Amid ongoing speculation about the budding romance between Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial, eagle-eyed netizens are searching for clues that might link back to their possible first encounter.
In doing so, they managed to dig a connection dating back to Richard and estranged wife Sarah Lahbati's intimate civil wedding at the Taguig City Satellite Office in 2020.
Read: Sarah Lahbati "no reaction" to Richard Gutierrez-Barbie Imperial sighting
BARBIE CONGRATULATES SARAH
In a post published by Sarah on Instagram on March 14, 2020, she released some snaps from the ceremony.
At the time, public gatherings were strictly discouraged due to the early, unfamiliar features of the COVID-19 virus, which put the world at a standstill for months.
The event came as a welcome surprise for several reasons: first, it was the day before the Metro Manila community quarantine began.
Second, it brought sentimental tears to the couple's friends and followers as the two finally tied the knot after being together since 2012.
Sarah's caption made the occasion even more heartwarming: "i have you. and it’s enough. it’s everything. Thank you, Lord for today. [red heart emoji]
"The big gathering to celebrate with all our loved ones, friends and colleagues will have to wait because we care more about everyone’s safety and health.
"Lord, heal the world... Let’s spread love and kindness."
An abundance of well wishes flocked to Sarah's post, with several of them from fellow celebrities like Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes, Angel Locsin, John Prats, Coleen Garcia, Carla Abellana, Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach, Kylie Verzosa, and Megan Young.
But, it was Barbie's comment that stood out with now almost 300 likes, and new replies under it.
The Star Magic actress' wrote: "Omg!!! Congrats ate Sarah! Best wishes [heart eyes emoji]"
In response, Sarah wrote back: "thank you, Barbie [hugging face emoji]."
Although nitpickers have invaded the comment section of Sarah's old post and made jokes about the unexpected interaction, many netizens also came to Barbie's defense.
They cited how her alleged relationship with Richard had nothing to do with her previous comment, which they said came from a genuine place of excitement for the union of Sarah and Richard.
Read: Barbie Imperial posts Bible verse about “truth”
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.
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