Daily TribuneIn a heartfelt conversation with Ogie Diaz, Barbie opened up about her relationship with Richard Gutierrez, her evolving outlook on love, and the lessons she continues to learn along the way.
BARBIE Imperial
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BARBIE IMPERIAL/IG
BARBIE Imperial
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BARBIE IMPERIAL/IG
BARBIE Imperial
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BARBIE IMPERIAL/IG
In an industry where romance is often measured by timelines and expectations, Barbie Imperial is choosing to slow down.
Instead of rushing toward promises and predictions, she is learning to live in the present — guided by faith, reflection and personal growth.
In a heartfelt conversation with Ogie Diaz, Barbie opened up about her relationship with Richard Gutierrez, her evolving outlook on love, and the lessons she continues to learn along the way.
“I’ll be honest,” she said. “I don’t like getting ahead of myself.”
She admitted that in the past, she used to answer questions about “forever” too easily.
“Whenever I was asked before if I could see a future, I always said yes,” she shared. “But none of those relationships lasted.”
Choosing faith over certainty
For Barbie, love is no longer about making guarantees. It is about trusting God’s timing.
“I don’t like talking about the future,” she explained. “If God gives it, then that’s okay. If He doesn’t, that’s also okay.”
What matters most to her now is personal transformation.
“What’s most important to me is how much I’ve grown,” she said. “I’ve really matured in the way I make decisions in life.”
Years in the spotlight have taught her to be more careful with her emotions.
“I’ve learned not to act on my feelings right away,” she added. “It’s more important to know yourself first.”
Learning when to be silent
One of the biggest changes Barbie noticed in herself is learning how to pause — especially during disagreements.
“Before, when I knew I was right, that was enough reason for me to defend myself,” she recalled. “Now, I think first before I speak.”
For her, this shift represents real maturity.
“That’s where I saw my real growth,” she said. “Not everything needs to be fought over immediately.”
Bridging two worlds
Despite their age difference, Barbie believes she and Richard balance each other through understanding and humor.
“He knows so many things because he’s already 42,” she laughed. “I’m 27, full of Gen Z ideas. Sometimes I’m so noisy that he just laughs at me.”
Still, she emphasized that respect keeps them grounded.
“We don’t clash when it comes to ideas,” she said. “We talk things through. We work on them together.”
Setting the record straight
Barbie also addressed rumors linking her to Richard’s separation from Sarah Lahbati — claims she firmly denied.
“Whatever the reason for their separation was, it wasn’t me,” she stated. “God knows that, and so do the people who know us.”
She stressed that she entered Richard’s life only after his marriage had ended.
“They were already completely separated then,” she clarified. “They were living in different houses, living separate lives.”
Respect, she said, is non-negotiable — especially when children are involved.
“They have children, and I respect that,” she shared. “I would never destroy someone else’s family.”
With quiet confidence, she added:
“If I had taken him from her, you would definitely hear something from Sarah.”
Keeping relationships private
Beyond romance, Barbie revealed that she has built a good relationship with Richard’s family and children.
“I get along well with his family,” she said. “And I’m grateful for that.”
For her, peace behind closed doors matters more than public approval.
“Respect is more important than noise,” she noted. “You don’t have to show everything.”
From speculation to stability
After months of rumors and public sightings, Barbie and Richard eventually confirmed their relationship. They are now working together in Blood vs Duty.
Despite increased attention, Barbie remains grounded.
“I don’t want to live according to other people’s expectations anymore,” she admitted. “I want to live quietly and truthfully.”
Loving without pressure
Today, Barbie is no longer chasing fairy-tale endings. She is choosing something deeper: faith, self-awareness, and emotional balance.
“Wherever time takes us, I will accept it,” she said. “What matters is that I’ve become a better person.”
In a world that demands certainty, Barbie Imperial is choosing courage — the courage to trust God, to grow quietly, and to love without forcing the future.
Just honesty, healing, and the freedom to become her best self — one day at a time.
