Actor and model David Licauco has refuted claims that he is using Kathryn Bernardo’s name to boost his own fame, asserting that his expressed desire to collaborate with the actress is rooted in genuine admiration and a hope for a future project together.

The allegations emerged after Licauco expressed his aspiration to work alongside Bernardo during an interview at the ‘G! LU’ mediacon, sparking speculation among netizens that he was leveraging Bernardo’s popularity for personal gain.

In response to these claims, Licauco addressed the matter on Ogie Diaz’s showbiz vlog, which was uploaded on April 26. He emphasized his long-standing admiration for Bernardo, dating back to his childhood when he avidly followed her career.

“Hindi naman sa sasakay ako or something. I think I’m just being true to myself na siguro like I was looking up to her before,” Licauco stated. “Noong bata ako, siya yung pinapanood ko. So actually ‘dun sa interview na I had, eh talagang sinabi ko lang kung ano ‘yung dream ko.”

Licauco revealed that he had been a fan of Bernardo since his youth, recalling instances where he and his then-girlfriend attended movie screenings to watch Bernardo and her former boyfriend, Daniel Padilla, on the silver screen.

“Doesn’t mean that it will happen, doesn’t mean naman that it might happen. I’m just saying kung ano ‘yung dream ko talaga,” Licauco clarified. “Kasi pinapanood ko silang dalawa ni Daniel Padilla. Noong 2014, kasama ko ‘yung [dating] girlfriend ko at that time sa sine, pinapanood namin. Siyempre ngayon, sa interview, sasabihin mo lang ‘yung totoo.”

Licauco’s admiration for Bernardo has been evident on numerous occasions, with the actor expressing his excitement over the opportunity to meet her and even sharing a photo with her at a recent fashion show for a local brand in March.

The actor’s response sheds light on the importance of genuine admiration and aspirations within the entertainment industry, emphasizing the need for clarity amidst speculations and allegations.