On October 5, 2018, 'That's Entertainment' stars Romnick Sarmenta and Harlene Bautista shocked the nation when they announced that they have decided to part ways after 19 years of marriage.
The reason for their split was not revealed, but the two made it clear in their statement that it was a mutual decision and that they were requesting for privacy for each other and for their five children as well.
Earlier this year, social media was abuzz with talk after Romnick started teasing about finding new love. And in June, he finally revealed the identity of his new girlfriend, Barbara Ruaro, who is an actress, writer, and filmmaker.
The couple recently announced that they are already expecting their first child together.
See how the love story of Romnick Sarmenta and Barbara Ruaro unfolded in this photo gallery.
On May 19, Barbara posted a black and white photo of herself with a bouquet of flowers. She captioned it: “Thank you, N. You make my heart swell.”
On the same day, May 19, Romnick shared a photo of a note with “Nicko” written on it.
On June 5, Romnick posted a photo of a woman holding a bouquet of red roses, with only half of her face visible. The bouquet looked pretty similar to the one that Barbara was holding in her black and white photo.
On June 13, Romnick posted this black and white photo of a drawing he was working on. Unknown to many at the time, it was a portrait of his new love, Barbara.
On June 21, Romnick posted their first photo together on his Instagram account. He also posted a warning that all haters would be blocked and negative comments would be deleted.
Barbara also debuted their relationship on her IG account on June 21, the same day as Romnick. She captioned it: Proof of life -- and love. Thank you, Nicko, for keeping the faith, and for reminding me that sometimes, even at the worst of times, there are happy endings. It is a true blessing to stand hand in hand with you, my best friend and fellow soldier of Christ. I love and celebrate you every day. Oh, and if I may, #hatersgonnahate. :) @nicksarmenta #alwaystogether🤍”
On June 22, Romnick finally uploaded the photo of a woman holding a bouquet of red roses to reveal that it was in fact, Barbara, his new girlfriend.
On the same day, June 22, Barbarar unveiled the finished portrait that Romnick did for her. She captioned it: “Straight on 'til morning. Thank you for this beautiful piece, @nicksarmenta.”
On June 25, Barbara shared a photo of her and Romnick kissing and she detailed how she and Romnick spent his birthday together last April 28.
It seems like the couple also spent some time apart during the lockdown as Barbara posted this screen shot of their video call on July 1 and captioned it: “Counting the days.”
On July 5, Barbara shared another screen shot of their video call and captioned it: “The transformation of the heart is a wondrous thing, no matter how you land there. See you soon, my Nicko. @nicksarmenta”
On July 30, the couple seemed to have reunited as Barbara shared a photo of them together wearing face masks in a mall.
On August 14, Romnick wrote a sweet poem for Barbara and placed a “Mahal Kita” text in Baybayin on her blurry, black and white photo.
On August 18, Barbara shared a photo of her and Romnick chilling at home. She captioned it: “The kids are alright. 🤍 @nicksarmenta”
On September 1, Barbara teased about making a vlog with her beau. Her caption read: “Should we make a vlog? 🥰 @nicksarmenta”
On September 8, Romnick defended his girlfriend from bashers by making clarifications about their relationship. Part of his caption read: “We met during the early months of 2019 at work and towards the last months of 2019 became friends and started praying for each other's personal well-being. And we got together this year, while you and I were not involved with anyone. So no one has the right to call you names.”
On October 11, the couple announced in separate Instagram posts that they are expecting their first child together. Barbara said the baby is due in February 2021 and called their baby “Little Bean.”
On Romnick Sarmenta's Instagram stories, he revealed that Barbara Ruaro had given birth to their first child together in February 2021.
In May 2021, Romnick Sarmenta gave a first glimpse of their Little Bean by sharing a photo of their baby's feet. He also wrote a touching tribute to Barbara Ruaro for Mother's Day.
On November 10, 2021, Romnick Sarmenta first revealed Little Bean's face and name by sharing a photo of the baby with three of his five children with Harlene Bautista. Turns out Little Bean's name is Raza Mikella.
On the same day, Barbara Ruaro also shared her first photo with Baby Raza taken two weeks after she was born.