Eddie Gutierrez hopes Maja, Kim will reconcile

MANILA, Philippines -- Referring to a recent controversy involving his co-stars in the drama series "Ina, Kapatid, Anak", Eddie Gutierrez said he hopes Maja Salvador and Kim Chiu will resolve their differences soon.

At the sidelines of the premiere screening of the romance film "Seduction" on Tuesday, the veteran actor, in jest, made a comment on the publicized rift between the two Star Magic talents.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nanonood ng 'Ina, Kapatid, Anak'. Manood lang kayo dahil marami pang mangyayari, [dahil] hindi lamang may awayin sa set, may awayin din sa labas ng set," he said, eliciting laughter from reporters.

When asked by ABS-CBN News for his thoughts on the tiff between the actresses, Gutierrez said, "Siyempre gusto mo magkabati na sila, 'di ba, para peace this coming year."

Early this month, Chiu expressed regret over her "wasted" friendship with Salvador, following reports of a blooming "relationship" between the "Thelma" actress and actor Gerald Anderson.

Chiu and Anderson broke up in 2010 amid controversies surrounding their relationship.

While Salvador has kept mum on her ties with Anderson, the "Budoy" star has expressed intentions to court the actress "if given a chance."

Meanwhile, Gutierrez -- who plays Salvador and Chiu's grandfather in "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" -- stressed that his villainous character in the series does not reflect his personality in real life.

"Medyo iba ang dating ko doon -- medyo matapang, pero sa totoong buhay, si Eddie Gutierrez, mabait naman at pang-romansa pa, pero ngayon si Annabelle (Rama, his wife) na lang ang ni-roromansa ko," he said, laughing.

Annabelle can win in 2013 elections

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran actor Eddie Gutierrez said he is supporting his wife Annabelle Rama’s decision to run as a representative of Cebu in the upcoming midterm elections in 2013.

In an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal during the pictorial of the newest ABS-CBN series “Ina Kapatid Anak,” Gutierrez admitted he was initially hesitant about Rama’s plan to venture into politics.

However, he said he saw with his own eyes how the Cebuanos were receptive to Rama every time they visit his wife’s district.

“This was never planned. Wala naman sa plano namin na she will run for congresswoman of Cebu. Pero itong mga nakaraang araw I was with her and I see that the masa of Cebu, they kind of like her. They reciprocate Annabelle’s being a Cebuana. They like her, parang ganun. Nag-e-enjoy sila sa kanya,” he said.

Gutierrez said this convinced him that Rama stands a chance in the elections. “Okay na sa akin. I think she has a chance,” he said.

Gutierrez said he believes that if Rama wins, she will certainly make use of her strong personality to do something for the underprivileged.

“Si Annabelle is a frank person and she is a strong person. I know that if she wins, she will do something for the poor people of her district,” he said.

“Sabi nila matapang, palaaway...marami. Pero, nowadays I don’t see any setback. Especially now, parang ganado siya eh,” he added.

Gutierrez said he and Rama have been going back and forth to Cebu recently.