Richard feels happy for girlfriend Sarah Lahbati, who has settled her legal dispute with GMA executive Annette Gozon-Abrogar.
Abrogar sued Sarah for libel after the actress accused the GMA exec of having "under the table" deals with another talent management company. The court has dismissed Sarah’s charges of perjury, libel and unjust vexation against Abrogar.
Finally, forgiveness
"Finally, they were able to forgive each other. At least ngayon, tapos na. So, masaya ako for both of them," Richard said during the press launch of his and his family's upcoming reality show "It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez," which will air on E! Channel middle of this year.
The settlement is a big relief for Sarah and Richard, who want to start anew this year.
"Matagal na rin kasi, balikan sa court, ang daming mga kaso. So much negative energy. And we just want to start the new year positive. Napag-usapan namin na kung pwedeng tapusin na ang problema, tapusin na. Para pareho kaming makapagtrabaho ng mapayapa," he said.
After taking a break from showbiz, Richard and Sarah are back doing separate projects. Richard recently finished a movie with GMA, while Sarah is working on projects with TV5 and GMA.
Marriage issue
Marriage doesn't seem to be their main priority yet.
"Ang dami namin pinapag-isipan ngayon, pina-prioritize ngayon, like yung cases ni Sarah na natapos na. Malaking relief iyon sa relationship namin. So, one step at a time," he said.
Richard is proud that his relationship with Sarah has survived tough times.
"In a span of a year, nasubukan na yung relationship namin. She was away for awhile, I was working here. Lahat iyon napagdaanan namin at andiyan kami para sa isa't isa."
Misgivings
Asked if the audience of "It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez" will see his rumored baby with Sarah when the reality show premieres on E! Channel, the actor said, "Ito na nga yung kasagutan sa mga tanong na iyan, yung reality show na ito. Kung ano man yung pinagdadaanan namin, malalaman niyo sa show na ito."
He admitted having misgivings about the reality show, but realized they have nothing to hide.
"Yung idea ng reality show, matagal nang nai-offer sa akin. In the beginning, I was initially hesitant kasi yung buhay namin magiging open book, mawawalan ng privacy. But na-realize ko rin na kung makita ng mga tao yung family namin, I think they will end up loving our family more. We're just like any other family na may mga pinagdadaanan kami, may mga ups and downs kami. I think it's a good time to share our family with the audience."
By Karen Valeza | Yahoo Southeast Asia Newsroom
