Barbie Forteza hopes to spend Christmas in new home

Barbie Forteza —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

For Barbie Forteza, who has had a fruitful 2023, spending Christmas in her new home is the cherry on top.

“The house is done. I’m currently furnishing it. I just have to buy a sofa and other furniture. I’m trying my best to get all of that done before Christmas, so that I can spend the holidays there with my family,” Barbie told reporters at the recent premiere night of the fantasy drama film “Firefly,” an entry to the Metro Manila Film Entry.

Seeing the house in person, she said, couldn’t be more fulfilling. “It started out as an empty lot. I used to just imagine the house from looking at the plans and drawings. And now, I can see it standing … I can’t wait to bring my whole family there,” said Barbie, who was invited to the premiere by director Zig Dulay, who also helmed the hit primetime series “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”

“Wala na akong pambili ng Christmas gifts—that’s it,” Barbie joked, laughing. “New Year’s Day gift, Valentine’s gift—all in one!”

To get that beauty sleep

Construction on the house started last year. And one of her main requirements, she related, is a big bedroom. “Because I love sleeping!” she said.

But does she actually have time to sleep with her busy schedule? “I will make time once I’m there,” she said, laughing. “I just want it to be very homey—nothing intimidating. I want my family to be comfortable.”

While the house still needs some finishing touches, her Christmas tree is ready, Barbie related. “It’s my first time to buy one. But I can’t reach the top!”

For 2024, Barbie hopes to continue landing quality acting projects. Aside from “That Kind of Love,” her soon-to-be shown movie with screen partner David Licauco, Barbie will also star in the upcoming historical drama, “Pulang Araw,” also with David, Sanya Lopez and Alden Richards.

There are also rumors that she could get paired with Joshua Garcia for a potential movie collaboration between GMA 7 and ABS- CBN.

“Why not? I-manifest natin ‘yan. Keeping my fingers crossed, but nothing official. I just saw interviews with Ma’am Annette (Gozon Valdez, GMA 7 executive). It’s fun hearing about the possibilities and that I’m being considered.”