David Licauco is keeping things respectful and thoughtful when it comes to his growing closeness with on-screen partner Barbie Forteza, now that both actors are single.
In an interview with Nelson Canlas for ’24 Oras’, the ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ star was asked if their bond is still just fan service or if deeper feelings have started to bloom.
“Well, ‘yung closeness namin, close naman talaga kami,” David initially replied. But when pressed specifically about his feelings for Barbie, he carefully said, “I mean, you have to think na Barbie just got off from a relationship and we should respect that. Kailangan niyang mag-heal.”
As for whether there’s more than friendship on his end, David didn’t give a direct yes or no, but smiled and answered, “I care for her a lot. I just really care about her a lot.”
He admitted that now that Barbie is no longer in a relationship, their dynamic has naturally shifted. “Before, like transparently, she was taken,” he said, adding that he used to feel slightly awkward about being overly affectionate out of respect. “Barbie has always been caring… Pero siyempre, kapag may ka-work ka, especially sa love team context, you have to be caring, and Barbie’s someone I really care about.”
David also shared that he’s now more at ease showing how much he values her. “Feeling ko kahit naman sino na nasa situation ko, kapag taken [yung tao], hindi ka gagawa ng extra care. But now, obviously, like when we’re together, I care for her — and ayun, siyempre, mas maluwag nga.”
When asked whether he’s currently in love, the actor simply said, “Naku. I’m really happy.”
The BarDa tandem has enjoyed immense popularity since their breakout pairing as Fidel and Klay in ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’. Their chemistry carried through to their projects ‘Pulang Araw’ and ‘That Kind of Love’, and fans are eagerly awaiting their next collaboration this 2025.
