Will Barbie be a ‘crime-buster’?

MANILA, Philippines – The sweet demeanor is far from telling you that Barbie Forteza has always wanted to be part of law enforcement wherein only the tough and the brave survive. This, the Kapuso actress is determined to pursue as she enrolls and starts attending classes as a college freshman taking up Bachelor of Science in Criminology in this school year’s second semester.

“I really wanted to have a college degree and since there is no regular work for me, I mean, no regular drama show has been lined up for me until the end of the year, I thought this is a good opportunity for me to start going to college,” says Barbie whose last regular TV drama was The Half-Sisters which she topbilled with Thea Tolentino. “At least I’ll get to spend my time in something that is worthwhile.”

It was several weeks ago when Barbie began searching for schools that offer her chosen course. Her mom Amy reveals that Barbie plans to either enroll at the University of Perpetual Help in Biñan, Laguna or at Samson College in Cubao, Quezon City. “She also inquired at PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) but it no longer accepts freshmen during the second semester; dapat daw first semester pa lang naka-enroll na.”

Barbie adds, “I will be taking the entrance exams on the first week of October so I can start schooling for the second semester at Perpetual.”

This early, mom Amy teasingly tells her 19-year-old daughter that when graduates, she will be known as General Barbie.

Perhaps, many are wondering why Barbie is bent on taking up Criminology. Has anyone in her family influenced her to be in the police force someday?

“Not at all. Before, I didn’t know which course to take. I even planned to take up Culinary Arts with Joyce (Ching) but my schedule didn’t permit so hindi yun natuloy hanggang sa nahilig ako manuod ng CSI series particularly CSI: Las Vegas and that fueled my passion in Forensic Science. And the closest course to Forensic Science is Criminology. ‘Yung Forensic Science kasi sa abroad lang ino-offer,” Barbie answers. “But Mama and my sister Abbey are supporting me on this. Si Ate gusto din kaya lang takot s’ya sa dugo at si Mama naman sabi n’ya hindi na bagay sa edad n’ya.”

Barbie is looking forward to the day when she gets to do crime investigation laboratory work. “’Yung mga autopsy and analysis of evidence gusto ko ‘yan.”

Meantime, Barbie attends to several acting projects that keep her visible in the small and big screens. Only two weeks ago, she joined the Kapuso comedy show Bubble Gang. “Medyo nalilinya tayo ngayon sa comedy. On Sundays, I am in Sunday Pinasaya where I impersonate Kris Aquino, kaloka nga kasi nauubusan na ko ng damit na kulay dilaw (laughs).”

She adds, “In the indie Tuos, I did my role seriously. Who wouldn’t when you have to act alongside Nora Aunor?”

Barbie is also quick to deny the rumors that the Superstar felt insecure with her due to her longer exposure in the said indie film. Nora reportedly asked director Derick Cabrido for additional scenes.

“There’s no truth to the rumors. We shot (the scenes) in Iloilo for 12 days and Ate Guy was there the whole time pero ako bumabalik sa Manila due to Sunday Pinasaya kaya imposible na mas marami akong scenes.”

Besides, Barbie says that the story centers on the character of Nora who plays the role of a Binukot princess.

Some are saying that Barbie will be competing against Nora Aunor for the Cinemalaya Best Actress category. “It won’t happen, not even in my wildest dreams. I only play a supporting role in the film.”  

Tuos is among the entries in the Main Competition category of this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival. It had its gala screening last Monday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The indie filmfest runs until Aug. 14 at the CCP theaters and Ayala Cinemas.

The Kapuso star is part of the Cinemalaya filmfest entry Tuos where she plays Dowokan, the granddaughter of a Binukot princess played by Nora Aunor