda.

"I am happy to be back, and it's going to be a busy Christmas. It's fun to go to the cinema, so I'm excited for this Christmas," said Richard during a media conference for "SRR" at Valencia Events Place in Quezon City recently.

Richard added, "I haven't done a horror film in a while. This is exciting because it has an action-oriented flavor. It's a story of survival. It's against all odds. Andun ang horror and jumpscare pero we added a touch of action. But it's a different action you've seen on Incognito and Iron Heart. It's like a raw action."

Now at 41, this charismatic leading man has carved out a remarkable niche in the entertainment industry, establishing himself as one of its most bankable stars. With his striking features and undeniable charm, he has captivated audiences and earned a reputation as a true talent powerhouse.

"It's been good to be part of the movie industry until now. I am happy with my career right now. I am happy with my life. But I am hungry for more projects so I can give more to the industry and the audience.

"We can always elevate the movie industry. It's a challenging time now to make good films and to encourage people to return to cinemas. I am going to do TV and movies," Richard said.

Richard said he is aware of the "SRR" story and its thread, although he hasn't seen the final cut. "I am aware of the storyline. Ang daming cast, so sometimes I get confused. But I am aware of the two other episodes."

The hunk actor loves horror films. They thrill him and send shivers down his spine. Among many projects he could choose from, "SRR" stood out as an exciting opportunity he could not pass up. It is a chilling project that attracted him with its strong appeal.

"I am a big fan of horror movies, especially recent ones made abroad. I've seen most of it. I've done several horror films, and I've always wanted to do it again. 'Shake, Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins' is perfect timing. It's a project I couldn't say no to," he said.

Richard also said he's excited to take his two kids, Kai and Zion, to watch a Filipino horror movie. "They've been asking a lot of questions about it. I took photos of myself with makeup and prosthetics. So they were curious how it was done. I'm excited to bring them to the cinemas this Christmas."

Asked if he had any ghost stories to share, Richard answered, "I have personal ghost stories. When we were kids, we had a place in Baguio. And there was a ghost. That's it!"

Richard also praised his co-star, Ivana Alawi, for being professional on the set.

"It's been great working with Ivana. She's down-to-earth and friendly. She's a professional on the set. Okay ang working relationship namin. She really wants to give her best in the scenes as well. Ganun din naman ako. She challenges herself for the better. Halos wala siyang double siya lahat sa action scenes. She worked hard in this movie," he said.

Richard also said Ivana poured her heart and soul into every moment of her scenes during the film's shoot.

"Ivana is attractive. But I'm professional. Parang tropa or kaibigan lang siya. (She's a friend.) When you work with someone, mas nakikilala mo ang tao. Wala talaga akong masamang masabi kay Ivana because mabait siya sa lahat. (I really have nothing bad to say about Ivana because she is kind to everyone.) She works hard.

"Walang reklamo kahit inumaga na kami sa set. (There were no complaints even though we were on set until the morning came.) She was giving her best. That sets a good example to all the young actors na kasama namin. So when you are working until early morning, I know these young actors were looking at us. So hats off to Ivana," said Richard.

As to the young actors, Richard said they were curious and asked questions. "At the same time, we were having fun. We have a light set. Sometimes I would see Dustin coming from another shoot and wala pang tulog. So I would inspire him with words. It's really part of our job."

Richard opened up about his collaborative work style, detailing how he engages with his directors in a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategies.

"I always tell my director to tell me if you need more or less or whatever you need. Just let me know. Minsan kasi may mga ganung director na nahihiya sa umpisa. (Sometimes, some directors are shy at first.)

"So from the start, sinasabi ko agad na umpisa pa lang na huwag nahihiya sa akin. (I tell them not to be ashamed.) I ask them to tell me whether I need another take or should do better. I always want to be challenged as an actor," he said.

Richard also unveiled an exciting prospect—he expressed a keen interest in stepping behind the camera to direct a captivating TV series or film, envisioning a world brought to life through his unique lens.

"Marami na rin nagsasabi sa akin na mag-direct na raw ako because they saw in me the passion and creativity. (Many people have been telling me that I should direct because they saw in me the passion and creativity.)"

"If the right project comes along, I will commit. I enjoy working with great directors, and as an actor, I have worked with many of them. It's always nice to work with them.

"But right now, I am in a position to work with good directors and learn from them. That's my mentality now," he said.

Richard mentioned that he always keeps learning as he continues to grow and evolve as an actor.

"I just watched 'Frankenstein.' And oh my goodness! We have so many things to do. I have many dream projects. May mga direktor pa ako na gustong makatrabaho. May mga projects na gustong gawin. (I still have directors I want to work with. There are projects I want to do.)"

"What's good about being an actor is that you never stop learning. You are always a student, constantly evolving. You want to be creative. So that's constant evolution. I want to give so many more.

"I have so much to look forward to. In 2026, I might be doing another project for ABS-CBN. It's in the planning stage now. After 'Shake, Rattle and Roll,' I'll be resting for a bit, and then I'll be starting a new project for ABS-CBN. There's another film for Regal as well," he said.

Richard expressed his wish for a short, rejuvenating getaway during the upcoming holiday season, yearning for a moment of tranquility before diving into the exciting challenges of a new project set to launch in 2026.

"This month, I will be busy promoting the movie. It's going to be until Christmas. So let's see after Christmas if I have the time to travel abroad. I'll take a few days off with the kids. But right now I am focused on the film. We hope to inspire others to return to the cinemas," he also said.