What you see is what you get

MANILA, Philippines - Just like most teenage girls, Barbie Forteza giggles infectiously at any joke she hears. Her perennial screen partner Joshua Dionisio, on the other hand, keeps reminding her not to be so “bungisngis” and as much as possible to be prim and proper all the time. In that sense, Joshua seems to be more of a kuya than the other half of a young love team on screen.

“I’m just bubbly and what you see is the real me. Laging kulitan lang talaga kami ni Joshua because we are comfortable with each other without thinking that other people might get the wrong impression,” Barbie says. “Ganito lang talaga ako, masayahin.”

Even her mom, Barbie relates, never fails to tell her to behave and act like a lady whenever she’s in front of people. Yet, her carefree ways come out naturally as soon as she starts enjoying the crowd and dear mom is out of sight.

But when it comes to setting her priorities, Barbie knows the things that should top her list. Her young heart is not yet ready for any serious commitment and she just admits “Joshua is my crush.” Her career is of utmost importance. Next is her duty as a responsible daughter.

“I’m thankful for all the breaks GMA is giving me because I do not only get to show my talent but also share whatever I have with my family. Nakakaipon at nakakatulong na ako just like now, instead of going to and from Laguna where we live, we are able to rent an apartment in Quezon City kasi share-share kami,” says Barbie. “My sister is a computer programmer and we have a family business, ’yung mga sweets like pastillas and yema kaya tulong-tulong talaga.”

Her dad, who used to be a company driver in Makati, accompanies her during tapings and other showbiz events. That way, they get to bond even at work. And because Pilyang Kerubin is hers and Joshua’s second team-up, their respective families have become such good friends, they go out together on trips during free time.

Now that Pilyang Kerubin is on its finale week, does she worry that it might also be the end of their team up?

“I think we have a next project,” Barbie replies. “A movie!” Joshua exclaims.

Even if the TV series is nearing its end, Barbie cherishes every moment in the show — from the first taping day to the last.

“I’m supposed to act naughty from the start until the end but they thought my acting was not too convincing for the role. Ang hirap kasi gawin ’yung naughty at drama.”

Barbie learned a lot of things while playing an angel. “We should act according to God’s will. We commit mistakes but it’s never too late to change or correct our wrongs while we are still alive.”

Asked what’s the best lesson Pilyang Kerubin will leave with televiewers, Barbie says, “Lahat ng bagay ay pinaghihirapan.”