David Licauco recently addressed criticism on social media after being accused of intentionally ignoring Jak Roberto’s 30th birthday on Saturday, December 2. The issue arose when a netizen, identified as @_jennel69, questioned Licauco’s actions under the comments of one of his Instagram posts, suggesting that he had neglected to publicly greet Roberto despite their apparent friendship.

The netizen commented, “Kala [ko ba] kaibigan mo si Jak, bat hindi mo siya binati ng happy birthday (I thought Jak is your friend. Why didn’t you greet him with a happy birthday)?” In response, Licauco clarified that he had reached out to Roberto privately. “Chinat ko na siya besh (I sent him a message already, friend),” he replied. The comment thread has since been deleted.

David Licauco’s relationship with Jak Roberto has been a topic of interest among fans, given their connection through actress Barbie Forteza. Licauco and Forteza are part of the popular love team “BarDa,” which gained a massive following after their chemistry in the Kapuso series Maria Clara at Ibarra. The tandem has since expanded their portfolio, collaborating in Ben&Ben’s music video for their rendition of “The Way You Look at Me” and starring in the limited show Maging Sino Ka Man, an adaptation of the 1991 film starring Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Robin Padilla. Fans are eagerly anticipating their upcoming projects, including the series Pulang Araw and the movie That Kind of Love.

On the other hand, Jak Roberto has carved out his own niche in the entertainment industry. Most recently, he starred in the teleserye The Missing Husband and gained attention on social media for his cool and composed reaction to Barbie Forteza’s onscreen partnership with Licauco. His laidback demeanor has won him praise from fans, who admire his maturity and confidence amidst the buzz surrounding BarDa’s success.

The interaction between Licauco and the netizen has sparked conversations online about public versus private gestures of friendship, especially among celebrities. While some fans appreciated Licauco’s effort to address the criticism, others speculated about the dynamics of his relationship with Roberto. Ultimately, Licauco’s response emphasized the value of personal communication over public displays, reminding fans that not all friendships are meant to be showcased on social media.