Barbie Forteza shows us how to communicate using hand fans, dalagang Filipina-style

Barbie Forteza, one of the stars of GMA Network’s historical fantasy serye “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” walked us through what she learned when she was preparing for the show — including how to use fans to communicate, specifically during courtship.

“Kasi diba ang mga babae dati mahinhin lang diba. Hindi pwedeng agad-agad makipag-communicate sa mga lalaki,” the actress told Nelson Canlas on “24 Oras.”

The Kapuso Primetime Princess was taught by historians how to use an abaniko to send messages in the olden days.

According to Barbie, the most important factor is “huwag mong ibubuka ng todong-todo 'yung pamaypay. Dapat half lang.”

“Para mahinhin,” she added. “Kahit sa present time, wag mong ibibigay lahat ah. Magtira ka para sa sarili mo."

The actress shared that even in courtship, not a lot of words are exchanged.

“Kapag mabagal ka nagpaypay, ibig sabihin 'yung lalaking kaharap mo, hindi mo bet,” she said.

“Pero pag bet mo, pag medyo natitipuhan mo 'yung lalaki, isasara mo sa harap niya ang pamaypay. Pag type mo siya, getting to know," she added.

Then if the lady falls for the guy, the fanning increases in pace.

"Kapag si Jak na, mabilis na [ang pagpaypay] habang nakatingin sa baba.”

This “fan language” is just one of the lessons viewers can learn from “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which premieres on October 3 on GMA. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA News