RS Francisco opens up about his recent reunion with Gretchen Barretto and her firm decision to stay retired from showbiz, and his reflections on luck in 2026’s Year of the Fire Horse.
After months of headlines, RS Francisco finally gave fans a peek behind the curtain: longtime friend Gretchen Barretto is reportedly in a good place.
Francisco said they met about a week and a half after she was cleared of charges related to the missing sabungeros.
“Nakasama ko recently. ‘Diba she was cleared? Nag-message ako: ‘Finally, makakalabas ka na.’ We met and had merienda. Ang haba ng kwentuhan namin. Pinag kwentuhan namin ang ‘Princess and I’ moments namin, kung paano plinaytime ang co-stars namin. Kung paano kami nagkasundo,” he shared.
The reunion stretched to four hours with Anna and Tonyboy also present. Stories from their “Princess and I” days resurfaced, along with laughter and familiar banter.
“OK na OK. Matakaw pa din. Doon kami nagkakasundo,” Francisco said.
While relief followed her legal victory, Barretto is also facing a period of mourning after the passing of her mother, Inday Barretto, in late January.
Francisco revealed that they are planning to travel to the Manaoag basilica in Pangasinan to offer prayers. “Next week, punta kami Manaoag to pray,” he said.
When asked if a return to entertainment is in the cards, Francisco made it clear that Barretto has closed that chapter.
“Tinanong ko: ‘Retired ka na ba from showbiz?’ Sabi niya: ‘Yeah.’ Confirmed ayaw niya na talaga. Mas gusto namin goodwill and be with people. Advocacy namin. Dami ko gusto tulungan,” he disclosed.
He admitted that the pandemic reshaped his own priorities as well, leading him to focus more on advocacy and meaningful engagements rather than the spotlight.
As celebrations for the Year of the Fire Horse marked the start of 2026, Francisco also spoke about his personal beliefs regarding fortune.
“Ang sa akin, walang mawawala if you adhere to that. Of course, you won’t let that dictate your life. Walang mawawala kung sumabay ka. Huwag ka lang kumontra sa agos,” he explained.
For him, observing traditions is about harmony rather than dependence.
“Of course ang suwerte nasa sa atin rin iyan. Tayo rin ang gumagawa ng suwerte as much as tayo rin ang gumagawa ng ating faith. Of course, iba pa rin kapag nagconspire na sa atin ang Universe,” he added.
At this stage in their lives, both Francisco and Barretto appear aligned in choosing purpose, privacy, and personal fulfillment over public attention.
While relief followed her legal victory, Barretto is also facing a period of mourning after the passing of her mother, Inday Barretto, in late January.
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