Sarah Lahbati
It was a curious coincidence that the recent launch of Sarah Lahbati’s new book—in which she talks about maintaining a positive outlook amid the challenges life presents—happened on the same day the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a P38.57 million tax-evasion case against the actress’ partner, Richard Gutierrez.
Even she seemed mildly amused. “I know! I’m ‘#blessed,’” she jested upon being asked about the issue, which she very well knew was coming.
But turning serious, Sarah said she was clueless about the matter, and was surprised when she heard the news. She had been working the whole day, she said, and had yet to talk to Richard.
Nonetheless, she promised “to always be there” for her partner, with whom she has a 4-year-old son, Zion.
“I know he’s going to get through this. He pays his taxes. He’s not doing anything wrong, so I don’t know why this is happening,” Sarah related in a pocket interview for “True Beauty: How to Glam Your Life Inside and Out” (VRJ Books). “I don’t want to be negative about it.”
According to the 23-year-old actress, she’s a naturally private person and would rather not share intimate details about her life with people. But seeing the curiosity of her fans in social media, she figured, “Why not?” And if Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez can come up with their own books, so can she.
“I had a cowriter, and we worked hard on it for six months. I was also closely involved in designing the book, from the pegs and photos, down to the fonts used,” she said.
In the book, Sarah wrote about her struggles growing up as a Filipino-Moroccan in Switzerland; of being bullied as a kid. She touched on her unexpected pregnancy, and opened up about how the death of a cousin had profoundly affected her.
“I discussed personal hardships and how I overcame them,” she said.
“But it’s not all serious stuff,” she added. “I also give tips about beauty, fashion and keeping a healthy lifestyle.”
If she could have her way, Sarah said she would love to have another child in the near future. But with Zion entering what she described as “a crucial stage” in his development, it was imperative for her to focus on him. “He’s my priority at the moment,” she said, adding that she was also planning on working more regularly in show biz.
“I worked on a horror movie (‘Ang Pagsanib Kay Lea dela Cruz’), with filmmakers Erik Matti and Katski Flores, and I’m excited about that,” said Sarah, who had no regrets about her acting career taking a back seat to motherhood. “I don’t think about it that way. My family comes first.”
As for wedding plans, there’s nothing concrete at the moment, Sarah admitted, but “we will get there.”
“We’re taking it one step at a time. I believe in marriage, and I want to do it for Zion and our parents,” she said.