CinemaBravo

Since the BarDa tandem of Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco gained fame through their roles in the hit series ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ and ‘Maging Sino Ka Man,’ fans have long awaited their big-screen debut. Now, after winning over audiences on television, fans eagerly anticipate their first movie together as the #BarDa love team.

When asked during their media conference, where CinemaBravo was invited, about the pressure of starring in their upcoming romantic comedy film ‘That Kind of Love,’ Barbie and David were transparent about their thoughts.

David said, “I think, hindi naman ako masyadong pressured dahil napakagaling ni Barbie na actress. Siyempre, kumbaga, kunwari magka-eksena kami, maiisip mo na in love siya sa akin sa scene e, di ba, kasi napakagaling nga niya… Wala naman pressure. Walang pressure! Super happy na ka-love team ko si Barbie, marami akong natutunan sa kanya, di ba? Tapos, ang ganda-ganda—tingin nga!”

(I think, I’m not really pressured because Barbie is such a great actress. Of course, like, when we have scenes together, you might think she’s really in love with me in the scene because she’s so good… There’s no pressure. No pressure at all! I’m super happy that Barbie is my love team partner, I’ve learned a lot from her, right? And she’s so beautiful—look at her!)

To which Barbie responded by making faces, puckering her lips, and turning her cheeks.

“Pag nagpapa-cute siya—tama ba, Direk?—tinataas niya yung kilay niya.”

(When he tries to be cute—right, Director?—he raises his eyebrows.)

Barbie mimicked David’s facial expression, and he playfully responded by sticking out his tongue.

“Yan! Tama [o] mali?…”

(There! Right or wrong?…)

Barbie, on the other hand, reflected on the pressure of maintaining their love team and ensuring the strength of their partnership.

“Ako naman… I think, yung pressure is to maintain yung love team, yung lakas ng love team. Kasi, simula’t sapul naman, unexpected naman na mag-pick up yung teamup namin… Sana nga masulit naman ang partnership na ito, hindi ba, at wag mawala yung aming friendship, kahit na siguro in the future ay magkaroon kami ng iba’t ibang work, hindi ba?…”

(As for me… I think, the pressure is to maintain the strength of our love team. Because from the start, it was unexpected that our team-up would pick up… Hopefully, this partnership will be more fulfilling, right? And that our friendship won’t fade, even if maybe in the future we have different work, right?…)

“So, siguro, it helps na parehas kami ng management. We are both under Sparkle of GMA Network, kaya parang naga-guide nila kami nang maayos sa mga proyektong gagawin namin as a love team.”

(So, I think it helps that we have the same management. We are both under Sparkle of GMA Network, so they guide us well in the projects we do as a love team.)

“That Kind of Love” is coming to Philippine theaters this July 10. It is directed by Catherine ‘CC’ Camarillo with a screenplay by Ellis Catrina.

Joining Barbie and David are Al Tantay, Arlene Muhlach, Jef Gaitan, Divine Aucina, Ivan Carapiet, and Kaila Estrada.

The film is produced by Pocket Media Productions, Inc., and Pocket Media Films, in cooperation with Happy Infinite Productions, Inc., and released and distributed by Regal Entertainment.

A modern romance blossoms in unexpected ways

In “That Kind of Love,” Barbie Forteza stars as Milagros Maharlika, a renowned dating coach and certified psychologist, embarking on an extraordinary journey with Adam De Dios, played by David Licauco, the CEO of a prestigious shipping company. This compelling narrative, set against the backdrop of corporate life and the complexities of the heart, captures the essence of finding love in the most unexpected places.

Mila, known for her expert profiling skills and unwavering belief in the power of love, encounters Adam by chance in a favorite restaurant. Their initial meeting sparks a series of events that challenge Adam’s belief in his own perfection and force Mila to confront her own doubts about the intricacies of love. Adam, a driven executive epitomizing success and control, initially dismisses Mila’s insights regarding his inability to maintain stable relationships. However, after witnessing her matchmaking prowess at a friend’s wedding, Adam approaches Mila with a unique proposition: he requests her assistance in finding his perfect match, under the condition that she temporarily serves as his corporate secretary to accommodate his demanding schedule.

Their journey as boss and secretary begins with skepticism and clashing ideologies. Mila’s optimistic view on life and love contrasts with Adam’s pragmatic approach. Yet, as they work closely together, Adam begins to appreciate Mila’s perspective, gradually understanding that his pursuit of perfection might have blinded him to the beauty of falling in love. As their professional relationship evolves, so do their personal dynamics. Mila’s coaching sessions not only help Adam overcome his reservations but also enable him to acknowledge his own imperfections. Conversely, Adam’s insights challenge Mila’s idealistic notions of love, prompting her to question her beliefs.

The story reaches a pivotal moment when Adam, on the verge of finding a match through Mila’s guidance, proposes a unique test. He simulates a date scenario with Mila to assess his readiness for a real relationship. Throughout this simulated date, both Mila and Adam gradually realize that their feelings for each other have deepened beyond their professional roles. Despite this realization, Mila, bound by her professional ethics, initially resists Adam’s advances, asserting that he will always be her client. However, Adam’s heartfelt confession and understanding of Mila’s beliefs mark a turning point. He not only acknowledges his feelings for her but also showcases his newfound ability to profile her in return, demonstrating a deep emotional intelligence that transcends their professional beginnings.

In a poignant moment of role reversal, Adam declares his intention to pursue Mila romantically, showcasing a growth that mirrors their shared journey. He expresses gratitude for her guidance and announces the end of their professional partnership, asking Mila for a chance to start anew on a personal level. As their story continues to unfold, Mila and Adam stand as testaments to the transformative power of love and understanding, reminding us that sometimes, love finds us in the most unexpected of ways, challenging us to grow and evolve in ways we never imagined.

“That Kind of Love” is a Spotlight Entry and Awardee at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan. It is also the sophomore outing of Pocket Media Productions, Incorporation, following the success of its first offering, “Chances Are, You and I,” starring Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger.

Mark your calendars for this anticipated romantic-comedy starring two of the biggest names today. See you at the movies!