In an exclusive interview with Abante News Online, Gretchen Barretto and Annabelle Rama clarified that there is no rift between them, and they even showed their closeness to the interviewer.
According to Gretchen, there is no way Annabelle will lambast her, as they love each other, and the latter even gave a donation to Gretchen’s mom when the Barretto patriarch died.
“Kahit away-awayin mo ‘ko, I will just turn my face to another side. Saka si Tita Annabelle nagbigay ng abuloy kay mom nung namatay yung dad ko. Sabi ng mommy ko, ‘You know Tita Annabelle gave 10 to 15 K,’ na-touch ako. Pero hindi kasi yung amount, it’s really the thought that counts.”
Gretchen also emphasized that no matter what issue they are going through, Annabelle can never confront her.
“Alam ko naman na hindi ako kayang awayin ni Tita Annabelle harap-harapan. Isang halik ko lang, ganyan ang nanay! Tita, I will always be your baby, ito talaga galit ng galit, naku isang halik ko lang ‘yan! Tignan lang natin sa tagal tagal ng pinagsamahan natin, I was only 18 years [old then].”
Meanwhile, Annabelle’s husband, Eddie Guttierez also confirmed the closeness of Gretchen to their family, especially to Elvis, despite the Gretchen reacting to Ruffa’s IG comment on Julia’s post. “Si Gretchen parang anak ko na rin kasi si Gretchen, noon pa ang trato niya sa amin family na. Lalo na ‘yung pagmamahal niya sa aking anak na si Elvis. Si Elvis spoiled kay Gretchen, every month may bagong sapatos, kaya mga sapatos ni Elvis mga isang daan na.”
Even Gretchen’s daughter, Dominique, is also close to Gutierrez family.
Annabelle said, “Nagkita kami ni Dom sa parlor, sabi niya, ‘Hi Tita Annabelle, how’s your mom? She’s okay.’ Sa Rockwell.”
Gretchen apologized for her post on Ruffa’s comment on niece Julia’s post, claiming she was irrational at the time and she lacked the technical skills.
“Ka eng-engan ko ‘yun pa rin yon na nai-post ko but siyempre that time when you’re very very stress, nangigigil ka repost ka ng repost. I didn’t really have time to study, I was irrational also. In fact, may mga nagalit rin sakin for doing that. It pains me to admit na eng-eng talaga ako sa Instagram. Di ako techy, marami po akong talent pero di po ‘yon.”
Annabelle responded, “May taga Instagram sakin. Sila nagpadala sakin ng ganyan ganyan.”
Gretchen replied, “Alam ko from the very start, sabi ko no brainer, hay naku si Tita Annabelle mag me-melt yan. You’re a mother, you’re a father na magagalit, ikaw kay Ruffa kung magalit ka, isang ‘Hi mom!’ that’s it!”
As the Gutierrez couple were leaving the interview venue, Annabelle advised the 49-year-old actress to always be kind.
“Magpakabait ka. I’ll tell Marjorie na magbati na kayo.”
In regards to the Barretto feud, Annabelle wished that they can finally find peace and forgiveness in their hearts, as Christmas is fast approaching.
“Oo, bati bati na kasi Pasko na. Sabi ko si Julia, Marjorie mag bati na sila ni Gretchen. Na shock ako kasi siya naman una bumati. Lagi kami nagkikita ni Atong (Ang), di ko siya pinapansin. This time lumapit siya sakin, kaya binati ko na rin siya.”
As a final part of the exclusive interview, Eddie reiterated the closeness of Barretto sisters to their family, as he has worked with them for his past films.
“I’m a very peaceful person, I prefer making love than making war. Ayoko ng giyera lalo na sa pamilya namin. Si Gretchen at lahat ng mga kapatid niya are very close to me, kasi I have worked with them. I’ve done films with Gretchen, with Marjorie with Claudine, lahat silang tatlo nakasama ko sa mga movies na nagawa ko noong araw, kaya they are very very close to me and I love them.”