Actor David Licauco has broken his silence following Barbie Forteza’s viral comment describing Khalil Ramos as the first “ideal leading man” she has worked with, saying he respects her opinion and wishes her nothing but success.
Barbie recently made headlines during the media conference for her upcoming Regal Entertainment film ‘Saving Cherry’, where she praised Khalil for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.
“Khalil is the ideal leading man… Finally, nagkaroon na ako ng leading man na maayos,” Barbie said, adding that she enjoys working with actors who are passionate about their work and treat others with respect.
Her statement immediately fueled online speculation, with some netizens interpreting it as a subtle jab at her former on-screen partner David Licauco and other leading men she had previously worked with.
Asked about the remark during his recent contract signing with Viva, in partnership with ALV Talent Circuit, David responded with grace.
“I’m just really grateful for four years na magkasama kami. Marami kaming pinagsamahan, marami kaming shows na nagawa. We hang out together, we work together, so I’m just really grateful sa partnership namin,” he said.
David also acknowledged his own shortcomings during the early years of their successful BarDa partnership.
“Maybe, I’m not perfect. There were times that I was late sa tapings. But the fact na tumagal ang love team at ang pinagsamahan namin, hindi na ako naging late. In terms of acting, okay naman. May awards naman ako,” he admitted.
Instead of taking offense, David agreed with Barbie’s assessment of Khalil.
“Totoo naman si Khalil, napakabait naman talaga niyang tao. Kahit ako, gusto ko siya. Kapag nakikita ko siya sa GMA, we talk for 15 to 20 minutes. He’s really a nice person, and for sure iyon din ang naging perception ni Barbie,” he said.
When asked directly if Barbie’s statement bothered him, David simply replied: “It’s okay. That’s her opinion.”
He also dismissed speculation that there is tension between him and his former loveteam partner.
“Okay naman. I think we’re okay.”
As for the possibility of a BarDa reunion, David said both of them are currently focused on their individual careers.
“I’m not so sure. As you can see, we’re doing solo. Kaya ako nandito ngayon sa Viva Films, while she’s also doing a lot of things. Ang dami niyang projects ngayon. I’m proud of her, and iyon talaga ang gusto niyang gawin.”
David recently entered a new chapter in his career after signing a series contract with Viva while continuing to remain one of Sparkle’s leading talents.
Known for his breakout role as Fidel in ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’, David has since built an impressive résumé in television, film, and music, earning acting awards and starring in projects such as ‘Pulang Araw’, ‘That Kind of Love’, and ‘Samahan ng mga Makasalanan’. He also released his debut single, ‘I Think I Love You,’ in 2025.