MANILA, Philippines — Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza is once again at the center of a swirling media storm — and this time, it’s not just about her thriving career, but the men making unexpected appearances in her life.

In a recent interview with GMA News’ Nelson Canlas, Barbie opened up — or at least tried to — about the very public but very confusing rumors surrounding her supposed connection with actor Jameson Blake and the quiet but explosive photo-op with her ex-boyfriend of seven years, Jak Roberto.

Barbie, who is currently promoting her projects “P77” and “Beauty Empire”, was all smiles and grace during the sit-down… until the conversation took a personal turn.

Nelson couldn’t help but bring up the growing speculation that Barbie and her “Kontrabida Academy” co-star Jameson Blake were romantically involved after the two were spotted attending two different races together — including the Cabalen Half Marathon where they were even photographed holding hands.

Barbie, cool as ever, explained that the meeting wasn’t as magical as netizens have imagined.

“Actually, a lot of people were confused about how we even crossed paths,” she said, emphasizing that their connection stemmed from “Kontrabida Academy” — a show soon to debut on Netflix.

Regarding the marathon photo, she casually dismissed the buzz:
“Jameson invited me to the run, just like how other runner friends would. That’s all it was. We are not together.”

But the real kicker came when the topic of Jak Roberto — Barbie’s former long-term partner — surfaced. After their very public breakup in January, the former couple had remained entirely out of each other’s social orbit — until a surprise reunion photo from GMA’s Beyond 75th Anniversary event surfaced online, leaving fans stunned and suspicious.

Nelson probed, but Barbie remained coy, stating with a smile:

“Since there was a photo that came out, I think I don’t have to discuss it any further.”
Then with a bit more finality:
“I don’t want to discuss it any further.”

Still, her silence might have said more than words ever could.

As if that weren’t enough, Barbie also opened up about her closeness with other leading men. She described Alden Richards as one of her most trusted friends — jokingly saying she’d never dare borrow money from him. But what really caught attention was her unexpected revelation about her love team partner David Licauco.

“We’ve grown closer since the beginning of the year. The care we have for each other is genuine,” Barbie confessed — a line that sent fans into a frenzy of speculation.

So… if she’s not dating Jameson, isn’t reconciling with Jak (at least officially), but is getting closer to David — what exactly is going on in Barbie Forteza’s love life?

With more questions raised than answered, one thing is clear: Barbie’s heart may be off-limits to the public, but that won’t stop everyone from watching — and wondering — who might just run the next marathon alongside her.