Barbie Forteza, Jak Roberto end 7 years of ‘exceptional’ love

Photo courtesy: @barbarafortez | Instagram

MORE often than not, the new year is the time for a fresh start filled with love, joy, and hope.

And for Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto, they will do just that… but separately, as the actress announced their break up after being together for seven years.

The “Pulang Araw” actress confirmed in an Instagram post on Thursday night, January 2, that she parted ways with her longtime boyfriend. Forteza shared a few photos of them together—including a picture of them holding hands at a cafè—as she reflected on the “wonderful” years she shared with Roberto.

“Having you in my life was the happiest I had ever been. Seven wonderful years. A lot of laughs, a lot of ramen and so much love,” she wrote.

“Your love was exceptional. But sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can come together,” she added.

Forteza then bid a “beautiful goodbye” to the 31-year-old actor, thanking him for the love he gave her.

“I am excited for what’s to come for the both of us. You take care of yourself. May you find the love you deserve,” said the actress.

She also asked the public for understanding and hoped they could help them “put this matter to rest.”

As of writing, the “Black Rider” actor has yet to issue an official statement regarding the breakup.

‘JakBie’ relationship timeline

2017: Forteza and Roberto’s seven-year relationship began in 2017 when they worked together in the romance-comedy series “Mean To Be.” Later that year, they became the subject of dating rumors, especially when Forteza shared an Instagram post where she was seen flying a lantern in Indiana, USA.

What caught the attention of netizens was the message written on the lantern that read: “Monay at pandesal sana magtagal.” Reports said “monay” referred to Forteza, while “pandesal” described Roberto.

In a previous interview with “Tonight with Arnold Clavio,” Roberto revealed that their relationship began before “Meant To Be” ended in June 2017.

“Bago matapos po ‘yung ‘Meant To Be.’ Doon ‘yun nag-start na in-invite ko na siya para manood ng sine, kumain sa labas,” the actor shared.

Forteza, on the other hand, said she agreed to become Roberto’s girlfriend via text message.

2019: The two Kapuso stars continued to work together in small-screen projects, including the 2019 fantasy series “Kara Mia.”

2022: Three years later, Forteza was paired with actor David Licauco in the fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra.” The chemistry between Forteza and Licauco—who portrayed Klay and Fidel, respectively, in the show—was well-received by many viewers, giving birth to the much-loved on-screen tandem “FiLay” or “BarDa.”

2023: With their strong chemistry, some wondered if Roberto had ever gotten jealous of his girlfriend’s on-screen partner. The question was asked to him during an episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in 2023, to which he answered no.

He then became the target of “anti-selos” memes as netizens poked fun at how unbothered he was by the successful on-screen love team of Forteza and Licauco, with some lauding his professionalism and respect for his girlfriend’s work.

One of the trending memes was the fictional “Jak Roberto University (JRU),” where the actor even served as a “professor” in an “anti-selos” class.

Forteza and Licauco were paired anew in the drama war series “Pulang Araw,” which premiered on Netflix in July 2024.

2024: Forteza also made an appearance in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in July 2024, where she admitted discussing wedding plans with Roberto.

“Kinikilig nga ako kapag nagse-send siya sa’kin ng mga parang wedding videos sa Instagram, kasi parang sabi ko, ‘Okay, so pumapasok sa isip niya.’ Tapos sini-send niya sa’kin,” she shared.

She went on, “He wants to get involved in that area, kasi ‘di ba po ba ang mga boys ayaw nila nagpa-plan ng wedding ‘di ba? So, may ganun siya.”

Before this, the ex-couple celebrated their seventh anniversary in May with a ramen date.