Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial. ABS-CBN News
For the first time, Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial granted an exclusive interview and candidly set the record straight about their rumored relationship.
In early 2024, rumors about a budding romance between the two started to spread. Months after, sightings of the rumored celebrity couple together made rounds online. Imperial was even spotted in Korea with Gutierrez, where the actor was filming scenes for his action series "Incognito."
But the two still kept mum about everything.
Fast forward to 2026, Gutierrez and Imperial were cast to be part of ABS-CBN’s upcoming action drama series "Blood vs Duty."
Gerald Anderson, Richard Gutierrez lead action drama ‘Blood vs Duty’
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, the two expressed their excitement working together for the first time.
“Matagal na naming iniisip na what if magkatrabaho, eto na 'yun finally. Thanks to ABS-CBN ,we were given the opportunity to work together,” Gutierrez said.
He added, “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.”
And that means more time together for him and Imperial. To which she jokingly said, “Hindi na ko bibisita sa set ng ‘Incognito.’”
As the two started to open up about being together, Imperial clarified one thing: “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.”
Gutierrez affirmed her statement. “I agree from the beginning, ganun talaga. We wan’t to keep things private. Mas relaxed 'yung ganun, mas gusto namin 'yung ganun.”
With the words ‘we’s’ and ‘relationship’ in their statements, are they already confirming their relationship?
She said, “Sabi nga niya sa isang interview ni Tito Ogie (Diaz), what you see is what you get? Yeah, 'yun na 'yun.”
Training and preparations for their upcoming Kapamilya series have rolled out already and Imperial started her muay Thai training. She credited Gutierrez for guiding her in the middle of her physical and stunt training.
“He helps me with training; he even talks to the prod. Siya na yung manager ko,” said Imperial.
He added, “Ginaguide ko siya sa martial arts, sa cinematic moves, so we try to train together.”
"Blood vs Duty" will premiere this 2026.