After years of being away from his first home station, ABS-CBN, Richard Gomez, fondly called as “Goma,” is back to do a powerhouse drama series in the Kapamilya network. Known as one of the hottest matinee idols of his generation, Richard is also set to team up with his former on-and-off screen partner, Dawn Zulueta.
Exactly 20 years after their first movie together, Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, Richard and Dawn reignites their chemistry on-screen once more via the much-awaited primetime offering of ABS-CBN, Walang Hanggan. Perhaps, the new drama series will be like the 90’s all over again for Richard and Dawn for Walang Hanggan is said to be the small-screen version of their first remarkable movie together.
Although they were initially paired in a TV commercial, Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit was considered as Richard and Dawn’s official debut as a love team. The movie caused even more hype among the press when reports about the most-coveted hunk actor and the doe-eyed actress decided to make their on-screen romance into something real.
In an exclusive taped interview with KC Concepcion last October 30 in The Buzz, Richard admitted that he was drawn to Dawn’s upbeat persona and natural beauty. The actor later admitted that it was when they started shooting in Batanes that his friendship with Dawn started to turn into something more. Dawn, on the other hand, admitted she was excited to be paired up with one of the “hottest” matinee idol during that time.
Aside from being a dramatic actor, Richard’s popularity rose even more for his flair on comedic roles; his advocacy against the use of illegal drugs; his talent as a model; his strength as an athlete; his versatility as a host, and a director as well.
Young as they were, Richard also recalled how hard it was to have a relationship that was so public back then. This was one of the reasons why his more than three-year relationship with Dawn eventually fell apart.
“Tapos na itong relationship na ito. Dumating yung argument, disagreements,” he said.
Learning from the disadvantages of being in a publicized relationship, Richard and Dawn eventually went their separate ways and opted for a hushed romance. In 1998, Richard ended up marrying model-turned-Leyte Congressman Lucy Torres, with whom he has a daughter, named Julianna. Meanwhile, Dawn decided to take a showbiz hiatus and married businessman Anton Lagdameo.
Having been married for 13 years, Richard and Lucy’s marriage still is going strong. In an interview with Men’s Health Magazine January 2011 issue, Goma said that the secret to their marriage’s longevity is “an open line of communication.”
“There’s nothing we don’t talk about. What’s nice about us is that she’s not selosa; ako naman hindi seloso. The problem is when you’re a couple and the other one is medyo seloso or selosa, nagkakaroon ng limitations ‘yung kwentuhan niyo.”
In the same interview with KC, Richard mused about how lucky he is to have a supportive wife like Lucy. The actor revealed that his wife was a fan of the Richard and Dawn tandem, especially in Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit. In fact, Dawn added that she even got a text from Lucy saying how excited the latter was that she and Richard will “do this team up again.”
Even if Richard started raising his own family and have moved on with his life, it is good to know that his friendship with Dawn have remained through time. In the same interview, Richard shared that when he learned there was a going to be a project with Dawn, he said “Yes” right away. Although certain agreements with the management still had to be made at that time, Richard was elated when the project pushed through.
During his contract signing with ABS-CBN last October, Richard humbly tagged himself as “the prodigal” son who has returned to his Kapamilyas. The actor, however, made clear in a recent report from the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) also last month that the contract was not exclusive and was only for Walang Hanggan. Richard is also currently engaged in hosting The Biggest Game-Asia and Talentadong Pinoy under TV 5.
Directed by Jerome Pobocan, Walang Hanggan, boasts of a powerhouse cast that includes promising actors of todays generation like Julia Montes, Coco Martin, Melissa Ricks, and Joem Bascon. Missed veteran actresses like Rita Avila, Helen Gamboa, and Susan Roces are also back in the limelight.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE Nov 4-10, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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