In an industry where celebrity relationships are often rushed toward labels and forever, Barbie Imperial is choosing a different path—one defined by patience, honesty, and quiet self-reflection.
In a candid conversation with talent manager Ogie Diaz, the actress opened up about her relationship with Richard Gutierrez, addressing questions about their future, personal growth, and the controversies that have followed their romance.
Rather than offering rehearsed answers, Barbie spoke from lived experience.
“Ito magiging honest ako, tito. Ayoko kasing pangunahan talaga,” she said.
“Every time na na-ask ako before kung nakikita ko yung future, sinasabi ko oo—pero wala naman sila ngayon.”
For Barbie, love is no longer about forecasts or promises. It is about faith, timing, and allowing life to unfold on its own.
“Ayokong magsalita tungkol sa future,” she explained.
“If ibibigay siya ni God, then okay. If hindi, then okay.”
What matters most to her now is not certainty, but growth.
“Ang pinakaimportante is grabe yung growth ko with Richard,” she shared.
“Parang nag-mature talaga ako sa mga desisyon ko sa buhay.”
After years in the public eye and several high-profile relationships, Barbie admits she has learned to guard both her heart and her expectations.
“Natuto na akong hindi mauna sa emosyon,” she added.
“Mas mahalaga na kilala mo muna ang sarili mo.”
One of the biggest changes she credits to her current relationship is learning restraint—especially during moments of conflict.
“Dati, kapag alam kong tama ako, enough na yun para ipagtanggol ang sarili ko,” she recalled.
“Ngayon, natutunan ko na kailangan pag-isipan muna ang sasabihin at gagawin.”
She describes this shift as one of her most important personal breakthroughs.
Despite their age gap, Barbie believes she and Richard meet each other halfway—often with humor.
“Ang dami niyang alam kasi 42 na siya,” she laughed.
“Ako naman 27, puro Gen Z ideas. Minsan tawang-tawa siya kasi sobrang ingay ko.”
Behind the jokes, however, is mutual respect.
“Hindi kami nagbabanggaan ng ideas,” she explained.
“Pinag-uusapan namin. Pinagtutulungan namin.”
Barbie also addressed persistent rumors linking her to Richard’s separation from Sarah Lahbati—claims she firmly denies.
“Kung ano man ang rason ng hiwalayan nila, hindi po ako ‘yun, tito,” she said.
“Alam ng Diyos, at alam ng mga nakakakilala sa amin.”
She clarified that she entered Richard’s life only after his marriage had already ended.
“Separate na talaga sila noon,” she said.
“Hiwa-hiwalay na ang bahay, hiwa-hiwalay na ang buhay.”
Barbie emphasized that she is mindful of boundaries, especially when children are involved.
“May mga anak sila. Iginagalang ko ‘yon,” she said.
“Hindi ko kailanman sisirain ang pamilya ng iba.”
With quiet confidence, she added,
“Kung inagaw ko siya, sigurado may maririnig kayo mula kay Sarah. Babae rin siya.”
Beyond romance, Barbie shared that she has built a warm relationship with Richard’s family and children—something she considers deeply important.
“Maayos ang samahan namin ng pamilya niya,” she said.
“At nagpapasalamat ako doon.”
For her, harmony behind the scenes matters far more than public validation.
“Mas mahalaga ang respeto kaysa ingay,” she added.
“Hindi lahat kailangang ipakita.”
Barbie and Richard first met through mutual friends and were later spotted together abroad, sparking months of speculation. They confirmed their relationship only recently and are now set to work together in the upcoming series Blood vs Duty.
Despite the spotlight, Barbie remains grounded.
“Ayoko nang mabuhay para sa expectations ng iba,” she admitted.
“Gusto ko nang mabuhay nang tahimik at totoo.”
At this stage in her life, Barbie is no longer chasing fairy-tale endings. Instead, she is choosing something steadier: emotional growth, faith, and self-awareness.
“Kung saan man kami dalhin ng panahon, tatanggapin ko,” she said.
“Basta alam ko, mas naging mabuting tao ako.”
Barbie Imperial is embracing uncertainty—with grace.