David Licauco on missing onscreen partner Barbie Forteza
David Licauco stepped into unfamiliar territory in his latest film, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” not just because of his character and its genre, but also because he worked on it without his loveteam partner, Barbie Forteza.
“It was new to me working without Barbie,” David recently admitted in an interview with this paper. “For the past two to three years, she has always been my partner in every series, every movie that I do. But masaya naman. It’s (the experience of acting without Barbie) something new and challenging.”
While fans of the Kapuso tandem, dubbed as BarDa, might be feeling the (temporary) separation as they pursue different projects, David offered some good news: “Of course, of course (I miss working with her). We are doing something… I think so (a movie).”
In “Samahan ng mga Kasalanan,” which is still showing in cinemas nationwide, David found himself taking on the world of comedy — another first for the actor. After successive dramatic and romantic roles, this project allowed him to loosen up and trust the process, especially with director Benedict Mique at the helm.
“He’s not from GMA and I learned a lot from him,” said David. “I just put my full trust in direk. Sabi naman niya kaya ko, and kinuha naman nila ako, I think knowing na kaya ko. So I tried my best not to overthink before filming.”
In “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” he plays a member of the clergy — a deacon — who gets assigned to a “problematic” community.
To prepare for the role, David watched films and series, particularly drawing inspiration from Korean actor Park Seo-joon’s character in the hit K-drama “Itaewon Class.” “‘Di ba si Park Seo-joon dun mabait and he’s surrounded by quirky and funny people and still remains entertaining,” he said, noting how he saw parallels in their onscreen situations.
The actor described the experience of doing comedy as both enjoyable and humbling. “Definitely a challenge, but when you’re surrounded by comedians, I think I just have to react to their jokes and acting. But yeah, at first I was overthinking, but direk (Benedict) just told me, ‘You just have to smile, feel the vibe and just react to everyone.’”
David is open to do more comedy in the future. But admittedly, he has a soft spot for drama. “As long as the story is interesting and it has purpose, I’m very much willing to do it,” he said. “It’s nice to do drama because I like crying (laughs). Yung mga romantic-romantic na ganyan, I love it actually. But for this one, I enjoyed it and I’m always up for challenges.”
Meanwhile, David said that he got to somehow apply his experience growing up to the film. As a Christian, he went to church twice a week and considered himself religious. “I’m not really loud, not super expressive, so I guess that kind of helped with the role,” he said.
Further reflecting on the film’s theme of “kasalanan,” he shared, “With self-awareness, ‘di ka naman gagawa ng mga grabeng kasalanan. Siguro sometimes, just a bit… Di ko alam, parang wala naman. Magso-sorry ako kay Lord na nagawa ako yun, na ‘di ko na uulitin — tapos next time, sorry ulit, di ko na uulitin.”
To avoid “negative influences” or “bad company,” he said he tries to keep his circle small and steady. “In real life, I just choose my friends. I only have a handful. Of course, as we grow older, we have responsibilities. And I just stay with my core friends — and I’m happy with the company that I have.”
Meanwhile, aside from films, David is also exploring the music scene. He will release his debut single, I Think I Love You, on May 16 under Universal Records Philippines. The track, an upbeat, synth-pop, danceable song, will showcase an energetic side of the actor, who fans have long associated with his calm and composed demeanor, according to the media release.
David, who previously performed Kailangan Kita for the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” OST, will mark his official foray as a recording artist in I Think I Love You.
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