Barbie Forteza
Although some of her fans have been touting her as GMA 7’s “Primetime Princess” for quite some time now, Barbie Forteza didn’t really think much of it. It was a term of endearment, she thought, nothing more.
But when her home network presented her as such at a recent press conference for her new series, “Anak ni Waray vs Anak ni Biday,” Barbie figured she might as well claim the title.
“I would get called ‘Primetime Princess’ every so often, but it wasn’t official, so I can’t fully accept it. Now that it was GMA 7 calling me that, tatanggi ka pa ba? They believe that I earned it,” the 22-year-old actress told reporters.
For Barbie, being given the title is a reassuring gesture that reminds her that GMA 7 still values her contributions, despite the influx of newer and younger talents. “I wouldn’t call it pressure, but more of a motivation to do my work better, and set a good example for the network’s up-and-coming talents. I’m not that confident about that part,” she said, laughing. “But I’m aware of the responsibility. They’re all so young; now, I’m getting called ‘Ate Barbie.’ Luckily, the ones I have worked with so far were all willing to learn.”
Her reel- and real-life romance with Jak Roberto has been drawing more attention online as of late, because the couple has been vlogging about their travels or adventures together. But despite the spike of interest in their relationship, her fans, she said, are never overbearing.
“And I’m so thankful for that. Ever since I started in show biz, my ‘Barbienatics’ have always supported me no matter who I’m paired or working with. They didn’t mind when I took on projects that were different and edgy. Because it’s clear that it’s me they’re supporting and not a specific love team,” she told the Inquirer.
“That’s something I’m proud of; something I will treasure forever. Because that kind of love is something you can’t buy,” said Barbie, who hopes to witness the northern lights in Iceland with her boyfriend, after their recent trip to Sapporo, Japan. “But ipon muna! Mahalia Mendez ang Iceland!”
Barbie and Jak have been dating for three years now and appear to be going strong. “He’s incredibly patient and very easy to get along with, because he has no airs,” she said, adding that they have yet to have any serious conversation about their “future.” “Being in a lasting relationship is hard to achieve, so let’s focus on that first, before other things.”
“Pambansang Abs,” Jak Roberto
Because they’re no longer doing the same shows, Barbie said they have to put in more effort in terms of communication. “You can’t take that for granted. We have to be more patient and trusting because we have different schedules now,” said Barbie, whose last project with Jak was the miniseries, “Wagas: Wait Lang … Is this Love?”
“Even if we don’t get to see each other as often, we make sure to get in touch with each other, whether through video calls or text messages,” she related. “Luckily, we understand each other’s priorities.” INQ