Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza is setting the record straight on her relationship with actor Jameson Blake, clarifying that their bond stems from a shared love for fitness—not romance.
Speculation about the two began after they were seen together at fun runs, but Barbie made it clear during the July 22 press conference for her upcoming horror film ‘P77’ that Jameson is simply a friend she enjoys running with.
“[Siya’y aking] nakakasama kasi he’s into running also,” Barbie explained, revealing that Jameson recently invited her to run or bike with him. “Kaso umuulan. At saka hindi rin ako marunong mag-bike,” she added with a laugh.
The ‘Beauty Empire’ star emphasized that she’s also joined runs with other friends, including co-star Kyline Alcantara, and didn’t want to single out Jameson.
“Recently lang mas interested siya to participate sa mga fun runs kasi nga siguro na-realize niya how meaningful they are,” Barbie noted, praising Jameson’s active lifestyle and desire to support good causes.
The two were previously seen holding hands at a fun run in Pampanga, further fueling the dating rumors. Jameson, however, clarified that he was only helping Barbie move through the crowd.
Meanwhile, Barbie continues to keep quiet about her past relationship with actor Jak Roberto. While the two were seen speaking briefly during GMA Network’s 75th Anniversary event, Barbie declined to comment, maintaining her respectful stance following their confirmed breakup in January 2025 after seven years together.
As for her career, Barbie is gearing up for the release of ‘P77’, her first solo headliner in a mainstream movie. The film, directed by Derick Cabrido, premieres on July 30 in Philippine cinemas.
Cabrido, who last worked with Barbie on the Cinemalaya film ‘Tuos’ in 2016, said he had no one else in mind for the lead role of Luna. “Pinag-isipan na naming lahat na si Barbie ang magiging bida,” he said, sharing that the script was written with her in mind.
Barbie said she was honored to be chosen, even while juggling the film with her work on ‘Pulang Araw’. She also revealed that she drew inspiration for her role by watching intense performances from actors like Björk (Dancer in the Dark), Javier Bardem, and Meryl Streep.
In ‘P77’, Barbie plays Luna, a cruise ship worker who returns home to care for her ailing brother, played by Euwenn Mikael. After their mother (Rosanna Roces) goes missing, the siblings hide in an abandoned penthouse—where things take a sinister turn.
The ensemble cast includes JC Alcantara, Jackielou Blanco, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Gina Pareño, and Chrome Cosio. ‘P77’ marks the seventh local title distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines.
