Barbie Forteza

Her Best Role Yet

WORDS BY LEN ARMEA PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GMA

Since then, Barbie worked her way up to become GMA-7’s “Princess of Primetime” by playing various lead roles in “Pilyang Kerubin” (2010), “Tween Hearts” (2010), “Anna Karenina” (2013), “The Half Sisters” (2014), “Meant to Be” (2017), and “Inday Will Always Love You” (2018) to name a few.

There is something natural, brilliant and enigmatic in the way the Kapuso actress portrays the roles that the viewing public can either relate to or be sympathetic with. Coupled with a happy disposition, an irresistible charm, and love for her craft, Barbie rises in the world of entertainment with much flair.

Giving Life to Klay

Recently, Barbie is generating a buzz for playing the role of Klay Infantes in GMA-7’s newest historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra”. Entertainment critics, netizens and fans agree that her portrayal as the Gen Z Maria Clara in the series is one of the highlights of her acting career.

“Maria Clara at Ibarra” follows the story of Klay, a nursing student who aims to work and bring her family abroad. She is almost graduating soon, but not until she failed a minor subject—the Rizal Studies. Klay believes that this subject is irrelevant to her life and future career.

Mr. Jose Torres, Klay’s professor, gave her another chance to pass Rizal Studies and he lent her a book of Noli Me Tangere. Klay had not even read several pages of the novel when she got bored and fell asleep.

The mystery begins when Klay wakes up in the world of Noli Me Tangere! Much to her surprise, Klay finds Mr. Torres in the alternate timeline. Klay was told that she can only return to the present once she finishes the book and learns all the lessons from the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal.

As she navigates the real world of Noli Me Tangere, Klay meets Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, the curates, the ilustrados, and the indios. This will open her eyes from the realities and sufferings of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization.

Amid her historical adventure, Klay forms a bond with Maria Clara and discovers the differences and similarities of a Filipina, then and now. She also witnesses the love story of Maria Clara and Ibarra.

With the praises that she has been receiving, Barbie is thankful that she was given the opportunity to give life to Klay and be a part of a monumental series in a time where historical distortion is rampant.

“Tuwang-tuwa ako, noong una hindi pa ko naniwala agad kasi napakalaking project niya. Mas lalo akong bumilib sa GMA dahil kahit dumaan ang pandemya, hindi sila tumigil na tumalakay sa importanteng issues ng bansa at balikan ang kasaysayan natin. Metikulosong binusisi ang programang ito and I’m very thankful to be part of it,” Barbie said.

Something Personal

The “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star has been sharing some personal achievements on her Instagram account. One of which was a photo of her and her family taken from the site where she’s building her dream home.

“If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught me, it’s to plan ahead and think long term. Now, I am about to build my dream home for me and my family,” Barbie captioned her post.

“Dear self, I am so proud of you. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it,” she added.

She also marked her and Kapuso actor Jak Roberto’s fifth anniversary last year by frolicking in Bohol.

“I used to dream of fairytales and having a prince charming one day but you have made me love my reality. With you, I’ve had challenges that helped me become the best version of myself. You are no prince charming, but a man with the biggest heart to accept everything about me. Both good and bad. You are the man I never expected but you are the man that I’ve always needed. I love you,” Barbie wrote on her Instagram page.

The two were paired in “Meant to Be” in 2017 and later on admitted their relationship to the public. They also have a vlog on Youtube where viewers can see a glimpse of the dynamics of their relationship.