It looks like we're entering the New Year headlines with—sadly—a breakup. One of the Internet's most talked about IRL couple, Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto, have officially parted ways.
Barbie first broke the sad news on her Instagram account. But it wasn't anything against Jak—it was a breakup post still full of hope, indicating they had ended their seven-year romance on good terms. The 27-year-old actress began her post with a quote that read, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Jak for spending seven wonderful years as she called it. "Having you in my life was the happiest I had ever been. Seven wonderful years. A lot of laughs, a lot of ramen and so much love. Your love was exceptional," she continued.
Barbie noted how even a good relationship must come to an end despite all the good things that come with it. A beautiful goodbye, she said. "But sometimes, good things fall apart so better things can come together. Beautiful goodbye, @jakroberto. Thank you for loving me the way you did."
The Kapuso actress uttered words of hope and affirmation for the now-ex-boyfriend. "I am excited for what’s to come for the both of us. You take care of yourself. May you find the love you deserve," Barbie sincerely told Jak in her post.
It was shocking news for most fans as the two were even spotted celebrating Jak's birthday last December 2, 2024, exactly a month before Barbie announced their separation.
Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto's relationship
Barbie and Jak, who are both Kapuso artists, met on the set of the TV series, Meant To Be. They began publicly dating in 2017. Through the years, they have kept a somewhat low-key but steady relationship. However, in 2023, the public's attention turned to the couple as Barbie made waves together with her new love team partner, David Licauco during their Maria Clara at Ibarra stint. (In case you forgot, the "anti-selos university" was coined for Jak!)
Amid everything, Jak and Barbie stayed strong and intact, professing their loyalty and understanding for each other at every chance they got. At one point, Jak declared that they were never the nosy type when it came to their work. His statement came after a surge of inquiries about Jak's possible jealousy towards Barbie's love team partner.
"Di po ako nagseselos. Mula't mula. Di po talaga ako seloso eh. Sabi ko nga kaya nagkataon na parehas kaming artista kasi I think kung parang non-showbiz or di related yung magiging karelasyon namin, ang hirap talagang ipaintindi. So for me, sa karanasan ko na yung gf ko artista, ako din as bf nya artista, naintindihan namin yung work namin," Jak said in a 2023 interview.
Months later, in a 2024 interview with Boy Abunda, the couple was then faced with intrigue for their relationship which might have faced what others would call, the "seven-year itch." Being the strong couple that they were, Barbie strongly proclaimed that she did not see any truth behind the "seven-year itch." ICYDK, it's a term for a couple's tendency to either lose interest in each other or "fall out of love" after seven years of an intimate & exclusive relationship.
ALSO READ: Jak Roberto 'Needs Time To Prep' For Marriage With Barbie Forteza
"Hindi po. And napatunayan ko rin naman," answered Barbie. "Ang malaking factor po kasi na ang mature mag-handle ng relationship ni Jak," these were Barbie's words in July of 2024. At the time, the two were also intrigued about their wedding plans. While they were positively considering marriage back then, the two underscored their focus and dedication to their work first before settling down.
As of writing, Jak hasn't posted anything yet about their breakup. His last post was an Instagram Reel of him welcoming the year 2025 at a concert with friends, posted 23 hours before Barbie's breakup confirmation.
