Barbie’s IWALY gets second season

MANILA, Philippines — As expected, Barbie Forteza was pleasant and giggly when she recently met members of the entertainment press to announce the good news that the GMA 7 primetime series Inday Will Always Love You (IWALY), which she topbills with Derrick Monasterio and Juancho Trivino, is now on its second season of airing.

The romantic comedy series remains on top of the TV ratings game after it debuted last May and continues to be one of the trending topics on social media. Small wonder, it gets another season.

 “I think, the show is not just being watched by the people but they have also learned to love it,” said Barbie who perfectly fits her character as Happylou. “Imagine, people do not mind waiting because our supposed to be 9:15 p.m. airing often becomes 9:40 p.m. They still watch the show even though they have to get up early the following day for school or work.”

According to the young actress, neither did she nor any of the cast members expect IWALY to be extended knowing that Kapuso shows are usually meant for one season only.

“You know, our plot is simple since this is a family-oriented show although I was wondering how come so many twists were (happening)? ‘Yun pala mangyayari ito (Season 2) and of course, everybody is happy with it.”

What does she think is the secret why IWALY is a hit?

“I think it’s the approach, which is very light. We do comedy, we let the young feel giddy and for that I think we are just fine in the primetime’s third slot. So, the viewers will have a good night’s sleep because we’re giving them nothing but positive vibes. Happylou always reminds them not to give up on life’s challenges — laban lang; labanan natin ‘yan.” 

If there’s one trait that left an indelible mark on Barbie as Happylou on Season 1, it’s her being “bipolar because despite being maltreated — her being locked up inside the piggery — Happylou could still manage to have a pleasant disposition. If that scene happened in other shows, flashbacks or a series of sad memories will surely follow. But here, Happylou will teach you how to look at the bright side of life. The character doesn’t demand sympathy from the audience because she’s strong but once you realized her hardships, ikaw na lang ang maaawa sa sitwasyon n’ya.”

Like Happylou, Barbie revealed her life is 99 percent full of positivity “because the ghost month seems to be ‘kind’ to me in all aspects of my life. My career is doing great. I am slim without exerting effort to lose weight. My love life is happy and colorful like a rainbow, hahaha!”

Apart from IWALY, Barbie is excited about working on a horror movie soon that is set for release next year. She is equally happy that at a young age, she already got to work with some of her idols that even her mother couldn’t believe it herself that her daughter has had worked alongside them.

“I’m very grateful that this is happening to me because I know all actors dream of showing their acting talent. At ito nangyayari sa akin ngayon with my idols pa. That’s why I’m so happy and thankful for every work and blessing that is given to me.”

Does she still find time to rest?

“Yes, because these days, most of my Tuesdays and Thursdays are free so I just stay home with my family, enjoy my bed and play with my dogs. I usually wake up at 1 p.m. when there’s no work then I eat my favorite Sinigang dish while having chika with my mother. Then I either get a massage for two hours or watch a movie. Sometimes, I also go out for manicure and pedicure.”

Asked if she has a “maldita” side, Barbie admitted that it “appears” sometimes, especially when somebody comes late to the set. “Deadma ako 'pag ganun, di ko pinapansin. Is there anyone in the cast? Yes!”