Sarah Lahbati: Relationship with Richard is deeper, stronger

MANILA, Philippines – Sarah Lahbati says she finds it awkward whenever she is asked if she and boyfriend Richard Gutierrez  are planning to settle down.

 

But the actress admits her relationship with the actor has gotten “deeper,” especially after the ordeal she had to go through last year, after her falling out with home network GMA-7. Her conflict with the network has since been resolved. Sarah has also returned to acting via the upcoming made-for-TV movie titled “More Than Words,” which will air on TV5 on May 11 for Mother's Day.

 

“Of course, iba na yung level ng relationship namin. It got deeper. Syempre, kapag marami ka ng napagdaanan with him, mas lalong tumitibay at lumalalim yung relasyon ninyo,” Sarah told members of the press during the last taping day of  â€œMore Than Words” on Monday, April 14.

 

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She added, “Tingin namin kahit anong mangyari o mapagdaanan namin sa next na panahon, kakayanin namin.”

 

Sarah and Richard have been in a relationship since 2012 after working together in the GMA-7 soap opera “Makapiling Kang Muli.”

 

But the Kapuso actress turned coy when asked if she and the 30-year-old actor are tying the knot soon. “Syempre, wala naman kaming ibang gusto kung hindi tumagal kami,” she said.

 

Asked if they're already talking about marriage, Sarah said: “Like I said, wala kaming ibang gusto kung hindi tumagal ang relationship namin.”

 

“As of now, walang problema. Sobrang steady ng relationship namin.”

 

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Sarah admits she is close with Richard's family. “I'm thankful that they treat me as family. Masaya, masaya silang kasama kasi only child ako. Kumbaga, iba kapag kasama ko sila dahil ang dami-dami nila,” the actress said, adding she's particularly close to Lorraine and Venice, the two daughters of Richard's sister Ruffa Gutierrez.

 

Now that she has returned to show business, Sarah said Richard does not restrict her when it comes to work. 

 

“Hindi siya nangingialam because hindi rin ako nangingialam sa kanya,” she said.

 

Sarah also explained, “As long as the project is nice, maganda yung storya, I will do it for the craft. As long as maganda yung role, gagawin ko siya.”