David Licauco Shares Thoughts on His On-Screen Partner Barbie Forteza’s Relationship with Actor Jak Roberto and Opens Up About His Journey to Fame
David Licauco recently sat down for an interview where he candidly discussed his rise to stardom, his personal struggles, and his thoughts on his on-screen partner Barbie Forteza’s real-life relationship with actor Jak Roberto. The actor, who gained widespread recognition for his role in Maria Clara at Ibarra, shared his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
In the interview with Ogie Diaz, David expressed his disbelief over his newfound status in the entertainment industry.
“I still can’t believe I’m in this position,” he admitted. “I feel like I’m still the same person as before, but of course, now more people know me, and I have more responsibilities. It’s truly a blessing to be in this position.”
David reminisced about his journey, which began when he joined Mr. Chinatown 2014. From there, he tried his hand at commercial and fashion modeling, eventually meeting Arnold Vegafria in 2017, who helped pave the way for his entry into showbiz.
However, the road to success was not without its hurdles. He recalled moments of self-doubt, especially when faced with rejection during auditions.
“Back then, I used to think I wasn’t good-looking enough or confident enough,” he shared. “I came from a very conservative Chinese high school, so my confidence was low, and I was shy. I didn’t know how to present myself.”
David also admitted that acting wasn’t initially his passion. “I never got a show because, honestly, I wasn’t passionate about acting. I didn’t know how to act. I used to think that as long as you were handsome, you could be an actor. But showbiz is hard—it’s not for everyone.”
Ogie Diaz addressed a topic that fans have been curious about—how David feels about his on-screen love team partner, Barbie Forteza, being in a real-life relationship with Jak Roberto.
Ogie asked, “Doesn’t David feel awkward knowing that Barbie has a boyfriend, especially since Jak is also an actor?”
David answered confidently, saying he believes Jak understands the situation. “I feel like Jak gets it because he’s an actor too. If he weren’t in showbiz, I’m pretty sure he’d feel jealous because he wouldn’t understand the industry dynamics. But I believe Jak is a good guy—hardworking and secure in himself. I don’t think there’s an issue, at least not for me. I don’t know if they have those kinds of issues in their relationship, though.”
When asked if Jak ever gets jealous, David refrained from making assumptions. “I can’t say for sure. I don’t know. Hopefully, there’s no jealousy on his part.”
David revealed that fame has made dating more challenging. “I feel like it’s hard to date now,” he admitted.
When asked if he’s currently open to dating, he said, “Not right now. But of course, if you meet the right one, I hope she’s ready for the life I have. It’s really hard to understand showbiz, especially if your girlfriend is not from the industry.”
Despite his charming and confident demeanor, David described himself as an emotional person. “People might think I’m a cheater or something, but I’m actually very sensitive. I cry easily, especially when it comes to my family.”
He shared a touching anecdote about watching his siblings play volleyball. “My younger brother and sister are both in UAAP, playing for Ateneo. When I saw them on the court, I had to leave the arena because I was crying so hard. I have a soft spot for my siblings.”
For now, David is fully focused on his career and saving up for his entrepreneurial ventures. “I’ve invested most of my earnings from showbiz into businesses,” he said.
Looking back, David’s story is one of perseverance and self-discovery, showing how far he has come from a shy and insecure young man to a rising star in the entertainment industry. While he continues to navigate fame, he remains grounded and determined to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
