David Licauco shared his thoughts on Barbie Forteza saying she finally found her “ideal” leading man after pairing up with a new onscreen partner.
During the media conference for Forteza’s upcoming Regal Entertainment film, “Saving Cherry”, the actress praised her co-star Khalil Ramos, who plays her fiancé in the movie.
“Si Khalil is the ideal leading man. Finally, nagkaroon na ako ng leading man na maayos. He’s a brilliant actor,” Barbie told the press.
“He is also an actor’s actor. I love working with actors who also love what they do, who understand what they are doing, why they’re here, and who is just as hungry, ‘di ba? To do good. To be good. Yung napaka-professional, napaka-gentleman!” she added.
Her remark quickly gained traction online, with fans and netizens comparing Khalil to David, who had previously been paired with Forteza in past projects. The two were popularly known as the onscreen tandem “BarDa.”
Asked about his reaction to Forteza’s statement, Licauco acknowledged that it affected him to some extent.
“Siguro to a degree, yes, it affects me a little bit,” the actor said, as quoted by PEP.
“Of course, you wanna be… siguro ayaw mo lang masyadong ma-stress, ’di ba? So, kapag may makikita kang stress-inducing stuff whatever, but I feel like I have my own life naman,” he added.
Licauco admitted that while he does not want to dwell too much on such comments, he still cares about how he is perceived publicly.
“So to really care so much, maybe a bit nga. Siyempre, you care about your image,” he said.
Despite the comparison, David also agreed with Barbie’s positive perception of Khalil, whom he considers a friend.
“Well, totoo naman, kasi si Khalil napakabait naman kasi talaga niyang tao. Kahit ako, gusto ko talaga siyang tao, like, he’s a friend of mine,” he said.
“He’s really a nice person kaya for sure, ’yun din naman talaga yung magiging perception ni Barbie of him,” Licauco added. “If that’s her opinion, ’di ba, it’s okay.”
When asked whether he would still be open to working with Forteza again, Licauco responded affirmatively, praising the actress and acknowledging her role in his career.
“Well, I’m open to it. Kahit naman sino, gustong makipag-work kay Barbie,” he said. “She’s a great actress, we all know that, so I’m open.”
“Barbie is a big part of my success, so if may opportunity, why not? If she wants to do it, I’ll do it,” he added.
David, however, was uncertain about whether their popular BarDa pairing would reunite for another project in the future.
“I am not so sure, I am not so sure actually,” he admitted.
The actor noted that both he and Forteza are currently pursuing their respective solo careers and projects.
“I think, at this point, we’re going solo. […] Also, Barbie is doing her own thing. I mean, ang dami niyang ginagawa ngayon na mga project, and I’m really happy for her,” he said.
“I’m really proud of her kasi ’yun naman talaga yung gusto niyang gawin. Ako naman, I’m doing my best also,” Licauco added.
