From reel to real life lovers: Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto’s relationship timeline
After being together for over seven years, Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto have broken up.
Barbie confirmed their split on Thursday evening, Jan. 2. "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. Your love was exceptional," Barbie wrote.
“But sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can come together. Beautiful goodbye, [Jak Roberto]," she continued.
As they close this chapter of their lives, here’s a look back at JakBie’s romance through the years.
2017: First meeting
Barbie and Jak first worked together on the romantic-comedy TV series, Meant To Be, where Jak is one of Barbie’s love interests, alongside Ken Chan, Ivan Dorschner, and Addy Raj. They played the roles of Billie Bandiola and Andoy dela Cruz, respectively.
July 2017: Soft launch on Instagram
The two sparked dating rumors months after the airing of their first series together. In July, Barbie posted a picture of herself holding hands with a mystery man.
“Mas happy pa sa happy, 20th!” she wrote in her caption.
The following month, Barbie traveled to the US and took part in the Shine Festival. On her lantern, she wrote, “Monay at Pandesal... sana magtagal,” with three hearts, seemingly referring to her romance with Jak. According to reports, Barbie's been called "Monay" for her round face, while Jak's been called "Pandesal" for his sculpted abs.
It was later revealed that the two officially started dating on May 19, 2017, as seen on their anniversary greetings through the years.
December 2017: First Christmas together
After going public with their relationship, the two were seen celebrating important occasions with their families. Jak shared a family photo of him, including Barbie with whom he had matching grey shirts on Christmas Day in 2017. On the same day, Barbie also shared her family photo including Jak.
2018-2019: Projects together
The two also starred in other projects, including Magpakailaman’s episode dubbed Ang Babaeng Tinimbang Ngunit Sobra in 2018.
They were also paired in the TV series Kara Mia, which Barbie co-starred with Mika dela Cruz in 2019.
2018-onwards: Travels
Besides enjoying romantic dinners, the couple shared a love for travel, exploring destinations both locally and internationally, including Hong Kong, Japan, Tagaytay, Palawan, and Bohol.
Their adventures together were often documented on their respective YouTube channels, featuring pranks, challenges, and glimpses into their personal lives, from birthday surprises to Valentine's Day celebrations.
May 2019: Second anniversary
Marking their second year of togetherness, Barbie and Jak went on a date at the House of Wagyu Stone Grill.
“Happy 2nd Anniversary, mahal ko [Jak Roberto]! I love you 3000,” Barbie wrote with a red heart emoji.
“2nd year of happiness! I Wagyu!!!” Jak also wrote in his Instagram post.
May 2020: Third anniversary
To celebrate their third year as a couple, Jak and Barbie went on a virtual date due to restrictions amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They penned sweet anniversary messages to each other by posting their photo at the bell of happiness at Mt. Moiwa during their Japan trip in 2019.
"Being with you has been one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. You boost me up when I feel insecure. You put my feet back on the ground when I fly too high. You support me in everything that I do. You don’t judge, you accept. You love, and you love, and when it all feels overwhelming... you love more. Happy 3rd Anniversary, [Jak Roberto]. I love you,” Barbie captioned her post.
May 2021: Fourth anniversary
While the two weren’t able to celebrate their fourth anniversary, they made sure to mark the event meaningfully. In an interview with 24 Oras, Barbie shared that Jak sent food to her family. He also gave her an espresso machine. Barbie, meanwhile, gave an organizer and a hard case for Jak’s cameras.
“Too many to mention mahal ko. Pero lahat ng trip natin pareho, kaya siguro umabot din tayo ng apat na taon, at hanggang ngayon wala akong masabi kundi ikaw ang THE ONE, salamat sa lahat ng binibigay mo saking suporta, mapatrabaho man yan o kung ano mang mga plano ko satin! Mahal na mahal po kita Madam! Happy 4th Anniversary,” Jak wrote in his Instagram post.
May 2022: Fifth anniversary
Marking their half-decade of togetherness, the two celebrated their fifth anniversary in a resort in Bohol.
“I used to dream of fairytales and having a prince charming one day but you have made me love my reality. With you, I’ve had challenges that helped me become the best version of myself,” Barbie wrote.
She added, “You are no prince charming, but a man with the biggest heart to accept everything about me. Both good and bad. You are the man I never expected but you are the man that I’ve always needed. I love you”
“Happy 5th Anniversary to my travel buddy, to my food trip buddy, movie buddy, to my very supportive and sexiest girlfriend ever! Thank you so much sa pag motivate at pagpush mo sakin na kaya kong gawin ang lahat! More Travels, food trip and cozy years to us! Mahal na mahal kita,” Jak captioned her post.
October 2022: Barbie Forteza and David Licauco’s “BarDa” tandem
Barbie further rose to fame for her portrayal of Klay in the hit GMA series Maria Clara at Ibarra, where she was paired with David Licauco (Fidel). Their tandem, dubbed “FiLay” was a hit among the fans for their chemistry. Their “BarDa” love team was so huge that the fans hoped for them to be together in real life.
Despite the fans’ clamor, Jak assured the public that Barbie’s on-screen love team does not affect their relationship.
“Hindi po ako nagseselos Tito Boy, mula’t mula po,” he confidently told the “King of Talk.”
Host Boy Abunda then asked if Barbie ever got jealous of his on-screen partners in the past, but Jak directly said no.
“Kasi sa’min Tito Boy, sabi ko nga, siguro nagkataon na parehas kaming artista. Kasi, I think kung non-showbiz ‘yung magiging ka-relasyon namin, ang hirap talaga ipa-intindi,” he explained.
The actor said he doesn't mind playful teasing about his relationship, but finds it upsetting when fans make disrespectful comments. He also emphasized the importance of trust in his relationship.
Jak also shared they are so secure as a couple that he did not feel any jealousy at all in their six-year relationship, which Barbie echoed.
“It has always been the question kung nagseselos ba si Jak. Hindi nga! So can we stop? Parang nakakapagod nang sumagot,” she said.
May 2023: Sixth anniversary
Barbie and Jak celebrated their sixth anniversary with another steak date. In his message, Jak expressed his appreciation for Barbie's ability to successfully balance her career and their relationship.
“Congratulations sa lahat ng success mo! Kahit ano man ang sabihin at isipin ng iba! Nandito parin ako, susuporta at mamahalin ka palagi! Mahal na mahal po kita,” Jak wrote.
“You are the most understanding, patient, and supportive man any woman could ask for. I don’t know how you do it but thank you so much for loving me the way you do. Greatest reality,” Barbie captioned her post. “Dito lang din ako para sayo, mahal ko. We got this.”
December 2023: Jak Roberto’s controversy
In December, JakBie’s relationship was hounded by split rumors after Jak was reportedly seen being cozy with sexy actress Ava Mendez in a hotel.
Ava clarified the viral photos and videos, saying that she and Jak attended a birthday party of a common friend at a five-star hotel.
“Papunta kami ng elevator, pumunta kami sa room namin may mga ibang fan din na nakakita na may ginagawa si Jak sa akin, ‘yung parang hug lang ng kaibigan like behind, kasi lasing talaga siya. Bangag talaga siya,” Ava said in an interview with content creator Madam LQ.
“May nakakita na fan na binigyan kami ng malisya na niyayakap ako ni Jak. Nahihilo siya [si Jak]. Akala inaamoy o hinahalikan ako. Wala namang ganung scenario nangyari, lasing ‘yung tao eh,” she added.
Jak, meanwhile, did not comment on the issue.
May 2024: Seventh anniversary
The two celebrated their seventh year of togetherness by watching a movie and going on a dinner date.
“I can’t believe it’s already been that long cause you still make me laugh the same way as when we went out on our first ramen date. You never fail to treat me the way you promised my family you would. Lastly, you love and care for my family more than you should. You have raised the bar, my love. I’m so grateful for you,” Barbie wrote in her message.
Late 2024: Last few posts of being together
One of Barbie’s last posts for her ex-beau was during his birthday last December.
“I am so proud of all your accomplishments. I remember we’d always talk about your dreams of having your own house and managing your own business. Ngayon, unti unti mong tinutupad ang mga pangarap mong yon and I am so happy to have witnessed it myself,” Barbie wrote at the time.
For his part, Jak mentioned Barbie in his birthday post and greeted her on their monthsary in November.
Jan. 2, 2025: ‘Beautiful goodbye’
Barbie surprised her followers by announcing her split with Jak, whom she thanked for “seven wonderful years.”
“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,” she wrote, reposting their photos from her "soft launch" in 2017.
Jak, meanwhile, hasn’t addressed the breakup as of writing.
Wedding plans
In their seven years of being together, Jak and Barbie faced constant questions about their marriage plans. Both of them have been open about wanting financial stability before settling down. Jak has consistently mentioned the importance of having enough savings for their future family.
Despite the pressure from fans, they've maintained that their careers are a priority and that marriage will happen when they're both ready and financially secure.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya kapag ka dumating ’yung time na gusto na naming mag-settle, mahalaga talaga na malaki ’yung ipon namin sa isa’t isa kasi, syempre, may family din siya na sinusuportahan, ako din may family din,” he said during his guesting at Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
“Buo na sa isip namin na kapag ka talagang may ipon na, and kaya na naming mag-settle down, doon na namin gagawin ’yun, doon na kami magdedesisyon or for sure,” he continued.
Barbie has also shared that they've had conversations about marriage and that she finds it sweet that Jak is even thinking about wedding plans.
“Kinikilig nga ako kapag nagse-send siya sa akin ng mga parang wedding videos sa Instagram kasi parang sabi ko, 'Okay so pumapasok sa isip niya.' Tapos sinisend nya sa akin," she shared with the “King of Talk.”
Barbie added: "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."
