Barbie Forteza and David Licauco have amassed a solid following with their effective portrayals as a couple on screen. Their chemistry is so strong that even Barbie’s very public relationship with actor Jak Roberto has not prevented fans from shipping the tandem.
In reality, they are more than just screen partners; they are good friends who have cultivated a great working relationship since their breakthrough roles as Klay and Ginoong Fidel in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” in 2022.
Now, Barbie and David are bringing their phenomenal partnership to the big screen. They star in “That Kind of Love,” with Barbie playing dating coach Milagros Maharlika and David as Adam De Dios, CEO of a shipping company.
“That Kind of Love” shows how love can bloom and unfold in the most unexpected places.
In Barbie’s case, her love for David–as a good friend and screen partner, of course–blossomed slowly. “Hindi agad agad,” she said, “pero nung na-reach na namin ang level of friendship na kailangan to make the partnership work, feeling ko more of taga-guide, taga-support, hypeman ba tawag dun.”
One particular instance where Barbie showed her support for David was during the Sparkle shows in Calgary and Toronto in Canada last April. “I really went out of my way to support him on stage because, as we all know, medyo mahiyain ang ating ginoo,” related Barbie. “I think it’s more of showing my support sa kanya sa abot ng makakaya ko.”
For “That Kind of Love,” it’s a different kind of help that Barbie’s Milagros gives to David’s Adam. Adam, a driven executive who embodies success and control, initially dismisses Mila’s insights about his inability to maintain stable relationships. However, after witnessing Mila’s matchmaking prowess at a friend’s wedding, Adam approaches her with a unique proposition. He requests Mila’s assistance in finding his perfect match, albeit under the condition that she temporarily serves as his corporate secretary to accommodate his demanding schedule.
Their story reaches a pivotal moment when Adam, on the verge of finding a match through Mila’s guidance, proposes a unique test. He simulates a date scenario with Mila to assess his readiness for a real relationship. Throughout this simulated date, both Mila and Adam gradually realize that their feelings for each other have deepened beyond their professional roles.
In real life, Barbie and David said they do not feel any pressure when it comes to their partnership. David is all praises for Barbie, saying that acting opposite her is a breeze.
“Hindi naman po ako masyadong pressured dahil napakagaling ni Barbie na actress,” he said. “Pag may eksena kami maiisip mo in love siya sa akin kasi napakagaling niyang aktres.”
For Barbie, if there is indeed pressure, it is on how to help each other grow in their careers.
“I think ‘yung pressure ay to maintain ‘yung love, kasi unexpected naman to na mag-pick up,” she explained. “The pressure ay kung paano namin ma-maintain at masulit namin ang partnership namin na ito. At wag mawala ‘yung aming friendship kahit sa future ay magkaron kami ng iba’t ibang work.”
Joining Barbie and David in “That Kind of Love” are Al Tantay, Arlene Muhlach, Jef Gaitan, Divine Aucina, Ivan Carapiet, and Kaila Estrada. A Spotlight Entry and Awardee at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan, it is also the sophomore outing of Pocket Media Productions, Incorporation, following the success of its first offering, “Chances Are, You and I,” starring Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger.
Catherine “CC” O. Camarillo directs the screenplay by Ellis Catrina. “That Kind of Love” opens in cinemas on July 10.
