David Licauco, a rising star in the entertainment industry, has recently addressed rumors that he’s using Kathryn Bernardo’s name for clout. In a candid interview on Ogie Diaz’s showbiz vlog, Licauco clarified that his admiration for Bernardo is genuine, stemming from his longtime fandom, rather than a strategic move to boost his career visibility.
The controversy arose after Licauco expressed his aspiration to work with Bernardo at the sidelines of the “G! LU” mediacon, which led some netizens to speculate that he was leveraging her celebrity status for his own gain. In response, Licauco shared his personal connection to Bernardo, revealing that he has been a fan since his youth and cherished memories of watching her movies with his then-girlfriend.
“It’s not that I’m riding with a certain issue or something. I think I’m just being true to myself that I was looking up to her before. When I was young, I watched her a lot. So actually in the interview that I had, I really just shared what my dream was,” Licauco explained.
He further emphasized that his statement was merely an expression of a dream to collaborate with one of his idols, not a calculated effort to attract attention. He recounted his experience watching Bernardo and her former onscreen partner, Daniel Padilla, in cinemas back in 2014, highlighting his long-standing appreciation for her work.
Licauco’s recent encounter with Bernardo at a fashion show, where he managed to snap a photo with the actress, was a highlight for him, further proving his genuine admiration.
Through his explanations, Licauco hopes to dispel any misconceptions about his intentions, asserting that his respect and admiration for Kathryn Bernardo are rooted in genuine fandom and professional respect.