David Licauco on building confidence, getting help from Barbie Forteza

Licauco (third from left) with “G! LU” costars Teejay Marquez, Ruru Madrid, Derek Monasterio, Enzo Pineda and Kiko Estrada —DAVID LICAUCO/ INSTAGRAM

For David Licauco, the secret to the success of “BarDa”—his onscreen partnership with Barbie Forteza—is that they both sincerely want to become better individuals, and so they help each other achieve that.

In fact, David admitted that he relied so much on Barbie during their recent “Sparkle Goes to Canada” two-city tour because she has more experience in performing onstage. “She showed her support even during the course of our training for the show. She helped me with the dance steps and lyrics to our songs. I’m not good at remembering lyrics. Often, when I listen to music, I unconsciously ignore the words and just focus on the melody. Some people are like that, too, right? I’m super appreciative of her,” David began.

The “Sparkle in Canada” shows were held in Calgary and Toronto in early April. It also featured Rayver Cruz, Julie Anne San Jose, Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali.

David, on the other hand, would give Barbie advice on how to go about establishing her own business. “I would encourage her to invest by putting up a restaurant or any kind of business that interests her. She may already be stable at the moment, but it’s ideal that she has her own business to add to what she’s earning now,” he pointed out.

This was also the reason David had to come home from Canada earlier than the rest of the group—he had to tend to his restaurant chain, Kuya Korea, which is set to open three new branches in May. “I wish I had more days in Canada. I wanted to drink wine with the group. They also watched a basketball game. I missed that. It’s just that when you’re getting older, you think of the things you are obligated to do. We’re opening Kuya Korea franchises at Araneta Center in Cubao and WCC in Shaw Boulevard soon. The third one, in SM Clark, is company-owned,” he beamed.

Pressured

He recalled how pressured he felt being part of the concert tour. “I had to share the same stage and dance alongside Ruru and Rayver, who I only used to watch on ‘ASAP’ when we were younger,” he pointed out. “In terms of confidence, I’d like to think it will get better. In life, you only have to take that first step. I admit, I really felt awkward. I even asked myself, ‘What am I doing here?’ It’s a good learning experience. I’m grateful to have been part of a show like that.”

David is currently busy taping for the historical action-drama “Pulang Lupa,” which also features Barbie, Alden Richards and Sanya Lopez. “We went to UP Los Baños recently to shoot. They said this was where the actual Filipino detainees stayed. It was also one of the headquarters of the Americans way back. We shot there to give the show a more realistic feel,” he revealed.

He is also busy promoting the barkada movie “G! LU,” which stars Ruru, Derek Monasterio, Enzo Pineda, Teejay Marquez and Kiko Estrada. The film was shot some five years ago, a time when, David said, he first realized “that I could act a bit,” he quipped. “I wish it was shown earlier, but during the pandemic, it wasn’t a good business move to release a film. This is the perfect time for it, during the summer.”

“BarDa,” or Licauco and onscreen partner Barbie Forteza, in Canada —CONTRIBUTED

Living their best lives

In Philip King’s “G! LU,” the boys decide to go on a seven-day trip to strengthen their friendship and live their best lives, because for one of them, these may be his last days. “We all face personal issues from family to friends, from love to gender. Nowadays, a lot of us are dealing with mental issues. It’s nice to watch a movie that will somehow validate our feelings as humans,” David explained. The film was shot in La Union with breathtaking beaches and rustic scenery as backdrop. “I hope that after seeing this movie, people will be more encouraged to go to LU,” said Enzo. “My character here is Brian. He and Ryan (Derek) are cousins who love and hate each other equally.”

“As you know, there are a lot of barkada films out there,” Derek said. The difference is that the cast are really close friends. We ad-libbed a lot here, like how friends talk to each other in real life. This film also reflects how Gen Zs are and their experiences. There are a number of conflicts here, and a major plot twist in the end.”

“A lot of people will relate to this. All of us dream of visiting LU with our friends. You will realize how beautiful this country is after watching,” said Teejay. “Aside from being a barkada movie, it also carries a coming-of-age theme.”

Playing support to the six guys are female cast members Miss Philippines Universe 2023 Michelle Dee, Katarina Rodriguez, Chanel Morales, Maureen Montagne, Sophia Senoron, Kimi Mugford and Pinky Amador.

“This movie sparked my interest in acting,” said Katarina. “If shooting all movies was this much fun and seamless, I would shoot a thousand more. So many will be able to relate to this story. I play Cathy, the love interest of Kiko’s character Carlos.”

It was also on the set of “G! LU” that Katarina said she was “forced” to spend time with Kiko, until they “grew fond of each other” as, she explained, “I didn’t like Kiko the first time we met. Of all the boys, I felt like he was kind of rude, but he’s a very good actor. We did a workshop, just him and me, because we weren’t really talking. In the end, we simply grew fond of each other. Kiko is a great coactor. He ended up helping me a lot.”

The film, a coproduction of ALV Entertainment, Benchingko Films and Rein Entertainment, started screening in cinemas nationwide on April 24.