Barbie Forteza. Image: Instagram/@barbaraforteza
Riding high on the success of the hit drama “Maria Clara and Ibarra,” Barbie Forteza looked back at how far she went in her acting career as she shared a photo from her first personal shoot in 2020.
Forteza appeared to be sentimental as she uploaded a throwback picture of herself donning an all-white ensemble and cream blazer, as seen in her personal Instagram page on Saturday, April 29.
“I thought of making [a personal shoot] because a lot of celebrities are doing it and I didn’t want to be left out. I felt really pretty and important that day but it did cost a bit,” she said in the caption.
The actress recalled a time where she made a lot of “big decisions at the worst time” during the pandemic, as she revealed that the shoot is a way to be “aesthetically active” for “job opportunities.”
“I remember feeling scared because I’ve made a lot of big decisions at the worst possible time, which was during the pandemic. Everything felt unsure and I guess one of the reasons why I did this shoot was to be aesthetically active on social media for job opportunities, hopefully. I remember asking myself at the time, ‘what else can I do? Can people still appreciate me for just giving my best in acting? Should I reveal some skin or say yes to kissing scenes? Am I being too reserved? What’s next for me,’” she added.
The Kapuso star then expressed her gratitude to her supporters who “believed in me,” sharing that her dream house is “coming together” and she has a lot of things to look forward to. “And now, here I am,” she said.
“Our dream house is slowly coming together and I have so much to look forward to. I am beyond grateful to everyone who believed in me when I even started to doubt myself and to everyone who now appreciates the work that I do. I’m just super thankful for all of you,” she added.
To end her post, the “Meant To Be” star hoped that her story would inspire her fans to keep going in their respective struggles.
“If you’re reading this and you’re going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that you can do it. Your struggles will make your success more valuable. Now, time to roll up my sleeves. Got a lot of work to do,” she added.
Fellow celebrities Andrea Torres, Sofia Pablo, Bea Binene, and Chynna Ortaleza congratulated Forteza on the recent milestones in her career, as seen in the comments of her post.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@barbaraforteza
Forteza, who gained widespread recognition after starring as Klay Infantes in the hit historical fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which recently bagged a bronze medal at the 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards earlier this month.
The actress is set to star in the upcoming film “That Kind of Love” with her onscreen partner, actor David Licauco, although the premiere date and plot are yet to be announced. EDV