Joy Barcoma says adults should guide, not date 18-year-olds

Conversation grows as Apple David-Chad Gammad relationship draws scrutiny.

Joy Barcoma is earning praise online after sharing her views on relationships with significant age gaps during her guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

Host Boy Abunda asked Barcoma what she would do if an 18-year-old pursued her romantically.

Instead of entertaining the idea, Barcoma joked, “Gagawing scholar, nag-aaral pa eh,” before turning serious. She said that adults who have reached maturity have a responsibility to guide younger individuals, rather than enter into relationships with them.

The Miss Philippines Earth 2025 title holder added that those who have fully developed their frontal lobe should use their experience to help younger people who are only beginning to navigate adulthood.

Her remarks quickly resonated with viewers, with many praising her stance.

“Ganito dapat. Hindi ‘yong defend pa nang defend e mali na nga,” one netizen commented. Others said Barcoma’s response reflected the responsibility that comes with age and maturity.

The discussion comes amid ongoing conversations about age-gap relationships, following public attention on news reporter Apple David’s relationship with NCAA player Chad Gammad. Their 15-year age gap has sparked debate, with the issue drawing further reactions after Kakai Bautista publicly defended the couple.

Barcoma’s remarks have since been cited by some netizens as a contrasting perspective on such relationships.

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