Sarah Lahbati. Images: Instagram/@sarahlahbati, Screengrab from YouTube/Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update
Sarah Lahbati piqued the attention of netizens after she was spotted with a mystery man in Hong Kong, weeks after she confirmed her split with estranged husband Richard Gutierrez.
Lahbati was seen dining out with a mysterious man at a restaurant in Hong Kong, as revealed by talent manager and showbiz insider Ogie Diaz in an episode of his Showbiz Updates vlog on Sunday, March 31.
“May nagpasa lang ng mga litrato sa’kin ng sightings ng isang kababayan na sobrang avid viewer… nakasabay daw niya sa restaurant sa Hong Kong si Sarah Lahbati,” he said while citing an anonymous source. “Nasa kabilang table si Sarah at merong kasamang lalaki si Sarah.”
(An avid viewer just sent these photos to us. This person saw Sarah Lahbati at the opposite table with someone at a restaurant in Hong Kong.)
When asked by his co-host Loi Villarama if the mystery man is Lahbati’s new boyfriend or suitor, Diaz admitted that he has no idea as well. He also shared that the anonymous source was too shy to approach Lahbati for a photo.
“Hindi natin alam kung manliligaw ba talaga o kamag-anak ni Sarah. Kasi parang natapunan daw ng something ‘yung lalaki, pinunasan daw ni Sarah,” he said.
(We don’t know if the mysterious man is Sarah’s suitor or relative because the guy spilled something on himself, and she wiped it off.)
“Dito sa Hong Kong, tinanong ko ‘yung source ko kung kasama ba ‘yung mga anak. Ay hindi po, sila lang (I asked my source if Sarah was with her children in Hong Kong. They said no, they were alone),” said Diaz.
Villarama then noted the relationship speculations hounding Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial, as the estranged partners had already parted ways. Diaz, however, clarified that he would rather wait for Lahbati and Gutierrez to speak up about her relationship status.
Lahbati confirmed her split from Gutierrez on the sidelines of an event in an exclusive interview with entertainment reporter MJ Felipe last March.
The estranged partners tied the knot in 2020. They have two children together, Kai and Zion.