The two Barbie Forteza

MANILA, Philippines - “Many say that my image in film is different from my image on TV, which is never my intention,” said Barbie Forteza of her mainstream and independent forays, having her hands full doing drama and comedy and culturally-rooted narratives.

“I’m happy with it,” she added. “In a way, I can market myself as an actress and a teen star. So it’s a plus (point) for me. I’m not getting typecast… I’m happy where my career is going.”

Barbie, a promising actress on the rise, has no qualms about her “dual persona.” This shift in acting platform started when she was tapped as Young Imelda in Mariquina, a 2014 Cinemalaya entry, which gave her first Supporting Actress award. It was followed by Laut which was screened in international film festivals. Another irresistible movie offer, Tuos, came in with that rare chance to share the screen with her idol Nora Aunor. The film was part of this year’s Cinemalaya.

“It was a big factor that we shot in a Sama d’Laut community,” shared Barbie on how she was able to breathe life to her character Nadia. “I was able to study their movements and behavior (in a short span of time).”

As for Tuos, where Barbie was seen gracing its premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia, she said, “Napakasaya, ang lamig. It was my first winter experience and my first Europe trip… Napakalamig pero napakainit ng pagtanggap sa amin ng mga Estonians. They did appreciate the film. Of all the main competitors, our film is edgy in a way. Most films are more on socialism.”

Given its milieu, Tuos grounds on long-held community traditions and the place’s unique cultural realities. “Tuos is about a pact between the local tribes,” she shared. “It’s period (in terms of feel) and again edgy... For the Estonians, it’s a big deal (for a film) to tackle culture, history and tradition. They said that we, Filipinos, were brave to make a film out of it (the tradition) and to make the risk (of telling such story).”

What’s the plotline of Tuos for the sake of everyone?

“My character (Dowokan) belongs to a (group named) binukot,” she answered. “They are tribe princesses, kept maidens. All their lives (their toes can’t literally) touch the earth and they can’t be seen by others. They are covered all the time.”

To compare the plight of Dowokan to that of young Sama d’Laut wife’s dire situation, Barbie said, “Sama d’Laut are closer to the public, nakakalabas sila, nakakapagtinda sila ng pearls sa Angeles (City). The binukot life is an isolated life. Their lives revolve around the life of the tribe. The current binukot (named Pina-ilog, played by Nora) needs to pass on the title to her granddaughter, who has experienced a normal life. (The granddaughter is my character). She’s rebelling. She’s in a dilemma which life to choose. Once she has become a binukot, she can’t go back to what many consider a normal life. My character doesn’t like it. But there’s an agreement. Then the conflict of the story emanates from it.”

With the rate her career is going, Barbie is happy to know that her following is cutting across age groups. “Iba-iba na yung market ko,” she said. “Hindi na bagets lang. May mga nakakakilala na sa aking nanay, lola, even younger kids... Hindi lang ako stuck sa isang identity.”

Although it wasn’t part of a grand plan to portray edgy and out-of-the box roles in movies, becoming a serious actor has always been Barbie’s dream and her primary motivation to break into show business.

“Iba kasi yung sikat ka, iba yung actress (ka),” she said. “The respect given to you is different as well as the way people treat and regard you. Maybe hindi ka tinitilian ng marami o ng lahat, pero yung mga critics (kilala) ka nila, alam (nila) yung capabilities ko.”

The epiphany of going beyond her comfort zone came when “my tweetums projects came one after another,” she related. “Parang may naririnig ako na pa-tweetums lang yan, ’wag natin siyang kunin. Parang ako sandali lang, bat hindi ninyo i-try. I’m willing to audition for anything. I auditioned for Mariquina and Tuos. Ayoko na may masabi sila na palakasan lang yan kaya niya nakuha. I want to earn my role in every project. Gusto kong malaman nila na (I) deserve it.”

Yes, Barbie has bitten by the artistic freedom of indie filmmaking, but remains excited to star in kilig TV assignments. Coming soon is Meant To Be, set to premiere on GMA Primetime next year. Barbie’s character is caught in the middle between four good-looking men. One of the interesting themes the teleserye will present is courtship — it could be in typical Filipino style or in the millennial fashion. The soap also touches on such ideas as “love is universal and knows no boundaries and language.

“I believe in it. Kasi siyempre yun yung unang unang babae na nakasama nila,” said Barbie on the belief that men who respect their moms will turn out as good husbands. “So how you treat your mom reflects how you treat other women... (like) you don’t disregard your mom or you care about her.”

Aside from it, Barbie wishes her man to be “punctual and supportive. He loves my parents and is understanding and sweet. He is also old-fashioned and traditional when it comes to courtship (manuyo).”

In Meant To Be, Barbie’s leading men are Ivan Dorshner, Addy Raj, Jak Roberto and Ken Chan. Based on the information furnished by GMA 7, Ivan is Ethan Spencer-Hughes, the gentleman from the UK. Addy is Jai Patel, the man from Mumbai. Jak is Macoy dela Cruz, the true-blooded Pinoy among the boys. Finally, Ken is Yuan Lee, the Chinoy bad boy.

Though her character will surely find the one meant for her, will Barbie also find the man of her dreams?

“Perhaps, by the end of the show. Hahahaha,” she replied. “I think it’s too early to make an announcement.”