Barbie Forteza has confirmed her split with long-time partner and fellow actor Jak Roberto, marking the end of their seven-year relationship. Taking to Instagram on January 2, Forteza shared the news with a heartfelt message, describing their breakup as a “beautiful goodbye.”
Quoting Dr. Seuss, Forteza wrote:
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
The actress reminisced on their time together, sharing snapshots from memorable dates, including visits to an intimate restaurant and a shake shop. Expressing gratitude, she thanked Roberto for his love and reflected on their journey:
“Seven wonderful years. A lot of laughs, a lot of ramen, and so much love. Your love was exceptional.”
Moving Forward with Gratitude
In her post, Forteza hinted that their separation was an opportunity for growth:
“Sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can come together. Thank you for loving me the way you did. 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.”
The actress appealed to fans to respect their privacy and refrain from speculating about their breakup, adding, “I hope for everyone’s understanding and I wish you can help us put this matter to rest.”
A Legacy of Love and Collaboration
Known by their fans as JakBie or BarJak, Forteza and Roberto were among GMA’s most beloved couples. They starred together in projects like Meant to Be and Kara Mia, and Roberto frequently featured Forteza in his YouTube vlogs. Despite their busy solo careers within the Kapuso network, they managed to maintain a steady and supportive relationship.
Forteza continues to shine with her critically acclaimed performances and her popular love team with David Licauco. Meanwhile, Roberto has embraced leading roles in dramas like Bolera and The Missing Husband.
As of this writing, Roberto has yet to release a statement about their breakup.