Barbie Forteza
Never did it occur to Barbie Forteza that she would, one day, work with Kris Aquino—the person she usually spoofs in variety show comedy skits.
“I will be playing her daughter in a horror film which, I believe, will be released online,” the 21-year-old actress told reporters at a recent press conference for the GMA 7 prime-time comedy-drama show, “Inday Will Always Love You,” which she top-bills with Derrick Monasterio and Juancho Trivino.
“I have only met her… I don’t think she has commented about my impersonation of her—I don’t know if she likes it or knows about it at all,” Barbie said, adding that the filmmaker Adolf Alix Jr. was the one who informed her about the said project.
“Direk texted me about it. That an award-winning filmmaker contacted me about it was overwhelming,” she related. “Now, we’re negotiating with GMA Artist Center, which is open to the idea of me doing the [project] with Miss Kris. It’s a great opportunity and I’m sure they will help free up my schedule so I could do it.”
“Inday” has been doing well ratings-wise, enough to warrant a second season. Barbie’s previous series, “Meant to Be,” was likewise a strong performer. And with the success of her recent projects, not a few viewers have dubbed Barbie as the Kapuso network’s “Primetime Princess”—a title she feels is bigger than her.
“I don’t feel comfortable with being called such. I’m simply doing my work. But if there are people who think that I’m deserving of such title, then I’m grateful,” she said. “I’m happy with how my career is going—with or without a title. I’m happy I’m no longer seen as just a teen star, but a young actress.”
One thing Barbie loves about doing “Inday” is that it helps her hone her comedic timing, and ultimately, it helps her become a well-rounded performer.
“When I was young, I used to think that being a good actor meant being able to cry on cue. But now, after eight years in the biz, I learned that there’s more to acting than crying,” Barbie said. “One must be versatile; one must be able to do drama, comedy, horror.”
Barbie is among young actresses who have managed to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim in the movies.
Her performance in “Mariquina” won for her the best supporting actress trophy at the 2014 Cinemalaya film festival’s new breed category. She was also hailed best actress at the 2016 Fantasporto International Film Festival for the movie “Laut.”
“I can’t ask for more. It’s an actor’s dream to be able to showcase what he or she can do both on television and the big screen,” said Barbie, who already knew she wanted to act at the age of 9.
“I remember asking my mother how I could get inside the television, because I used to think that actors are literally in it!” she recalled, laughing. “If I weren’t an actress now, I would probably be doing everything in my power to be one.”
One of Barbie’s goals this year is to do another indie film.
“Doing indies challenges me and puts my heart in the right place,” said the actress, who was last seen in “Tuos,” in which she costarred with Superstar Nora Aunor.
“I always want to do better,” Barbie said. “I’m still experimenting, wondering what else I can do.”
The work can be taxing. She quipped that she spends more money on gas than electricity because she’s often on the road.
“But it’s all worth it. I get to work with people I look up to. I get paid for doing what I love. And that’s a privilege,” she said.