Barbie Forteza and David Licauco created something magical when they partnered for GMA Network’s teleserye Maria Clara at Ibarra. Their pairing as “FiLay” (Fidel and Klay) had many rooting for the actors to date IRL. While that’s cute and all, Barbie is currently in a 6-year relationship with fellow actor Jak Roberto, who’s also friends with David. Nevertheless, Pinoys still can’t help but be thrown in for a loop whenever Barbie and David interact on social media, teasing and complimenting each other. And now the Internet is torn — do they ship BarDa or JakBie?

Barbie Forteza and David Licauco get friendly on social media

Pano kasi aawra ng ayos kung ang sinasabi ng photographer, “ganda ganda naman” 🙄😆 https://t.co/xTUE97CzTo

— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) June 19, 2023

Barbie and David’s latest interaction on social media involved Twitter and a beautiful picture. On June 19, David posted a photo of Barbie blissfully laughing while on a boat. A few hours later, she retweeted it with the caption: “Pano kasi aawra ng ayos kung ang sinasabi ng photographer, ‘ganda ganda naman.'” Barbie included eye roll and laughter emojis.

It was enough to send fans on a spiral. Many gushed about how cute it is that they pair still spend time together despite Maria Clara at Ibarra ending early this year. Meanwhile, others can’t help but think of Jak Roberto.

Jak Roberto, the strongest soldier

jak roberto is god’s strongest soldier https://t.co/eB96tfbZbW

— franko sean (@mightbegab) June 19, 2023

jak roberto, patron saint of idgaf war soldiers na matinding magselos, pray for us

— aga IS A CERTIFIED KAKAIBABE (@el_agato) June 20, 2023

The Internet responded with a sprinkling of its signature Pinoy humor, saying that Jak is indeed God’s strongest soldier if he can bear all of that with a straight face.

Strongest Soldier awardee

jak roberto at the idgaf awards https://t.co/2Be4lZHSvG pic.twitter.com/UndqvhTFwh

— lia (@rbbjen) June 19, 2023

jak roberto pasensya reveal pano di mag selos sa mga paganito 😭 kasi di ko kaya sjsjsjsks pic.twitter.com/nLClOUNZ9y

— tati (@cebuanafairy) June 19, 2023

If you were the one in a relationship, would you be okay with someone else outright flirting with your partner? No? Maybe you can look up to Jak Roberto and his ways.

Nanuntok ng pader

*meanwhile, Jak Roberto sinuntok ang pader* https://t.co/adAFtlZZTj pic.twitter.com/GgnabSIJEy

— ʳᵒᵇ 👽✨ (@robismore) June 19, 2023

(He’s probably like this IRL if he isn’t friends with David)

But if the roles were reversed?

imagine if jak roberto or any celeb male in a relationship doing this instead of barbie… everyone would turn against him. https://t.co/Kgkr7Xxb4r

— o’brien (@deeplyfrost) June 19, 2023

While this tweet has a point, Jak also has projects where he’s partnered with actresses that isn’t Barbie. He’s even required to do intimate scenes with them. GMA actress Julie Anne San Jose even apologized to Barbie for a scene in Heartful Cafe where she had to touch Jak’s chest. Barbie’s response? “It’s okay!” And that’s how you know it’s just business.

At this point, the Internet just wants Jak Roberto to react

Netizens think Jak should fight back and stake his claim on his girl — and make it public. After all, which sane boyfriend would want another guy flirting with his girlfriend, right? (Especially if said guy is as charming as David). But while some are trying to provoke Jak for a reaction, others are beyond the whole thing. They know that Barbie and David’s social media posts are merely fan service. If you’re looking for someone to blame, blame it on the love team culture in the Philippine entertainment industry or the fans that willingly eat the whole thing up. Ergo, BarDa is not real and JakBie is canon.

In case you’re wondering, Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto are going strong

And here’s proof that the long-time couple doesn’t hesitate to show their affection for each other on social media:

What do you think of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco’s level of fan service? Share your thoughts with us below!

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