(From left) Barbie Forteza and David Licauco sob in their farewell scene at the hit GMA drama “Maria Clara at Ibarra”. Images: Twitter/@GMADrama
Fans took to social media to express their sorrows after Klay and Fidel, portrayed by Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, bid farewell to each other at a Jan. 24 episode of the popular teleserye “Maria Clara at Ibarra”.
In one of the episode’s titular scenes, Klay (Forteza) exchanged final words with Fidel (Licauco) before her time in “Noli Me Tangere” came to an end. The former also revealed that she was transported into the novel’s world from the present, yet the latter maintained that his feelings for her were real.
“Sinabi ko na ‘to sa iyo noon at sasabihin ko ulit. Mahal na mahal kita (I said this to you before and I will say it again. I love you so much),” Fidel said.
“Buong buhay ko, ikaw lang ang nagparamdam sa’kin ng tunay na pagmamahal mula sa isang lalaki (All my life, you’re the only one who showed me the true meaning of love from a man),” Klay replied.
The Kapuso stars took to their personal Twitter accounts to share their thoughts about their farewell scene in “Maria Clara at Ibarra”, taking on the personas of their respective characters.
“In another life, I would be your girl. We keep all our promises, be us against the world,” Forteza said in a tweet. “Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay halaga mo sa akin, Fidel (Thank you for valuing me, Fidel).”
In another life, I would be your girl. We keep all our promises, be us against the world #MCIEndgame @davidlicauco
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) January 24, 2023
Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay halaga mo sa akin, Fidel ❤️ @davidlicauco https://t.co/LsWqhVD6TW
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) January 24, 2023
Licauco responded to Forteza’s tweets on his account, as he recreated Fidel’s heartbreak on social media.
“Pwede ba now nalang (Can it happen right now instead),” he said. “Kailangan kita, Klay (I need you, Klay).”
Pwede ba now nalang? 🥹😭 https://t.co/3Ppis36LQ4
— David Licauco (@davidlicauco) January 24, 2023
Kailangan kita, Klay @dealwithBARBIE
— David Licauco (@davidlicauco) January 24, 2023
Fans of the hit teleserye praised the actors for their portrayal of Klay and Fidel, with some hoping that they would meet again.
One @archive08_ praised Licauco for “nailing” Fidel’s heartbreak.
“The emotions [I felt] when Fidel started breaking down. He is so lost, [his] helplessness,” they said. “And yes, David nailed this scene! The actor that you are today, @davidlicauco. Thank you for making us all [cry tonight].”
The emotions i felt when Fidel started breaking down. He is so lost, the helplessness.
And yes, David nailed this scene! The actor that you are today, @davidlicauco 🤍 Thank you for making us all cry, tonight.
FILAY Babu#MCIEndgame pic.twitter.com/Fl8XdmUsRC
— 🌥️ (@archive08_) January 24, 2023
Twitter user @escapingthought also lauded Licauco’s way of handling Fidel’s emotions.
“Just my personal take, walang kulang (nothing was lacking). I liked David’s acting choice for this scene kasi very (because it is very) in character. Fidel has always been emotionally reserved, in fact, [this] is the most vulnerable we’ve seen of him. No need to scream [and] bawl his eyes out,” they said.
Another fan hoped that Klay and Fidel would meet again, regardless if they would be in a different world or not.
“[K]lay may not be as vocal as [F]idel about her feelings but it’s clear in her eyes just how much she loves him too. [I]’m still hoping she tells him that when they see each other again,” @filayendgame said.
“mahal na mahal kita.”
klay may not be as vocal as fidel about her feelings but it’s clear in her eyes just how much she loves him too. i’m still hoping she tells him that when they see each other again
FILAY Babu#MCIEndgame pic.twitter.com/WjGIEsBKpm
— mci supremacy 💙💛 (@filayendgame) January 24, 2023
Twitter user @embi_es praised the production team of “Maria Clara and Ibarra” for not making Fidel chase after Klay in her world.
“I actually love that he didn’t beg her to stay. As much as he didn’t want her to leave [and] though he [didn’t] completely [understand] what was going on, Fidel knew she had to do what she had to do [and] that he had to let her go though it’s heartbreaking for him.” they noted.
I actually love that he didn’t beg her to stay. As much as he didn’t want her to leave & though he doesn’t completely understood what was going on, Fidel knew she had to do what she had to do & that he had to let her go though it’s heartbreaking for him
FILAY Babu#MCIEndgame https://t.co/RHL8Asbsmr— Ryan Layla Uy (@embi_es) January 24, 2023
One @superseonho12 said Forteza and Licauco “gave justice” to their respective roles.
Barbie and David gave justice talaga to their roles as Klay and Fidel. Those characters were really made for them. GALING SOBRA!
FILAY Babu#MCIEndgame
— kc ◡̈ FiLay Era 💙🌻💛 (@superseonho12) January 24, 2023
Another @hazelKYJ_YJG described Forteza as a “versatile actress in her generation.”
A Versatile Actress of our Generation, Barbie Forteza @dealwithBARBIE , you did a great job in portraying every characters that had given to you since day one, an inspiration to us..#MCIEndgame | Barbie Forteza pic.twitter.com/eBdIi1Rjry
— Hazel Ronquillo (@hazelKYJ_YJG) January 24, 2023
“Maria Clara at Ibarra” is based on the novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo”, which were written by national hero Jose Rizal. The drama’s upcoming arc was teased earlier this month, where lead actor Dennis Trillo transformed into Simoun Ibarra. Meanwhile, the character of Fidel is a creative addition to the TV adptation.
The teleserye also stars Julie Anne San Jose, Juancho Triviño, Andrea Torres, Tirso Cruz III, and Manilyn Reyes. GMA Network also confirmed that Khalil Ramos will be joining the cast as a grown-up Basilio. EDV