Isabelle De Leon cites Richard, Sarah, Barbie in sharing ‘greatest fear’ in love

“Ang greatest fear ko ay ‘yong inasawa niya ako no’ng bata pa ako, tapos aanakan niya ako,” Isabelle, 31, said. “Tapos after 10 to 20 years, iiwan niya ako at ipagpapalit niya ako sa mas batang babae na walang anak ta’s siya, clean slate lang siya. Habang ako, may mga nakakakabit na keychain sa akin may tatak sa noo na ‘single mom.'”

Her caption echoed the same sentiment. She initially added the hashtags #richardgutierrez, #barbieimperial, and #sarahlahbati—only to delete them hours later.

Protecting your personal value

Much of Isabelle’s video focused on giving women advice. “Huwag na huwag mo aabandonahin ang sariili mo para sa lalaki,” she said, urging them to pursue opportunities, like working abroad, while they’re young. “Meron ka lang windows of opportunity na hinding-hindi mo na maibabalik once na lumagpas ‘yon. Kasi magbabago at magbabago ang dynamics ng relationship ninyo, sa ayaw at sa gusto mo.”

She also pointed out how aging affects women differently, unlike men who can offset it through financial stability.

“Dapat, early on pa lang, ma-set mo na agad ‘yong structure, boundaries na mapoprotektahan ka,” she said, encouraging women to be “strategic” and build value beyond a romantic relationship.

Richard and Sarah started dating after starring in GMA’s “Makapiling Kang Muli“ in 2012. He was 28 and she was 18. They welcomed their firstborn in 2013 and second in 2018 before marrying in March 2020.

Rumors of their split surfaced in late 2023. Sarah confirmed their separation in March 2024, while in January 2025, Richard said they’re undergoing annulment proceedings. They’re co-parenting their two kids.

Richard and Barbie confirmed their relationship last January following months of speculation. He’s now 42 and she’s 27. Barbie denied being a third party to Richard and Sarah’s marriage.

“Kung ano man po ‘yong naging rason ng hiwalayan nilang dalawa, masasabi ko po—at alam ng Diyos po—na hindi po ako ‘yon,” Barbie told Ogie Diaz last February. She also noted that she and Sarah remain on good terms. “Kung inagaw ko talaga si Richard kay Sarah, magagalit talaga siya sa ‘kin… Pero si Sarah naman, alam niya kung ano ‘yong reason. So, kapag nagkikita kami sa Aivee (Clinic), nagsa-smile naman kami sa isa’t isa.”