Jak Roberto (left), Barbie Forteza. Images: Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter, Instagram/@niceprintphoto
Barbie Forteza is undeniably one of the more successful actresses today, and his real-life boyfriend, Kapuso actor Jak Roberto, sure knows how to handle the challenge that comes with having such a partner.
Speaking on Nelson Canlas’ podcast, Roberto offered advice to a fan who asked what he should do when he has a strong, empowered, self-assured and successful girlfriend.
“Ma-proud ka and huwag mong pigilan kung ano ‘yung mga success niya. I-adapt mo rin ‘yung mga bagay na kung paano mag-improve sa sarili. Hindi ‘yung isa lang lagi ang tumi-take off, dapat tulungan ‘yan at parehas kayo mag-grow.” said the actor.
Roberto, who is also successful in his own endeavors, is obviously talking from his experience especially since his girlfriend took on a new sheen after starring in the TV series “Maria Clara & Ibarra.”
“So kung sa tingin mo nag-i-improve ‘yung girlfriend mo sa sarili niya, sabayan mo, mag-improve ka rin. Mag-discover ka ng mga things na ikaka-improve mo or makakatulong sayo.” he said.
On handling the “BarDa” shippers
Jak Roberto and Barbie Forteza. Image: Instagram/@barbaraforteza
The celebrity couple’s private life gained a different attention after Forteza got partnered with David Licauco. Given the shippers of “BarDa,” some netizens are wondering how Roberto manages to not get jealous of his girlfriend’s love-team partner.
“Even before na hindi pa pumuputok ‘yung BarDa, wala kaming ganon. Most of the time, ginagawa naming biruan ‘yon sa isat-isa. Kumbaga kami pa nga nagpupush sa isat-isa. For example, ‘yung kay Dennis Trillo tapos ako rin kay Jennylyn Mercado,” said the actor.
He emphasized that instead of taking the fans’ bashing or mocking personally, he is just taking it lightly. Roberto joined the online trend when he became a self-styled professor of “Anti-Selos University.”
“Kesa magpakatoxic ka, i-overthink mo lahat ng sinasabi sayo, mas makakapag-isip ka kasi kapag relax ka lang or hindi ka masiyado nagpapa-apekto doon. Sabi nga nila, if you cannot beat them, join them.” he explained.
In a recent interview, Forteza also spoke about getting overwhelmed when her love life was put in the limelight, noting how it tended to overshadow her achievements as an actress.
Roberto and Forteza, collectively known as “JakBie,” have been in a relationship since 2017.