Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza has come a long way since her acting debut in 2009 when she became part of the Philippine adaptation of the K-Drama 'Stairway to Heaven.' Barbie has been blessed with a number of projects where she not only impressed the viewers with her acting skills, but also left a mark that could be regarded later on as her as a budding showbiz legacy.
Aside from making a name in the world of mainstream media, she also showcased her passion in acting for independent films. Barbie was part of such award-winning indie films as 'Tuos,' 'Puntod,' 'Laut,' and 'Mariquina.'
She has earned her spot in every Kapuso's heart and has become known for her professionalism and talent. Barbie is one of the most bankable drama actresses, after playing lovable roles in some of the most unforgettable teleseryes in the Kapuso network for almost a decade.
We've rounded up the list of characters Barbie played through the years that definitely made a mark on TV.
Making her TV debut in 2009, Barbie Forteza played the young Jodi Reyes (Rhian Ramos) in the Philippine version of the K-drama hit 'Stairway to Heaven. She starred opposite young actor Joshua Dionisio.
By 2010, Barbie and Joshua starred in the teen drama romance series 'First Time' together with young actors Jake Vargas and Bea Binene. The soap was Barbie's first headline role in the network.
The same year, GMA released the comedy fantasy series 'Pilyang Kerubin' with Barbie playing the mischievous angel Charity Santos.
Barbie Forteza together with Bea Binene, Joshua Dionisio, and Jake Vargas then starred in the afternoon romance series 'Reel Love Presents: Tween Hearts.' The series won the 25th PMPC Star Awards for Television for Best Youth-Oriented Show in 2011.
In 2012, Barbie played Mariposa de Guzman, a girl who belongs to the kingdom of the butterfly people and grows up in the human world, in the series 'Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa.' She starred opposite Derrick Monasterio who played Iñigo Villamor - her character's love interest.
Barbie then went on to play Karen Villarama in the remake 'Anna KareNina' together with Krystal Reyes and Joyce Ching who played Anna Monteclaro and Nina Fuenteballa Barretto, respectively.
Starring opposite Thea Tolentino, Barbie starred in the drama series 'The Half Sisters' in 2014. The series also stars some of the best actors in the industry like Cherie Gil, Gloria Romero, Eula Valdez, and the late Eddie Garcia.
In 2016, Barbie played the role of Maru Carreon - a personal assistant to the ever demanding Bryan (played by Andre Paras) in the teleserye 'That's My Amboy.' Although the series concluded in 2016, fans could still view the episodes online as it is streaming on YouTube.
The following year, Barbie starred in 'Meant To Be' together with Ken Chan, Jak Roberto, Addy Raj, and Ivan Dorschner. She played the role of Billie, a girl who needs to choose which among four guys of different nationalities has a place in her heart.
In 2018, Barbie played Happylou Melendez in the Kapuso hit 'Inday Will Always Love You' together with her former tandem Derrick Monasterio. In the series, she played a happy-go-lucky girl who moves to Cebu to help her family and to search for her father.
The next year, Barbie played Kara in the fantaserye 'Kara Mia' - two faces in a single body, with Kara in the front and Mia in the back. The series concluded on June 28, 2019.
Did you know that Barbie Forteza was also part of the romantic-comedy drama 'Love You Two?' She appeared in the 2019 series as Venus who was set to marry Andre Paras' character Adonis.
JakBie fans should take note of 'Wagas Presents: Wait Lang...Is This Love?' where Barbie starred as Yummy. She was paired onscreen with real-life boyfriend Jak Roberto.
Barbie turned into a magical mermaid in the 2018 drama 'Super Ma'am' where she appeared in some scenes with other Kapuso stars such as Marian Rivera and Althea Ablan.
Barbie Forteza's role as Ginalyn in 'Anak ni Waray Vs. Anak ni Biday' is a challenging one since the series is a remake of the hit 1984 film of the same title. It tells the story of friendship between two unlikely characters, Ginalyn and Caitlyn (Kate Valdez) and how different circumstances will try and tear their relationship apart.