An unimpeachable source confirmed what has been talked-about in muted conversations — that celebrity couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati have already parted ways.

The confirmation came from one of the couple’s close relatives who shared with a friend — and who requested anonymity — the bad news. This came right on the heels of Lahbati’s sporting a new short do, a physical indication that all is not well in her heart.

What’s not clear is why the celebrity couple broke up. There were rumors that Lahbati wanted to stage a comeback in showbiz, something that reportedly did not sit well with Gutierrez who has been more than a good provider for the family.

Lahbati and Gutierrez were married 14 March 2020 in a ceremony in Taguig City. They already have two sons, Zion and Kai.

Princess Revilla’s foundation for the needy

For former actress Princess Revilla, not holding a public office is not reason for anyone to extend help to the needy.

“Hindi naman kailangang nasa politics ka para makatulong. Kahit hindi ka naman politiko makakatulong ka kahit sa maliit mong paraan (You don’t need to be in politics in order to help. Even if you’re not a politician, you can help in whatever little way you can),” Revilla said in a recent dinner with this writer and fellow co-host of DAILY TRIBUNE’s Tarayan at Talakayan show, Alwyn Ignacio.

Revilla organized the Princess Revilla Foundation Inc. in 29 October at Barangay Habay II, Bacoor City. The launch started with a gift giving and mass feeding which involved 400 children, ranging from three years old to 12 years old and accompanied by their parents. Revilla herself led the distribution of toys through fun and games. Snacks and packed meals were also distributed among the children. Prizes were also given for best Halloween costumes.

Revilla said she put up her own foundation to continue the charity work and civic service of her parents — the late Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. and Azucena Mortel-Bautista. In 1999, Revilla founded the Azucena Mortel Bautista Memorial Foundation that provided relief operations in disaster areas, sponsored medical and dental missions, education assistance, grant scholarships to underprivileged but deserving students, mass feedings in depressed areas, women and child welfare programs, animal welfares and more charitable projects.

“I got it from my mom,” said Revilla, referring to putting up her own foundation and being charitable. “Siya kasi maraming charitable works in the past. Masyado siyang maawain sa mga nangangailangan (She has many charitable works in the past. She has a heart for those who are in need).”

From her father, the late senator Ramon Revilla Sr., the former actress learned the value of responsibility.

“My dad is a very good provider. Lahat ng anak niya ay tinutulungan niya (He helps all of his children). That was how he raised us kaya naman kapag may kapatid kaming nangangailangan ng tulong (When our siblings need help), we don’t think twice to help,” he said.

Revilla has taught that same value to her children — Igi, who is a public servant in Cavite, Antonio and Angelica Marie, who both chose to venture into world of business.

Among the Revilla clan, it is only Princess who has not dipped her fingers into politics. She was enticed to join the world of public service many times but she chose to veer away from it.

“Nakakatulong naman ako in my own little way. Okay na ako sa ganito (I can help in my own little way. I am okay with this),” she said.

For her foundation, Revilla promises to “provide essential resources, education and support to underserved communities, fostering their journey towards self-sufficiency and a brighter future.”

It was what she wants people to remember, the Revilla family legacy of transforming people’s lives and communities for the better and significantly contribute to nation-building.

As a woman, Revilla’s heart bleeds when she hears stories of depression brought about by poverty.

“Sobra akong naaawa sa mga batang walang makain, sa mga inang hirap sa buhay, sa mga taong hindi makabangon kaya naman sa maliit kong paraan ay gusto ko silang tulungan (I feel so much compassion for children who have nothing to eat, for mothers struggling in life, for people who can’t stand up on their own. That’s why, in my small way, I want to help them),” she said.

Next month, Revilla will spread cheers to the needy through the “Pamaskong Handog” event to be staged by her foundation.

“Christmas is sharing. Iyon ang gagawin namin (we will do that) this Christmas,” she said.