RICHARD GOMEZ PROUD TO COMPETE IN SEA GAMES ALONGSIDE DAUGHTER JULIANA
MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gomez is set to share the international sporting stage with his daughter Juliana, as both have qualified to represent the Philippines in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The opening ceremony will happen today in Bangkok, Thailand and will be opened by the king of Thailand, Vajiralongkorn.
“Actually, nowadays, I’m very happy… because this is the first time a father and daughter — or father and son — will compete together in a major event like the SEA Games. Juliana qualified for fencing, while I qualified for shotgun (sporting clays) shooting,” the actor-politician and national athlete told The STAR and few other outlets ahead of the SEA Games opening, during a special screening for his comeback film, “Salvageland,” directed by Lino Cayetano.
When asked if this was indeed unprecedented for their family, he confirmed: “This is the first time. I’m very excited for the opening ceremony because I’ll be with my daughter, competing for our country.”
However, one important family member won’t be physically present during the Games. “Lucy won’t be there. She’ll be watching us on TV from Ormoc,” the now congressman Richard said of his wife, currently serving as Ormoc city mayor.
Richard, who previously participated in past SEA Games for fencing, further shared that he and Juliana trained separately abroad in preparation.
“Juliana was in Korea for two months. She trained there. She returned to the Philippines for two and a half weeks for the national team’s intensive training, then went back to Korea until the SEA Games. I was in France for a month training for shotgun shooting.”
Asked by The STAR if this was the path he always envisioned for his daughter, Richard said he never dictated her future.
“Actually, ‘yung career path ni Juliana, siya ‘yung gumawa nun. Ako naman, kung ano ‘yung endeavors niya sinusuportahan ko lang siya, pati si Lucy. When she entered college, I expected her to take Mass Communication because that’s what we talked about — but I was surprised when she took up Public Administration.”
Apparently, Juliana has also taken interest in this particular field that Richard ventured into after years of acting.
“Yes, Public Administration. When I asked why, she said she wanted to be part of what I’m doing because she saw how much I enjoy it. She said she wanted to learn public administration di ba my doctorate is in that field. I asked her if she wanted to enter politics or become a mayor, but she said, ‘Dad, don’t ask me that. I just enjoy being with you.’ She also enjoys being with Lucy,” he said.
But does he think Juliana is showing political interest?
Richard said it’s too early to tell. As for showbiz, he doesn’t really see her pursuing it.
“For showbiz… Juliana is really shy. But she truly enjoys sports, and I can see her dedication. I’m not pushing her toward politics. If she decides to enter politics someday, it’s up to her. If not, we’ll support whatever she chooses to do.”
Richard, likewise, couldn’t escape questions about Juliana’s love life.
“Parang naghiwalay na yata. Feeling ko, oo,” he said.
“Parang wala. Because when she came home from Korea, may umaaligid-ligid sa kanya, may dumadagit-dagit, may umiikot-ikot na ano… Minsan, may dalawang paikot-ikot… You know what, I don’t really ask questions when it comes to love life. Lucy is the one she talks to. I just observe. Maybe because I’m the dad.”
Asked if he was ready for the eventuality of Juliana settling down in the future, he admitted, “It crossed my mind because Juliana is now 25. When I married Lucy, she was only 23.”
What if Juliana suddenly decides to marry?
He quipped, “My God, when will she decide (to do so)? One day she might suddenly tell us, ‘Dad, I’m getting married,’ and we’d be shocked.”
Is he ready, just in case?
“Iyon nga ‘yung sabi ko na, nung pinakasalan ko si Lucy, she was only 23, si Juliana, 25. If you ask me, (I would advise her to give yourself more time. Discover yourself more. Maybe (marry when you are) around 30.”
As for the kind of partner he hopes she finds, Richard expressed, “As a father, I just hope that if Juliana gets a serious boyfriend, he will truly love her and never hurt her.”
His only requirement?
“Yes, that’s all — and that he takes care of her the way I’ve taken care of her mom.”
2025-12-08T16:39:53Z