Barbie Imperial reflects on priorities amid romance with Richard Gutierrez

MANILA, Philippines - A few days after Richard Gutierrez had addressed speculations about his new relationship with Barbie Imperial, the actress posted a reflective message on Instagram about focusing on what truly matters in life.

In her now-expired post, Imperial urged her followers to avoid getting bogged down in trivial matters “We’re living for things that don’t matter. So to be counter-culture, you’ve got to focus not on what’s current but what’s eternal. When you live in the light of eternity, you realize that the small things you’re worrying about don’t matter in eternity,” she said, advising people to choose everlasting principles above transient problems.

The post came amid rumors about Imperial and Gutierrez's relationship, which began after they were sighted together at an Alabang gastropub, followed by travels and behind-the-scenes hangouts for Gutierrez's series Incognito. Rumors grew following Gutierrez's separation from his former wife, Sarah Lahbati, which was marred by claims of overlapping timeframes.

In a sit-down interview with Ogie Diaz, Gutierrez denied claims that Imperial was a third party in his marriage. "Barbie had nothing to do with my separation from Sarah," he clarified. Gutierrez also praised Imperial, describing her as "real, caring, and genuine." According to him, her authenticity is what makes her stand out.

As followers follow their journey, the pair's exchanges and words reveal a profound connection, even though their relationship is still unofficial.