MANILA, Philippines — After two years of persistent rumors and “spotted” sightings, Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial have finally officially confirmed that they are a couple.
The high-profile pair went public during an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Monday, January 19, while promoting their upcoming action-drama series, Blood vs Duty. Addressing the long-standing speculation, Imperial clarified that they were never exactly “hiding” their romance; rather, they were simply protecting it.
“We just chose to have a private relationship talaga, because we know na… what people don’t know, they can’t ruin,” the actress explained.
A Low-Key Romance Richard Gutierrez echoed his partner’s sentiments, noting that a private setup has been more “relaxed” for both of them. While they have been seen together at gastropubs and public events as early as 2024, they had previously mastered the art of dodging questions about their status.
The timing of the reveal coincides with their first major professional collaboration. In Blood vs Duty, the real-life couple will share the screen with a star-studded cast including Gerald Anderson, Bela Padilla, and Baron Geisler.
Moving Forward The confirmation marks a new chapter for Gutierrez, whose personal life has been a topic of intense public interest following his separation from Sarah Lahbati. By choosing to go public now, the couple seems ready to embrace their status while still maintaining the boundaries they’ve carefully built over the past two years.
As fans and colleagues offer their well-wishes, the industry is buzzing with anticipation for their on-screen chemistry, which is now backed by a very real-life connection.