WHY RICHARD GOMEZ DECIDED TO STEP BACK INTO ACTING

RICHARD GOMEZ COULDN'T HELP BUT TURN EMOTIONAL when he saw the showbiz press at the grand mediacon for his acting comeback, "Salvageland," an action thriller helmed by Lino S. Cayetano.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

The '90s matinee idol (right) is seen with director Lino (center) and co-star Elijah Canlas on the set of the film. Richard plays a retiring policeman whose son, portrayed by Elijah, is following in his footsteps. Richard, direk Lino and Elijah with other cast members of the upcoming movie -- Mon Confiado, Cindy Miranda and Angela Morena -- during a grand mediacon. -PHOTOS FROM REIN ENTERTAINMENT AND VIVA FILMS' SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES

(REIN ENTERTAINMENT VIVA FILMS' SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES)

"I really missed you all. I got teary-eyed. I've been an actor for such a long time," Richard told the press.

It was a warm feeling for the veteran actor-turned-politician to return to his "home turf," as he put it.

"I've worked with you guys for a long time. And seeing you guys again, it's wonderful."

What led him to say yes to "Salvageland" was the impressive script material. "Even before, when I was very active in movies, the movies I did were very script-based. When this script came, I said, 'This is really good.' I checked my schedule, tamang-tama ang gulo-gulo sa (the timing was right as it was so chaotic in) Congress. So I said, 'Out muna ako diyan (I'll stay out of that) and work on this first."

It was also a new experience for Richard to work with direk Lino, as well as with the rest of the cast, including Elijah Canlas who plays his son in "Salvageland."

"It's a good opportunity for me to work with a new set of actors, crew and director."