Barbie Forteza and David Licauco | Image: Instagram/@barbaraforteza
Following the recent breakup of Barbie Forteza and her boyfriend of seven years, Jak Roberto, the former’s love team partner David Licauco is also thrust into the spotlight as netizens have ignited hopes of the BarDa tandem transitioning into something real off-screen, now that both stars are single. Licauco, known for his humor, also fueled the buzz with his playful reactions to Forteza and Roberto’s breakup news.
From being an unexpected pairing to being one of Philippine entertainment’s most current preoccupation, Forteza and Licauco have undeniably captured the hearts of fans with their on-screen chemistry. While both stars have maintained professionalism and repeatedly emphasized their platonic relationship, which began with their collaboration in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” but which blossomed into a powerhouse partnership.
Here’s a look at the evolution of the BarDa tandem.
2021: First team up in ‘Heartful Cafe’
In 2021, Forteza and Licauco appeared together in the Philippine television drama series “Heartful Café.” The show, which aired from April 26 to June 18, 2021, featured Julie Anne San Jose in the lead role as Heart Fulgencio, a café owner and online romance novelist.
Licauco played Ace Nobleza, a businessman who becomes involved in Heart’s life; Forteza then made a guest appearance as Cors, Ace’s girlfriend. Their interactions in the series provided early glimpses of their onscreen chemistry, which would later be fully realized in subsequent projects.
2022: Breakthrough in ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’
Forteza and Licauco’s first significant collaboration was in the historical fantasy drama series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which premiered in 2022. Forteza played Klay Infantes, a modern-day nursing student who time-travels to the world of José Rizal’s novels, while Licauco portrayed Fidel de los Reyes, a charming and mischievous man who becomes Klay’s love interest. Their on-screen chemistry captivated audiences, leading to a surge in their popularity as a love team.
Despite being in a successful love team, the pair was previously in separate personal relationships with other people. Forteza with Roberto, whom she dated for seven years, and Licauco with a non-showbiz girlfriend, with whom he recently broke up late last year.
In an interview, Forteza admitted that she and Licauco didn’t hit it off right away.
“The friendship that I’ve built, I always say I built, kasi hindi naman siya right away nag-click kami agad. Lagi ko namang inaamin sa lahat na at first, hindi ako okay with him,” the actress recounted.
Despite the awkwardness at first, Forteza stressed that the friendship and partnership she has built with Licauco went “slowly but surely.”
“’Yung friendship na nabuo ko with David is very… masasabi kong slowly but surely. Talagang dinahandahan namin, kasi nga naman very surprising and very unexpected yung love team namin,” she said.
2023: ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ reunion
Following the success of their initial pairing, Forteza and Licauco reunited for the television series “Maging Sino Ka Man,” which aired from September to November 2023. The show, a remake of the 1991 film, featured Forteza as Monique and Licauco as Carding, further proving that their love team is not just a one-hit wonder.
2024: ‘That Kind of Love’ big screen debut
Forteza and Licauco transitioned to the big screen with the romantic comedy film “That Kind of Love,” released in July 2024. The movie showcased their dynamic as a love team, with Forteza playing Mila, a dating coach, and Licauco as Adam, her client. Their performances received positive reviews, and the film was selected for the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Nagoya, Japan, highlighting their growing international appeal.
2024: ‘Pulang Araw’ success
Forteza and Licauco recently starred in the war drama series “Pulang Araw,” which aired from July 29 to December 27, 2024. Forteza portrayed Adelina “Chinita” dela Cruz, a young woman who later learns to fight against the invading Imperial Japanese army that ravaged the Philippines during World War II, while Licauco played Hiroshi Tanaka, the son of Japanese immigrants who returns to the Philippines and reunites with his childhood friends.
“Pulang Araw” achieved significant acclaim, becoming the first Filipino series to be archived on the moon as part of a cultural preservation initiative. Forteza expressed her disbelief and gratitude for this honor, highlighting the series’ impact and their love team’s growing international appeal as they also continue to solidify their status as a leading love team in the local industry.
