Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza remained tight-lipped about her breakup with longtime boyfriend Jak Roberto, choosing instead to redirect attention to her personal growth and career milestones.
During a media huddle after the press conference for her upcoming GMA Prime series ‘Beauty Empire’ on June 17, Forteza gracefully dodged questions about her past relationship, maintaining composure while expressing gratitude for the opportunities in her life.
“I’m so sorry, but I prefer not to talk about it to respect the relationship. But I’m very happy right now,” she told members of the press when asked if she had moved on.
Forteza and Roberto ended their seven-year relationship earlier this year. The two met while filming the independent movie Laut and became one of Kapuso’s most celebrated real-life couples.
Despite the public curiosity surrounding their split, Forteza emphasized that her focus is now on herself and her flourishing career.
“Wala namang iba, ako lang. So ako na lang,” she said when asked how she prioritizes self-love—an advice she credited both to her family and to co-star Ruffa Gutierrez, who encouraged her and Kyline Alcantara to always choose themselves first.
Currently, Forteza is balancing several projects. She stars in the upcoming revenge drama ‘Beauty Empire’, set to premiere on July 7 on GMA Prime, with episodes already streaming on Viu Philippines. She is also gearing up for two film releases: the horror movie ‘P77’, which drops just before her 28th birthday on July 31, and ‘Kontrabida Academy’, a Netflix-bound film arriving this July.
“It’s not even my birthday yet, but I already have a lot of gifts coming my way,” she said, visibly grateful. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Asked about her love life, Forteza candidly revealed she’s currently not entertaining any suitors.
“I honestly don’t have any. I’m not joking. I have no suitors. I’m still enjoying my time as a single woman,” she said, adding that she’s open to meeting new people when time permits.
The actress also highlighted her close friendship with ‘Beauty Empire’ co-star Kyline Alcantara, especially as both navigate changes in their personal lives. Alcantara herself made headlines earlier this year following a high-profile breakup with basketball player Kobe Paras.
“Of course, we talk about love life—because we love our lives,” Forteza quipped, eliciting laughter from the press with her witty wordplay.
Joining Forteza and Alcantara in ‘Beauty Empire’ are Ruffa Gutierrez, Sam Concepcion, Chai Fonacier, Sid Lucero, Gabby Padilla, Choi Bo-min, Aaron Maniego, and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz. The series delves into the dark and ruthless side of the beauty industry.
