Raymond Gutierrez, who has spent a significant portion of his life in the spotlight, has now switched gears.
While taking a break from TV, Mond has ventured into event production.
Recently, he put together the grand opening of a South Korean luxury eyewear brand, Gentle Monster's first store in the Philippines.
The event was held on October 16, 2023, at Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
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During the event's black-carpet interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and the press, Mond openly recognized that this was a major milestone in his career as an event organizer.
He said, "So medyo matagal na rin ako nagpapahinga from TV. At ito ang pinagkakaabalahan ko ngayon.
"I produce different events for different brands. And today, we're celebrating the launch of Gentle Monster, which is this amazing Korean brand.
"At ito yung first store nila dito sa Pilipinas.
"So nung sinabi nila na kung puwede rin ako yung mag-produce, of course, nag-yes kaagad ako."
Mond later added, "You know, I'm very proud of all the events that I do. And I'm very also selective with the brands that I work with.
"And this is one of the brands that I've been a fan of ever since. So talagang when I travel, I buy sunglasses from them.
"So the fact that it's here in the Philippines and they chose me to produce the event It's a very proud moment for myself."
RAYMOND GUTIERREZ: EVENTOLOGIST
Expressing his gratitude to his dedicated team, the TV host said, "I've been doing events for almost 10 years now.
"Medyo under the radar lang, pero now, I guess, everyone's starting to pick it up and take notice.
"So I'm very happy that people are taking notice of the effort and the hard work.
"Again, it's not easy producing events. It takes a lot of coordination, a lot of logistics, a lot of planning.
"So I'm very grateful also to the team that I work with. I'm surrounded by a hardworking team."
THE OPULENCE BALL
Again, Mond is organizing the Opulence Ball this, which was first launched in 2019 with the theme "Let Them Eat Cake."
After a nearly four-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returns this year with "mythology" as theme.
It will be held on October 31, 2023, at an events place in BGC.
Mond said, "Actually, I'm producing the Opulence Ball, which happens on Halloween.
"So yung last ball ko was noong 2019, and ngayon yung major comeback namin.
"Nagpahinga kami ng three years because of the pandemic."
About Mond's choice of mythology theme for the Halloween party, he explained, "I want my Halloween party to still be very beautiful. Yung Halloween event ko naman is hindi scary.
"So I still want everyone to look their best, feel their best.
"Really, you know, it's a form of creativity. I want all my guests to challenge themselves. And really see how they can take the theme and dress uniquely.
"So I'm excited to see everyone's costumes."
Aside from the Halloween ball's highly anticipated return, the event holds an extra significance for Mond because his family, especially his mother Anabelle Rama, will be present.
Anabelle is also celebrating her 71st birthday on the same day.
Mond remarked, "It coincides with my mom's birthday. So actually invited yung buong pamilya. My mom and my dad will be there to support me.
"And talagang, you know, throwing events, it's not easy. So nakita nila yung hard work na ginawa ko for my Halloween party so they're very proud."
When asked about his Halloween costume, Mond said he has three options in mind.
"Actually, I have three na pinaghahandaan and I'm actually fitting them this week. So let's see which one I'm gonna choose."
CELEBRITIES SPOTTED
Meanwhile, at the grand opening of Gentle Monster's inaugural store in the Philippines, numerous celebrities were in attendance.
South Korean heartthrob Ahn Hyo Seop, Anne Curtis-Smith, Solenn Heussaff, Liza Soberano, James Reid, Megan Young, Kylie Verzosa, Liz Uy, and many more were spotted.
Check out their photos below:
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