What inspires Barbie

MANILA, Philippines – “Unexpected and shocked,” Barbie Forteza told The STAR during the recent That’s My Amboy set visit when asked about her Best Actress win at the 36th FantasPorto International Filmfest for the Louie Ignacio-directed indie film titled Laut. “I still can’t believe that I’ve won an international award so it’s like the ultimate shock for me.”

Barbie said that the award was worth all the struggles she encountered while filming Laut. At that time, she was still taping for The Half Sisters so she had limited time to prepare for the film.

“So what I did was, I read the script many times. As much as I wanted to focus on that project, I couldn’t because I had an ongoing show. I had limited time to focus on it because for example, (taping for) Half Sisters was on a Monday while Laut was done Tuesdays… So, acting-wise, it could be confusing kaya sobrang effort din,” said Barbie, who’s grateful to direk Louie for personally handpicking her. “It really feels good to know na maraming naka-recognize at naka-appreciate ng ginawa namin. Sobrang struggle but it was obviously worth it.”

In 2014, Barbie won Best Supporting Actress for Mariquina at the Cinemalaya Awards and scored another Best Supporting Actress award for the film at the 2015 Gawad Urian. However, five years ago, she was named New Movie Actress of the Year by the PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

The 18-year-old Kapuso star stressed that she just can’t simply rest on her laurels. “I’m grateful that at my age, I am already recognized pero para sabihin ko na andun na ako…wala pa po talaga. Wala pa po ako sa kalingkingan ng mga magagaling na artista.”

Nevertheless, Barbie feels flattered that some people are beginning to acknowledge her as an actress and no longer a teen star.

“Well, that was my goal ever since. Even at a very young age, I’ve always aimed to become an actress someday. Kumbaga maipakilala ako as actress kasi yun talaga yung gusto ko. So far, may mga tumatawag na sa akin ng actress and it’s flattering and overwhelming for me. Unlike before, ang tawag sa akin ay ‘one of the teen stars’ lang but now, ‘one of the young actresses’ na.”

Asked on what the international award has done for her acting, Barbie replied, “Mas naging technical ako sa pag-o-observe ko sa sarili ko pag umaarte ako so kailangan okey ako. I have to do good.” But Barbie revealed she has just getting started. “I have so many things to explore bilang isang artista. Nagsisimula pa lang ako. I want to learn so much more and discover what I’m capable of doing. What I’m sure is marami pa akong kakaining bigas dito sa industriyang ito.” The GMA Artist Center talent added that she wants to do more indie films “because concept-wise, ang gaganda ng story ng indie films.”

What keeps Barbie inspired about acting? “Actually the job itself,” she answered. “I really love what I’m doing and I mean it.”

Barbie’s followers can watch her weekdays and weekends. Aside from TV drama acting, Barbie is also a mainstay in Sunday Pinasaya.

Despite being busy, Barbie said that she spoils herself from time to time by eating whatever she likes. “Cheat day, hehehe! Whenever I want to spoil myself, I just eat. But then, I already feel spoiled to have this kind of job.”

Meanwhile, tune in to That’s My Amboy as it brings more kilig now that Barbie’s Maru and Andre Paras’ Bryan have finally revealed their feelings for each other.

Barbie shared that she’s delighted to be paired up again with Andre after The Half Sisters.

“Whenever we have sweet scenes, they are easier to do because Andre and I are close in real life.”  

(That’s My Amboy, airing weeknights after Poor Señorita, also stars Tonton Gutierrez, John Arcilla Donita Rose, Kiko Estrada, Jazz Ocampo, Matet de Leon, Meryll Soriano, Maritoni Fernandez, Jerald Napoles, Pam Prinster, Jan Manual, Philip Lazaro, Pauline Mendoza, Kryshee Grengia and Rob Walcher.