Chuck Gutierrez (Ulian–Senility) and Iza Calzado (Mga Munting Lihim—Those Little Secrets). The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

The first time I met Chuck Gutierrez was during Cinemalaya awards night at least 5 years ago. It seemed like he won an editing award nearly every year in Cinemalaya since then. Either that or he’d be involved in the Best Picture in one way or another.

Tria Bascon launched her album Wanderlust in Hard Rock Café. Voyage Studios produced her video, directed by Chuck Gutierrez. Photo by Jude Bautista

For the past couple of years I would bump into him in different events his production company Voyage Studios was covering. One was the album launch of Tria Bascon at Hard Rock Café among others. Chuck directed and produced her music video.

from left: Flor Salanga (Kamera Obskura) and Iza Calzado (Mga Munting Lihim). The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

His wife Baby Ruth would always be there, smiling. She’d do everything from checking the framing of a cameraman and shooting stills with her i-phone. There was something very subtle with her. You just knew they were happy to be around each other.

from left: Flor Salanga (Kamera Obskura) and Iza Calzado (Mga Munting Lihim). The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

They got married in 2011 but it seems like she knows him so well. After the Cinemalaya Presscon Chuck Personal Messaged me in facebook asking for his photo with Iza Calzado. Chuck and Ruth have Ulian in the Short film category while Iza stars in Joey Reyes’ Mga Munting Lihim in the Director’s showcase category. He explained to me that they’ve worked in the past as well in a TVC they shot. I told him how envious I was he got a warm hug from Iza.

Ulian team from right Baby Ruth Villarama Gutierrez and Chuck Gutierrez. The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then I stumbled on to a photo of Ruth during the press con just looking at Chuck. Without them having to talk, instantly she knew what Chuck needed at that moment. She knew him that well and knew what was going through his mind. Sometimes I suspect she knows what he needs more than he does. Chuck is a very lucky guy to have Ruth. Their personal and professional life is something I envy. Kaya na iingit ako kay Chuck.

Ulian team from right Baby Ruth Villarama Gutierrez and Chuck Gutierrez. The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP. Photo by Jude Bautista