MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Richard Gutierrez is now free to take up TV projects outside GMA-7, after his exclusive contract with the network expired.
The contract, which made the 29-year-old actor an exclusive talent of GMA-7 for television, expired last May 28, the TV network said in a statement cited Wednesday by entertainment news site Philippine Entertainment Portal.
"As mutually agreed upon by both parties, Richard is now a freelance actor for television and still has a live contract with GMA Films," the statement from GMA-7 Corporate Communications consultant Butch Raquel read.
Being a freelance professional means Gutierrez can now star in television programs other than those aired by GMA-7, his home network of 11 years.
It was in January this year when Gutierrez's manager and mother, Annabelle Rama, first hinted that the actor was going freelance.
Last week, Gutierrez said he is going on a "long break" from showbiz after his contract expires. "Matagal na panahon akong hindi nakapagpahinga nang matagal... So now, I decided na it's the perfect time for me to take a vacation, take a long break, step back, assess myself and see where I want to be."
