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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider David Licauco opens up on new pairing with Jillian Ward, marriage plans

David Licauco opens up on new pairing with Jillian Ward, marriage plans

Published Aug 28, 2025 07:43 am
David Licauco
David Licauco
Kapuso heartthrob David Licauco is embracing change in both his career and personal life. The 31-year-old actor is currently adjusting to a fresh onscreen partnership with Jillian Ward in GMA’s upcoming action-drama series Never Say Die. They also have a movie together, with more details to be revealed soon.
On working with Jillian in a series, David had this to say: “Grabe ang action scenes namin. I'm really excited to be working with Jillian and the rest of the cast. It's fun.” (We had intense action scenes. I'm really excited to be working with Jillian and the other cast. It's fun.)
While he enjoys the new tandem, David admitted that it took some adjustment since he had grown accustomed to working with his long-time love team partner, Barbie Forteza.
“It feels different, to be completely honest, but since I’m an actor, I need to be diverse with whoever I am paired with,” he explained.
Fans of the beloved “BarDa” tandem need not worry, however. David is set to guest in Barbie’s new series "Beauty Empire" this coming week.
“Nakisali lang ako sa show, nag-guest lang. I am always grateful na lagi siyang supportive, accommodating, and makes me comfortable on the set,” he said of Barbie.
David Licauco outside his cafe.
David Licauco outside his cafe.
(I just joined the show, I was only a guest. I am always grateful that she’s supportive, accommodating, and makes me comfortable on the set.)
Even with his busy projects, the 31-year-old David is also thinking seriously about his personal future. He revealed that while he remains focused on acting and business, marriage with the "right person" is part of his life plan.
“Alangan naman 36 ka na wala ka pang asawa, di ba? Tao lang din naman ako. Kahit anong mangyari, nandyan pa rin ako, naka-stick pa rin ako sa values ko. Kahit sino naman. Kahit yung mga sikat na artista, gusto rin nilang ikasal sa tamang tao at sa tamang panahon. (Of course, you don’t want to reach 36 without being married, right? I’m only human. Whatever happens, I’ll stick to my values. Even the most famous actors want to get married to the right person at the right time.) he said, matter-of-factly.
The Pambansang Ginoo added that all his hard work today - whether on set, on the court, or in business - is motivated by his goal of making his "future family" comfortable.
David's work-life balance was on full display last Saturday when he suited up for team Taho Story A in the inaugural Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center. The actor, who once played for Grace Christian College in the Tiong Lian League and later for De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, admitted it was both a challenge and a dream fulfilled.
Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco (right) in action at Pilipinas United 3x3 League
Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco (right) in action at Pilipinas United 3x3 League
“All my life, it’s been my dream to become a basketball player. To be given the chance to play at this level, sometimes you ask yourself, do I deserve it? Am I only here because I’m an actor? Maybe. But definitely, I have to do my best so I won’t let down the people watching, those who supported me, and the other basketball players,” he said.
David never really left his favorite sport, even as he seriously pursues acting. He still trains and plays regularly, and in 2022, he even joined the NCAA All-Star event where he showcased his skills. His appearance at the PUL was another reminder that basketball, not acting, is his “first love.”
Apart from acting and basketball, David is also carving out his niche in business. He is opening a new branch of his Sobra Café along Tomas Morato in Quezon City, while also preparing to develop a villa in Siargao.
“I love Siargao. The culture there is quite different from that of Boracay. The people are very friendly and well-connected to life. Nakita ko rin yung potential, lalo na ngayon na magtatayo ng bagong airport doon. (I saw its potential, especially now that a new airport is being built there)," he said.
Despite the demands of juggling acting, sports, modelling, endorsements, and entrepreneurship, David says time management keeps him steady.
"Others say take it day by day. For me, I take it hour by hour. Each part of my day is time-blocked for business, workouts, and there are also showbiz and endorsement shoots. Additionally, I'm planning a villa, so it's all different. However, I truly enjoy what I'm doing, and it can be quite tiring at times. However, I do need to remember why I'm doing this. I want to make my future family comfortable," he stressed.
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