From her inspiring journey to success and the advocacies she champions, here are some of the reasons why Barbie Forteza is worthy of your support and admiration.
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In today’s cutthroat world of show business, where competition is fierce and careers can be fleeting, there’s one young star who has managed to defy the odds and achieve the elusive dream of longevity: Barbie Forteza. With almost a decade and a half under her belt, Barbie has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with her incredible talent and vibrant energy on-screen.
Following the phenomenal success of the historical fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra, Barbie Forteza has further solidified herself as the voice of Gen Z. As an artist, she embodies the hopes, dreams, and challenges of the young generation, connecting with them on a profound level. But it’s not just Barbie’s acting prowess that sets her apart; she also possesses an admirable passion, genuine personality, and remarkable wisdom that shine through in all she does.
Whether you’ve recently discovered Barbie Forteza and are seeking more reasons to adore her, or if you’re a longtime fan simply looking for an enjoyable read about your idol, you’re in the right place. Below, we delve into the details that will undoubtedly make you fall head over heels for Barbie and appreciate her even more.
AWARD-WINNING TALENT
Let’s begin with the evident fact that Barbie Forteza stands as one of the most versatile young actresses in the industry today. Whether it’s diving into intense melodrama or delivering lighthearted comedy, Barbie consistently showcases her remarkable talent. With an impressive portfolio of over 20 teleseryes, her reliable acting prowess undoubtedly contributes to the resounding success of her shows.
From rom-coms like That’s My Amboy, Meant To Be, and Inday Will Always Love You to heavy dramas such as Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday and Ana KareNina to fantasy series like Pilyang Kerubin and Maria Clara at Ibarra, Barbie Forteza’s on-screen magic and acting range never fails to amaze. She’s called the “Kapuso Primetime Princess” for a reason.
But not only is Barbie a gem of Philippine television, she’s also an award-winning talent on the big screen. In 2010, she won the New Movie Actress accolade at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies for her performance as a deaf-mute child in Cesar Apolinario’s Puntod. For the indie drama Mariquina, Barbie won best supporting actress at the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and scored a nomination at the 38th Gawad Urian Awards.
Muito obrigado 😳😱😭🙏🏻🎬 #36thOportoInternationalFilmFestival #LAUTbyLouieIgnacio https://t.co/pTCzYiiSta
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) March 5, 2016
And it doesn’t stop there; Barbie Forteza’s talent has also been recognized internationally. Her portrayal of a Sama d’Laut struggling to survive in Louie Ignacio’s film Laut earned her the prestigious title of Best Actress at the 36th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal, which is one of the most renowned festivals worldwide. In recognition of this achievement, Barbie was honored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at the 9th Ani ng Dangal Awards. So, if you’re looking to stan for someone who overflows with talent, then you’ve come to the right place.
SHE ALWAYS GIVES HER 100%
Another admirable trait of Barbie Forteza is her passion and dedication to her craft. To have a flourishing, decade-spanning career is no easy feat in the volatile landscape of the entertainment industry. At 25, Barbie remains to be a fixture in the business, proving that hard work and determination are key to a successful career.
In an interview, Barbie reveals that although she’s not a “workaholic,” she always puts her heart and soul into the tasks assigned to her. “Basta pag may tinanggap ako I give my one hundred percent,” shares Barbie. “Kaya kapag may trabaho na feeling ko hindi ako comfortable gawin, hindi ko na ginagawa at all. Kasi I’d rather give nothing to something na ayaw kong gawin kaysa sa i-half ass ko lang.” Barbie’s wisdom and healthy attitude not only make her so easy to root for but also define her as one of this generation’s role models.
HER PERSONALITY
Whether you have seen Barbie Forteza in interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, or in her vlogs, the actress’s natural charisma is undeniable. It’s this unfiltered, easy-going, and genuine realness that has made Barbie beloved by many. And by many, we mean millions of followers across different platforms just charmed and captivated by Barbie’s down-to-earth personality that’s just like a dose of sunshine for everyone.
LOVES HER FANS
Nice to know you’re all okay.
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) June 10, 2023
It’s nice to get asked if you’re okay diba? Nakakagaan kahit papano.
Ingat kayong lahat! 🫶🏻
If you are or you become one of Barbie Forteza’s fans, or the Barbienatics as her fandom is called, you will witness firsthand the kindness that emanates from the young star. When we say that Barbie genuinely loves her fans, it goes beyond mere words. She takes the initiative to check up on them and even organizes online kamustahan sessions. On one occasion, the hashtag #askBarbie trended on Twitter, as she dedicated her time to connect with her supporters, showing the special bond and affection between Barbie and the Barbienatics community.
LIFE GURU
To be a fan of Barbie Forteza means having a genuinely concerned friend who offers wise words and valuable advice to guide you through life. In one of her vlogs, Barbie shares that many of her friends seek her advice, a fact even she admits she doesn’t fully understand.
However, if you carefully listen to Barbie, like in a vlog episode she refers to as a “safe space” for her and her audience, and where she talks about dealing with relationships, you will discover her admirable wisdom and relatability–qualities that may be the exact reasons why she is sought after for life advice. Whether discussing topics such as love, family, or friendship, Barbie Forteza is not merely a celebrity deserving of our support, but she can also serve as a life guru you didn’t know you needed.
WHOLESOME RELATIONSHIP
Speaking of love, one of the stan-worthy things about Barbie Forteza is the way she handles her romantic relationship even amid the pressures of the limelight. To describe Barbie and her partner Jak Roberto’s love for each other as heartwarmingly wholesome would be an understatement. You can feel it in the way they openly express their love in their date vlogs or anniversary posts online. Being more than half a decade together, Barbie and Jak’s enduring relationship is #goals for everyone, reminding us all that true love does exist.
SHE’S A SWIFTIE
Another fun fact about Barbie Forteza that will resonate with a lot of people is her being a certified Swiftie. In her Taylor Swift-inspired make-up vlog, Barbie shares that she loves the Hollywood superstar “so much” and she’s even dressed like her idol in the vlog (just like she’s seen from Taylor’s paparazzi shots, that’s how much of a Swiftie she is). Also, a quick glance at Barbie’s Twitter account reveals that it could easily double as her personal Taylor Swift diary, with entries dating back as far as 2009.
HER VOICE
With the success of Maria Clara at Ibarra, Barbie Forteza has firmly established herself as one of the representatives of Gen Z. Her resonant and intelligent voice perfectly aligns with this position, one that she rightfully deserves. Listening to her voice and learning about the causes she passionately advocates for only adds to the reasons why she captures our hearts.
In an interview with Jessica Soho, Barbie echoes the themes of women empowerment portrayed in “Maria Clara” and “Ibarra.” She explains, “Susundin ko po ‘yung reaction at opinyon ni Klay. Kung ano kaya ng lalaki, kaya ng babae,” emphasizing the limited agency women had in the past and the need to continue challenging these norms.
During the same interview, Barbie further exemplifies her role as a Gen Z role model by discussing mental health and the struggles faced by today’s youth. When asked about her perspective on the challenges her generation faces, she reasons, “Doon po sa mga medyo mas nakakatanda sa’min na iniisip na medyo mabababaw pa problema namin. Para sa’kin hindi po totoo ‘yun.” Barbie emphasizes that each person has their own burdens to bear, and for young people, these burdens can be quite heavy.
Continuing to be the voice of her generation, Barbie Forteza also serves as an ambassador for GMA Network’s anti-piracy campaign, “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy,” aiming to educate and raise awareness about consuming legitimate content. Several years ago, when she held the title of Kapuso Teen Queen, Barbie Forteza also joined the network’s anti-bullying campaign with the slogan #HeartOverHate, a cause that deeply resonated with her due to her own experiences as a victim of bullying in her youth.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Barbie Forteza’s inspiring journey to success is probably the most stan-worthy aspect about her. In an interview, Barbie opens up about her humble upbringing and her lifelong dream of becoming an actress. Despite their modest circumstances, both her parents wholeheartedly supported her aspirations. Her father worked as a tricycle driver while her mother was involved in a family business making yema boxes.
Barbie reveals that she and her mother would often travel from Laguna to Manila just to attend auditions. Her mother’s dedication and sacrifice became her constant motivation to persevere and pursue her dreams.”Sabi po niya sa akin, ‘Isipin mo nang mabuti kung ito ang gusto mo kasi kung ito talaga ang gusto mo pag-iipunan natin ang pamasahe natin. ‘Yun ang naging motivation ko,” Barbie says in a one-on-one with Karen Davila. Barbie’s hard work eventually paid off when she landed roles in commercials and secured her first breakthrough project as the young Jodi in the 2009 Philippine adaptation of Stairway to Heaven.
The rest, as they say, is history. With her enduring and vibrant career, Barbie Forteza’s star continues to shine brightly, making her one of the most sought-after artists of this generation. And given her immense talent, charming personality, and remarkable wit, who wouldn’t want to stan Barbie Forteza?
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