As “Blood vs Duty” heads into its final two weeks, lead stars Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial are keeping their focus on the series’ highly anticipated ending instead of the criticisms they once received online.
The action-drama, which also stars Gerald Anderson, will air its finale on July 24, with the cast now busy promoting the series across various media platforms.
During a press conference, Richard and Barbie opened up about dealing with online bashing, admitting that while negative comments affected them in the beginning, they’ve since learned not to let them get in the way.
Barbie confessed that she used to read comments about herself and her pairing with Richard, which sometimes affected her emotionally.
Richard, however, encouraged her to stop checking social media for negativity.
“So now, hindi na ako nagbabasa. Sinabihan ako ni Chard na huwag na,” Barbie shared.
She admitted there was only one time she chose to answer a basher.
“Minsan lang ako nag-react, ‘yung tungkol sa ipinatayo kong bahay. Pinaghirapan ko kasi talaga ‘yon.”
Beyond the series finale, the couple is also looking forward to celebrating Barbie’s 28th birthday on August 1 in a more meaningful way.
Instead of throwing a lavish party, Barbie revealed that she and Richard will travel to her hometown in Albay, Bicol, where they plan to give back to the community.
“Instead of having big parties… naisip namin ni Chard na ‘yung money na gagamitin namin sa dinners, parties, and everything, parang maghi-help na lang kami sa mga may kailangan sa Bicol.”
The actress shared that they will visit her former public school, help teachers and students, and conduct a medical mission.
Richard fully supported the idea, saying Barbie had long wanted to return to the community where she grew up.
“She’s been wanting to go back to Bicol, to reach out doon sa kung saan siya lumaki… so pinush ko rin siya na i-achieve ito.”
As for ‘Blood vs Duty,’ Richard teased that viewers can expect major revelations, emotionally charged scenes, and answers to the biggest questions surrounding the story.
He also admitted feeling a sense of separation anxiety now that filming has wrapped.
“May sepanx siyempre, but memorable talaga… of course working with Barbie.”
According to Richard, Barbie’s character will play a crucial role during the finale week as long-kept secrets are finally revealed, making the last episodes among the most intense and emotional chapters of the series.
