Barbie Forteza gets surprise birthday party from GMA Artist Center

Last August 1, Anna Karenina star, Barbie Forteza, was pleasantly surprised by the birthday party thrown for her by GMA Artist Center at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Present at the event were Barbie’s parents, friends, "Barbienatics" members and select members of the press. The program was hosted by Kapuso actor Ken Chan. Also present at the event were Barbie’s Anna Karenina co-stars Joyce Ching and Thea Tolentino. Her former Paroa co-star, Miguel Tanfelix also joined in the fun. “Ang cute naman, very pa-girl,” Barbie exclaimed upon seeing the party set-up. “Hindi ko talaga alam na isu-surprise ako.” The birthday girl looked sweet and pretty in her mint green floral dress. She shared that she spent her actual 16th birthday, July 31 with her family and with her on-screen partner, Derrick Monasterio. “Nag-celebrate po ako kasama si Derrick kahapon [July 31] kasi maaga kaming na pack-up sa taping [ng Anna Karenina] kay sinelebrate na namin yung birthday ko at birthday niya [August 1].” Barbie was wearing the bracelet that Derrick gave her for her birthday. “Nanood kasi kami ng film na If Only. Mayroon ‘dun binigyan nung guy ng charm bracelet 'yung girl,”explained Barbie. She also mentioned that she gave Derrick a belt for his birthday. Barbie also received another gift, as she has been chosen by Haribon Foundation to be their newest spokesperson. “Very thankful po ako sa Haribon dahil hindi ko talaga alam na ‘yun ang gift na ibibigay ninyo sa akin. Napakagandang gift na makapagserve ako sa environment natin. ‘Yon yung pinakamagandang gift, hindi lang para sa akin, para na rin sa ibang tao,” stated Barbie. Barbie will also be having another celebration with kids from Philippine Children’s Hospital, just like what she did last year. “Gusto ko sana, ‘yon yung gawin ko every year. Last year, tuwang tuwa talaga yung mga bata, na kahit mayroon silang sakit, na-appreciate nila na feeling ko kahit sa dalawang oras na ‘yun, nakalimutan talaga nila kung ano ang mayroon sila,” she said. Barbie was asked what her birthday wish for herself was. She replied, “Mga ibang roles naman, since habang tumatanda ako, gusto ko sumabay sa akin yung pagdevelop ng roles na binibigay sa akin. Gusto ko naman ma-try ang more serious roles.” Catch more of Barbie as the loud but lovable Karen in Anna Karenina on GMA Telebabad. --Samantha Portillo/Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com