Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial. Image: Instagram/@richardgutz, @msbarbieimperial
Now that Richard Gutierrez has made an admission (sort of) that he and Barbie Imperial are dating, it’s about time that we trace back their budding romance, and recall what has been said and done so far to know the real score between them.
“What you see is what you get,” said the actor during a one-on-one interview with showbiz insider Ogie Diaz. This marked the first time that Gutierrez address romance rumors hounding him and Imperial, fueled by their frequent sightings together since early last year.
Article continues after this advertisementWhile the pair’s relationship was quite unexpected for some, Gutierrez credits the actress’ “genuineness” to what drew him to her. The actor also expressed his intent to protect the”Batang Quiapo” star from third party allegations thrown against her.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Sofronio Vasquez signs with Republic Records after ‘The Voice USA’ win ENTERTAINMENT SB19, BINI dominate 10th Wish Music Awards; Ogie Alcasid receives tribute ENTERTAINMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial’s blossoming romanceThe allegations apparently stemmed from the timing of Gutierrez and Imperial’s first sighting in January 2024, which came when the actor and his estranged wife Sarah Lahbati had yet to confirm their separation to the public.
@yourworstnightmar12♬ original sound – yourworstnightmareAt the time, Gutierrez and Imperial were seen huddling close together at a gastropub in Alabang, Muntinlupa, which was later revealed to be a pub business where they are co-owners.
Article continues after this advertisementJust a few days after the sighting, Gutierrez and Lahbati unfollowed each other on Instagram, which was an indirect confirmation for showbiz observers of the longtime couple’s falling-out.
Article continues after this advertisementA source close to Gutierrez then clarified to showbiz insider Ogie Diaz that the actor and Imperial have no romantic relationship at the time. The source supposedly said that Imperial, who is a shareholder of the pub, had to entertain Gutierrez as a visitor of the bar.
The unnamed insider further claimed that Gutierrez was still sad over his marriage with Lahbati being on the rocks, but that the actor did not want to sulk over it.
Article continues after this advertisementMonths had passed and the rumored pair did not publicly speak about their then-budding romance. Lahbati then confirmed their separation in March last year. When asked about the two, Lahbati appeared “unconcerned” and opted not to comment.
The following May, Gutierrez and Imperial were yet again seen together, that time enjoying a South Korea trip. The pair even interacted with fans and were game to pose for photos with them.
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Cathy Yang
While still not issuing a dating confirmation, Imperial appeared to have soft-launched the actor on her Instagram in the same month. The actress shared a gym photo, seen in the background is a mystery man who has a striking resemblance to Gutierrez.
In separate advisories, Shell Pilipinas and Seaoil said the per-liter price of diesel would go up by P2.70, The per-liter prices of gasoline and kerosene would also be more expensive by P2.65 and P2.60, respectively.
Government debt in these countries, which are home to around 40 percent of the world’s population, now stands at an average of 72 percent of GDP – an 18-year high – the Washington-based development lender said.
Did Barbie Imperial soft launch Richard Gutierrez on Instagram? | Images: Instagram/@msbarbieimperial, @richardgutz
Diaz chimed in once again, citing a reliable source who confirmed that the pair has been “exclusively dating.”
Not long after, Gutierrez’s mom, Annabelle Rama, seemingly gave a low-key seal of approval to a certain “Barbie doll.”
Along with these speculations, “lies” about Imperial’s supposed pregnancy with Gutierrez’s child arose. The actress sternly belied these.
In August, Imperial celebrated her 26th birthday party in a party where Gutierrez and Rama were among the guests.
Richard Gutierrez and mom Annabelle Rama at Barbie Imperial’s birthday party | Photo: Instagram/@vina_morales
The following month, the actress then expressed her support to the 40-year-old actor by accompanying him in Italy where he filmed for his TV series “Incognito.”
A year after their first sighting, Gutierrez had an interview with Diaz, in which the actor finally made a confirmation—albeit indirect—of his relationship with Imperial.
(From left) Barbie Imperial and Richard Gutierrez. Images: Facebook/Manila Restaurant
bigwin888 slot“Ang gusto ko lang i-clarify sa mga tao is that, si Barbie walang kinalaman sa paghihiwalay namin ni Sarah (Lahbati). Hindi sya third-party, hindi nag-overlap. Kasi maraming mga tao, mga bashers nagsasabi sya ang dahilan. Wala siyang kinalaman, Nung nakilala ko si Barbie, matagal na kaming nagkahiwalay ng landas ni Sarah,” he said in her defense.
(I just want to clarify to all that Barbie has nothing to do with my split with Sarah. Barbie is not a third-party, she did not overlap. There are many people, bashers who would blame her, but she has nothing to do with my separation. When I met Barbie, Sarah and I have long parted ways.)
Gutierrez eventually admitted that it was in that pub event where they were first photographed together where he began to see Imperial in a new light, and their relationship deepened further as he too became one of the part owners of the pub.
“Kumabaga, doon kami pinagkilala. Lumalabs kaming dalawa, naghahang out kami or with other partners. Masaya syang kasama, enjoy kaming dalawa. Dun na nagsimula,” he said.
(In other words, that’s where we first met. So we would go out, or hang out with friends or our business partners. She’s fun to be with, we enjoy each other’s company. It started there.”
The actor also sang praises for the younger artist, who he said is a “genuine person”.
“Si Barbie kasi totoong tao, mabuting tao, maalaga. Makikita mo na genuine ‘yung intentions niya, genuine ‘yung pagkatao niya,” he said. “Bilang lalaki, kailangan ko siyang protektahan.”
(Barbie is a genuine person, a kind and caring person. You can see that her intentions are genuine, even her personality… As a man, I need to protect her.)
Asked about what he learned about relationships, he said honesty and loyalty are two of the most important, along side having an open communication with one’s partner.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“Pagdating sa pagmamahal, kung meron mang problema or merong nararamdaman na hindi maayos, huwag nyo nang patagalin. Mag usap na kayo kaagad, diba. At kung meron mang problema na kaya pang ayusin, ayusin agad. Huwag nang palalain, huwag nang palakihin. And for me, kung magmamahal ka ng isang tao, itodo mo na, para kahit anong mangyari, alam mo sa sarili mo na ibinigay mo ang lahat ng kaya mo sa tao na iyon, and you tried everything,” he said.
(When it comes to love, if there is any difficulty between you, you need to iron out right away. Talk it out with your partner, and strive to not make it worse. As for medc188, if you would love somebody, give it your all. So that when something happens, you know in your heart that you gave it your all and tried your best to make it work.)
READ NEXT Kim Min-hee expected to give birth to Hong Sang-soo’s ch... SB19, BINI dominate 10th Wish Music Awards; Ogie Alcasid recei... EDITORS' PICK NBA: Rookie Kel’el Ware scores 25, Heat cruise past Spurs How to curate a special Chinese New Year menu SB19, BINI dominate 10th Wish Music Awards; Ogie Alcasid receives tribute On last full day as president, Biden urges Americans to ‘keep the faith’ Manila Water’s Lakbayan program boosts water education TikTok restores service in US, thanking Trump MOST READ Sandigan finds former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista guilty of graft Chavit Singson retires after withdrawing Senate bid for health reasons Darryl Yap bares Pepsi Paloma's close bond with Charito Solis Chinese engineer, 2 Filipinos nabbed for espionage targeting PH security Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments
