MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Lahbati said she and boyfriend Richard Gutierrez are “very open to marriage.” But why aren’t the two rushing to the altar just yet?
In an interview with Philstar.com and other entertainment reporters during the press conference for the upcoming coming of age suspense movie “Liwanag sa Dilim,” Sarah said they “don’t want to rush anything.”
The actress-reality TV star added they want to focus on their son, Zion.
“We are slowly planning things. We don't wanna rush things. We wanna focus on Zion kasi he's growing so fast. We're focusing on him, we don't wanna rush anything,” she said.
Sarah has been together with Richard since 2012 and gave birth to their son Zion in 2013.
But she knows they won’t stay “unmarried” forever. Sarah said they know “we’re gonna get married at one point in our lives.”
She also said, “For me naman, I don’t think it’s a sin we have Zion and we’re not yet married. Because before having Zion, we already knew that we wanted to spend [the rest] of our lives with each other.”
The actress added, “Nauna lang si Zion, but we’re slowly getting there.”
Sarah Lahbati talks to entertainment press during the press conference for the movie "Liwanag sa Dilim." Philstar.com/Chuck Smith
Sarah spoke to the press recently to promote “Liwanag sa Dilim,” which stars young stars Jake Vargas and Bea Binene.
It’s her first movie project after her showbiz hiatus in 2013, aside from her appearance in the reality show “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez.”
She starred in the TV movie “More Than Words” for TV5 last year. However, apart from the reality show, she’s yet to work on another television project.
Sarah said she and Richard are “hands-on parents” when it comes to raising Zion.
“I try to spend as much time to Zion kasi ang bilis niyang lumaki. So, binibigay ko 'yong schedule ko, 'yong free time ko kay Zion. Kailangan nandoon ako to see him,” she said on working on “Liwanag sa Dilim” and being a mom to her son.
“It's what I enjoy and it's what I love doing,” Sarah added. “I'm grateful that I'm back working again and doing what I love.”
Richard does not set limitations on her when it comes to her showbiz work, Sarah explained.
“You know what, we respect each other. As long as ikagaganda ng career niya, ikagaganda ng career ko, we don't try to hinder each other from growing and having a better career,” she said.
“Liwanag sa Dilim,” directed by Richard Somes, opens in theaters on February 11.