We weren’t hiding’: Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial finally confirm relationship

Posted by ReyFort Media

Manila, Philippines — Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial finally confirmed that they are in a relationship. 

The couple, who are long-rumored to be dating, confirmed their relationship to ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe. They are set to co-star in ABS-CBN’s action drama “Blood vs. Duty,” with Gerald Anderson and Bela Padilla.

“Matagal na naming iniisip na what if magka-trabaho [kami], eto na ‘yun finally. Thanks to ABS-CBN, we were given the opportunity to work together,” Richard said. 

“It’s refreshing makikita rin kami ng audience together, on-screen. We really try to live privately, away from social media. But now we’re gonna be working together,” he added. 

Barbie said that working with Richard means more time together. 

“Hindi na ko bibisita sa set ng ‘Incognito,’” she jokingly said. 

The couple then opened up about their relationship. 

“Can I just say that we weren’t hiding. We just chose to have a private relationship talaga, ‘coz we know na ayaw namin ng, even I… What people don’t know they can’t ruin,” Barbie said. 

Richard fully agrees and added that they agreed from the very start to keep their relationship out of the public eye.

“I agree. From the beginning, ganun talaga. We want to keep things private. Mas relaxed ‘yung ganun, mas gusto namin ‘yung ganun (I agree. From the beginning, it was like that. We want to keep things private. That’s more relaxed, we prefer that),” Richard said.

Despite being spotted together numerous times and attending events side by side, Richard and Barbie have remained silent about the nature of their relationship.

Reports of their relationship first surfaced in 2024 after they were spotted together at a gastropub. (J.M. Severo/Phistar)