JC Alcantara hails Barbie Forteza after ‘P77’ collab, hopes to work again with actress

JC Alcantara openly expressed his profound admiration and gratitude for his co-star Barbie Forteza, describing their experience working together on the upcoming film “P77” as nothing short of a dream job.

At the media conference for the horror movie on Tuesday, JC revealed that his admiration for the Kapuso Primetime Princess dates back over a decade.

“Isang karangalan din makatrabaho si Barbie. I'm a fan since 2011,” he said. “Bata pa lang ako, pinapanood ko na siya. And sobrang grateful ko din. Thankful kasi alam niyo po, sa dinami-daming artista, ako ‘yung nabigyan ng chance. Salamat po sa inyo.”

The Kapamilya actor admitted to having initial nerves when starting on the project.

“Kinakabahan. Tapos Barbie Forteza pa, ang pangarap kong maka-trabaho,” he said.

JC recognized the need to overcome this apprehension to effectively portray his character, Theo, whom he described as a “mysterious guy from P77.”

“Kailangan hindi ka magpatalo ng kaba kasi horror ‘to. So kailangan, matakot ko pa rin siya. Kailangan maparamdam ko pa rin sa kaniya na nandito ako sa character na ito,” he said.

His initial jitters quickly gave way to a deeply positive working relationship, with JC finding Barbie to be an absolute joy to work with, even emphasizing her kindness and dedication.

“Sobrang saya katrabaho, sobrang bait, sobrang—makikita mo siya, dedikado siya sa trabaho niya. Nagbabasa siya ng script, nando’n lang siya sa gilid. Ang saya palang katrabaho niya. Ang warm lang,” he said.

JC also lauded Barbie’s interpersonal skills on set.

“Lahat na nasa paligid talagang bibigyan niya ng pansin kaya ang saya. Sana hindi pa ‘to ‘yung last,” he added.

"P77" is directed by Derick Cabrido, the filmmaker behind the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry "Mallari," and produced by GMA Pictures and Clever Minds Inc. It is written by Enrico Santos, and the story is by Anj Atienza and Xtian Julao.

It is coming to cinemas on July 30.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News