Richard Gomez to stay in showbiz despite political plans

"Yes, I'm running [for congress], tuloy na. Surveys showed na malakas ako sa tao and that's very encouraging. The people there really want change. They're not happy with what's happening now."

This is how Richard Gomez explained his motivation for running as representative of the fourth district of Leyte.

It can be recalled that Gomez ran for---and lost---a senatorial post in 2007. He admits it was a learning experience that will be with him "forever."

"I learned a lot from that. That time...nangangapa pa ako. Mahirap pero in the end, hindi ako umatras. It's easy to give up but, you know, I really wanted to serve.

"Ang pulitika naman, hindi dapat seasonal. You just don't go about convincing people that you can [serve]---you go out there and show them. [You] do the hard work."

According to Gomez, choosing Leyte as a jump-off point to serve the country is a no-brainer.

"My wife is from the place and I'm an [adopted] son of the place as well. And as I said, people there are really supportive of me, so really, I'm just doing this from that viewpoint.

"The truth of the matter is, kapag nabigyan ka ng chance makagawa ng public service, ang sarap ng feeling na nakikita mo na nakakatulong ka sa ibang tao..."

His concerned fans, however, got worried about their idol leaving behind a flourishing showbiz career for politics.

The actor said they have nothing to fear.

"I won't leave showbiz. I actually got a new manager (Wyngard Tracy). But if ever...kung sakaling palarin tayo [in politics], I will just have to manage my time better.

"Hindi biro itong pinasok ko, so I might not be as active [in my showbiz commitments]. But I am definitely not retiring. Not yet," said he smiling.

As to his hosting the TV game show, "Family Feud," Gomez assures that he will continue to do the show but that he "might take a leave of absence" during the campaign period.

"I will be out 45 days before election, so what we're thinking is having Lucy (Torres, his wife) to replace me as host. Kayang-kaya naman ni Lucy 'yon."