What was supposed to be a celebration turned into chaos. A brand-new billboard featuring David Licauco was unveiled, and fans—especially loyal followers of the “BarDa” tandem—were eager to see another chapter in the beloved David Licauco and Barbie Forteza pairing. But when the spotlight unexpectedly shifted, emotions flared. Because standing next to David wasn’t Barbie Forteza. It was Barbie Imperial.

Within hours, social media was on fire.

“Wait, where’s Barbie Forteza?” one netizen asked. “Did David just replace her without saying anything?”

The billboard—clean, striking, and meant to promote an upcoming campaign—featured David and Barbie Imperial with chemistry that couldn’t be ignored. For many, it felt like a betrayal. BarDa isn’t just a loveteam; it’s a fandom built on years of on-screen magic and behind-the-scenes warmth. And now, it felt like that magic was being rewritten.

What made it worse? David’s online posts.

Instead of balancing the buzz with a tribute to his partnership with Barbie Forteza, David doubled down—resharing clips with Barbie Imperial, promoting their collaboration, and staying silent about the BarDa disappointment.

BarDa fans were stunned. Some felt blindsided. Others were outright heartbroken.

“She was there when no one knew who you were,” one fan tweeted. “Now you’re famous, and you forget Barbie Forteza? Unbelievable.”

It wasn’t just the billboard. Eagle-eyed fans noticed David’s recent interviews where he spoke more frequently about new projects—with Imperial. Add to that the increased public sightings of the two, and the suspicion grew stronger: was BarDa being quietly phased out?

Still, many hoped it was just a temporary switch. Maybe it was a one-time promo. Maybe it was marketing strategy. But then came the subtle responses from Barbie Forteza herself.

In a story post, Forteza shared a photo of a sunset with the caption, “Some things change. Some people don’t.”
No names. No mentions. But the timing? Impossible to ignore.

She also unfollowed a few related fan accounts, prompting more speculation. Was she hurt? Had she been kept in the dark? Or worse—was she being sidelined?

Industry insiders weighed in. One production staffer shared, “Barbie [Forteza] was shocked. She didn’t know the campaign would launch this soon—or that she wouldn’t be part of it. It hit her hard.”

Meanwhile, Barbie Imperial seemed unbothered. Her posts remained cheerful, promotional, and filled with gratitude for the new opportunity. But some fans questioned: Was she aware of the emotional storm she was walking into?

“She’s being used,” one netizen commented. “They’re stirring drama to generate buzz, and it’s working.”

David, caught in the middle, has remained tactfully silent. No official statement. No apology. Not even a message to calm the growing storm. And to some, that silence is the loudest betrayal.

The BarDa fandom isn’t just built on kilig. It’s built on loyalty. Fans have supported David and Barbie Forteza from their early scenes to their most celebrated pairings. They showed up at mall shows, trended hashtags, and defended their tandem against all odds.

To them, this isn’t just about a billboard. It’s about respect.

“Fine, work with other actresses,” another fan wrote. “But acknowledge where you came from. Don’t erase Barbie Forteza like she didn’t help build your career.”

Others called on GMA and the brands involved to clarify whether BarDa was still a priority. “We just want transparency,” said a fan page admin. “If this is the end, tell us. Don’t leave us in the dark.”

Behind the scenes, sources close to Barbie Forteza say she’s handling it with grace—but she’s deeply hurt. “She’s always been professional,” a stylist said. “But this one hit differently. She wasn’t expecting to be left out like that.”

This drama has opened an emotional wound in Philippine showbiz—a reminder of how quickly loyalties can shift, and how fame often walks a tightrope between love and loss.

Where do things go from here?

Some fans are calling for a BarDa comeback project—to reaffirm that the magic is still alive. Others say it’s time for Barbie Forteza to shine on her own, free from the shadows of tandem politics.

As for David, he has a choice to make. Continue on this path, or reconnect with the fanbase that helped him rise. His next move may define not just his image, but how he’s remembered in the hearts of those who once believed in him without question.

Because in showbiz, billboards fade. But feelings don’t.

And right now, the BarDa fandom is hurting. Loudly.