Barbie Imperial joins Richard Gutierrez while filming in Italy

(From left) Barbie Imperial and Richard Gutierrez. Images: Facebook/Manila Restaurant

Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial have yet to directly address their relationship status, but they were again spotted together on what seemed to be an intimate lunch date at a Filipino restaurant in Italy.

The rumored sweethearts enjoying lunch in Italy and accommodated the restaurant’s staff requests for photos, as seen on the Facebook page of one Manila Restaurant in Rome, Italy.

“Thank you Mr Richard Gutierrez and Ms Barbie Imperial for your visit and a quick lunch here in Manila Restaurant,” the post read.

Gutierrez and Imperial also strolled around Italy and entertained photo requests from Filipino tourists, which were captured by one @tropangcharbie on Tiktok.

@tropangcharbie spotted #CharBie #RichardGutierrez #BarbieImperial #MarisRacal #AnthonyJennings ♬ Dilaw – Maki

Gutierrez is currently in Italy to film his upcoming action drama “Incognito,” which also stars Daniel Padilla, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kaila Estrada, and Ian Veneracion. Imperial is not part of the cast, but the recent sightings implied that she joined the actor in his trip.

The actors sparked dating rumors after they were first seen together at a gastropub in Alabang in January 2024. While their relationship was initially denied by showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, he then reported that they are “exclusively dating” four months later.

While Gutierrez and Imperial themselves haven’t addressed their relationship status, they were seen together on multiple occasions, including a getaway to South Korea, a workout date in an undisclosed gym, and the actress’ birthday party, among others.

The actor’s mother Annabelle Rama also caught the attention of netizens after expressing her lowkey approval of Imperial for her son, although she noted the woman as a certain “Barbie doll.”

Gutierrez tied the knot with estranged wife Sarah Lahbati in March 2020. However, Lahbati confirmed that they ended their relationship four years later, but have yet to process their annulment. They have two children named Kai and Zion.