It's Leo season and no other Filipino celebrity welcomes it as fiercely as Barbie Imperial, who does an annual appreciation post for her lion-spirited zodiac sign.
Turning 26 on August 1, 2024, the Kapamilya actress held a birthday party with her nearest and dearest.
As customary to her previous name-day celebrations, she wore a fiery red dress that accentuated her figure.
It features a tube neckline with skirt covered in rose petals.
For her hair, she wore it in a half ponytail with a dainty red ribbon to tie it in place.
She greeted her guests: "Hi, everyone! As you know, sobrang may stage fright talaga ako so kinakabahan ako na lahat kayo nakatingin sa akin.
"But, I just wanted to thank everyone for coming kahit umuulan.
"Siyempre, my family and my friends, and my Star Magic family, and everyone else, thank you so much for being here.
"Ayun, sana ma-enjoy niyo yung party ko kasi siyempre para sa inyo rin to, di ba? So, yun, have fun and thank you for coming."
Read: Barbie Imperial is a proud kuripot; dreams of buying another house
RICHARD AND ANNABELLE ARE SPOTTED AMONG THE GUESTS
Among the attendees at Barbie's soirée are her rumored beau Richard Gutierrez, 40, and his mother, Annabelle Rama, 71.
They were spotted after Vina Morales — one of Barbie's closest celebrity friends, and also part of the guest list — posted subsequent Instagram stories that captured them in their seats.
In one of these videos, Richard can be seen sitting beside the birthday celebrant.
In another, Vina called for Annabelle's attention, who was seated in the same table as hers, complimenting her on how beautiful she looks.
Screenshots from these stories circulated on social media, leading to speculation that Richard and Barbie's rumored romance was being further confirmed by their public appearance together.
Adding to the speculations are the couple's presence at the wake of Alexa Gutierrez, wife of Richard's brother, Elvis Gutierrez.
Over time, Barbie has learned to ignore the negative chatter and not let them get to her.
She addressed this a few weeks before her birthday, on July 17, 2024, during the media conference for How To Slay A Nepo Baby.
"Parang lahat ng nakikita, kahit isang anggulo lang, puro negative," she said.
"Actually, kapag nagbukas ka ng social media, parang kahit ang ganda ng ginawa nung tao sa isang bagay, may negative pa rin talaga.
"So, I think yung secret talaga, maging positive ka, as long as alam mo sa sarili mo na wala kang ginagawang masama. Hayaan mo silang magsalita.
"Basta ang focus ko lang talaga, magtrabaho at siyempre, maibigay ko yung mga pangangailangan ng mom ko."
Read: Barbie Imperial's comment on Sarah Lahbati's post resurfaces
BARBIE DENIES PREGNANCY RUMORS
On June 27, 2024, Barbie vehemently denied a Facebook page claiming she is pregnant.
According to the post, Barbie supposedly admitted to talk show host Boy Abunda that she is expecting and that Richard will be a "father."
The caption of the post read: "Barbie Imperial ADMITTED TO BEING PREGNANT for the First Time! Richard Gutierrez TO BE A FATHER!"
The graphic stated: "Barbie HAS ADMITTED!"
The page claimed Barbie told Boy Abunda, "Yes Tito Boy, RICHARD AND I ARE HAVING A BABY."
Barbie did not let this go unaddressed, resharing the post with the caption (published as is): "This page is posting lies and things that I never said. Please report.
"Report Showbizfinds
"Mga oragon patabang pls."
Read: Sarah Lahbati "no reaction" to Richard Gutierrez-Barbie Imperial sighting
RICHARD GUTIERREZ-BARBIE IMPERIAL LATEST SIGHTINGS
Richard and Barbie were last seen together in public on May 26, 2024, when they traveled to Myeong-dong, South Korea.
On that day, a netizen captured the two in photos that were immediately uploaded on Facebook.
The netizen's caption read: "Kayo na maglagay ng captions (laughing emoji)."
In the comments section, the netizen shared how she managed to take a selfie with Barbie but not with Richard because, according to the netizen, Barbie said they were not allowed to be photographed together.
The netizen wrote (published as is): "Gusto ko din Sana magpapic ky Boy.
"Sabi ni girl hindi daw pede mkita silang mgksama..( napaisip tuloy ko Kung ako lng b nkakilala sa knila )."
According to the netizen, Barbie was kind and even sparked a connection with her since they are both Bicolanas.
"Pro mabait si girl nkipag kwentuhan p konte sakin Sabi ko bicolana ang mama ko," the netizen added.
"Ksma din pla si mama nya ( anjan po si mama tinuro nya.) Marunong daw ko magbicol savi ko konte lng kz laking manila n ko. ."
Concluding the narrative, the netizen urged everyone to respect the stars' privacy: "(life nila yan kya we respect ung choice nila Lalo n s lovelife)
"As Public figures sila if they keep secret nila dpt hindi s public area...(if ayaw nila ky cristy at ogie)"
GYM BUDDIES?
Shortly after they were spotted in South Korea, Barbie's Instagram story became the next source of talk.
On May 27, 2024, the 25-year-old Pinoy Big Brother alum published a photo from her gym session, with a mysterious figure working out behind her.
The figure, which instantly gained traction for resembling Richard, left netizens wondering if that was the rumored couple's way of soft-launching their presumed romance.
READ MORE:
- Barbie Imperial denounces fake news about her being pregnant
- Sarah Lahbati holds One Piece-themed birthday party for Zion
- Sarah Lahbati responds to "Patron Saint of Waldas" tag with humor
- Did Barbie Imperial post gym photo with Richard Gutierrez?
- Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial spotted in South Korea