Jak Roberto reflects on past relationship with Barbie Forteza

Jak Roberto looked back on his past relationship with Barbie Forteza and shared how it shaped him personally.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the Kapuso actor opened up about the lessons he gained from their seven-year relationship, saying it taught him courage and maturity.

“For me, Tito, every relationship, may learnings ‘yan eh. Kumbaga, na-mold ako bilang lalaki sa relasyon namin. Kasi parang ‘yun ‘yung time na nag-jump ako doon sa mga kinakatakutan kong gawin, which is business, magpatayo ng bahay. Medyo malaking responsibilities ‘yun for me na parang ayoko munang gawin,” he said.

Jak credited the Kapuso Primetime Princess for giving him inspiration to overcome the challenging things in his life.

Despite their breakup, Jak remains grateful for their time together.

“Malaking parte siya ng pitong taon na ‘yun. Siyempre, malaking parte rin siya sa puso ko kasi hindi naman biro ‘yung seven years. And masaya ako kung ano man ‘yung nangyari sa amin dahil sa bawat relasyon naman, mapatagal man or maikli, lagi kang may matututunan and lagi may opportunity na parating sa ‘yo,” he said.

When asked if they are now on friendly terms, the “My Father’s Wife” star said that he is open to being friends again.

He recalled seeing Barbie during GMA’s 75th anniversary celebration, where they had a brief but meaningful conversation.

“Nakita ko siya, nakaupo sa likuran ko. And after no’ng wala na siyang kausap, nagbabasa siya ng script that time, sabi ko, mag-hi lang ako. So ayon, sabi ko, 'Hi, kumusta?' And she congratulated me dun sa show. Congratulate ko rin siya dun sa movie niya and sa mga show niya,” Jak said.

This small conversation was significant for Jak, as it made him feel lighter.

“Gumaan ‘yung pakiramdam ko na meron na akong lakas ng loob para makipag-usap sa kanya. Parang gano'n, naging closure siya for me,” he said.

Jak has also once again addressed Barbie’s growing closeness to Jameson Blake, confirming that he had indeed spoken to his fellow actor.

“Kasi nung last time namin nag-usap, parang eight years daw siyang walang girlfriend. Tapos sabi ko sa kaniya, mabait naman si Barbie. As in, alagaan mo lang. Kung anong sinabi ko last time do’n sa interview, ‘yun naman talaga sinabi ko sa kaniya,” he said.

Jak thinks that the timing is just right, especially that Barbie is now 28 years old and they have been separated for quite a while.

“Happy na rin ako na may nakikilala na siya,” he said.

Looking back on their seven years together, Jak stated that he has no regrets.

“Pero siyempre, lagi naman tayong may gusto pa sanang ibigay pa na more than doon sa kung paano ‘yung treatment mo sa karelasyon mo. Sa akin kasi lagi, ‘di ba, tinatanong mo anong secret namin before sa mahabang relasyon, it's commitment talaga and ‘yung communication. Which is for me, kung mabibigay ko lahat ng oras ko na puwede kong gawin, ganoon sana.”

Barbie announced their split in January.

Barbie's final post with Jak on Instagram was in December 2024, when they celebrated the actor's 31st birthday.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News