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After almost two decades in showbiz, Barbie Forteza announced in a TRGGRD! episode that she has no intention of quitting and shared her plans in the long run.

The Kapuso Primetime Princess debuted on TV at 12 years old as young Jodi in the Filipino adaptation of the Kdrama Stairway To Heaven, then she made a name for herself as a sweet girl next door lead in various Kapuso shows throughout her teenage years.

At 28 years old, Barbie said she's currently transitioning into mature roles and exploring what else she can offer in terms of acting and branding, shedding her past image as she enters a new era.

“'Pag nag-level up na 'yung projects na tinatanggap mo, kasabay 'yan ng image mo, kasabay 'yan ng branding mo,” Barbie said. “Kailangan lagi silang in-sync, sabay silang nag-e-evolve.”

But now that she has achieved so much in her career, what is next for Barbie Forteza?

With the 2022 hit show Maria Clara At Ibarra, Barbie believes she has already reached her peak. At this point, she's focused on gaining stability and making smarter decisions as an actress under the guidance of her management and family.

Barbie added that she feels people respect her more now, pointing out that the offers she receives are more well-thought-out.

“I'm really really grateful na natrabaho ko [ang career ko] nang maayos to be where I am right now,” the Kapuso star said.

After the success of her love team with David Licauco, Barbie said she is grateful for that experience in her 20s, but love teams are not her end goal as an actress.

“Being in a love team is a really good experience kasi teamwork siya, matututo kang magtrabaho nang may kasama,” she said. “It's definitely good business.”

The goal, for her, has always been to get to the Academy and act alongside her idols such as megastar Sharon Cuneta, whom she is excited to work with in the upcoming series Honor Thy Mother.

Barbie recalled telling her mother that she wanted to be an actress at the young age of eight years old, dragging her to auditions from their hometown in Biñan to Manila.

“Ginusto ko talaga saka ginapang namin 'yun kasi hindi kami mayaman,” Barbie added, sharing that her father was a tricycle driver then. “Ever since, eto 'yung gusto kong gawin, eto 'yung passion ko. Malinaw 'yung end goal ko. Walang hesitation, walang hazy part of my career na I would stop.”

Barbie said she always reminds herself of why she started acting in the first place, never losing sight of her core values and principles as an artist.

When asked if she has ever felt the burnout after such a long career, Barbie replied, “Na-burnout, yes. Thinking of quitting, never.”

The Kapuso star is also grateful to Sparkle management for always being considerate and respectful of her decisions.

“GMA keeps giving me good opportunities and chances where I can prove myself. I'm meant to be here, I belong here, and I want to stay,” Barbie announced.

Having been in the limelight most of her life, Barbie said that she is now in her “quiet era,” where she enjoys her privacy more and quality time with herself.

Watch the full story on TRGGRD! here: