Barbie Forteza has newfound appreciation for everyone she works with after the pandemic

Barbie Forteza continues to glow up, both inside and out.

Clad in denim streetwear on the cover for FreebieMNL Spotlight, the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star opened up about her growth and maturity.

Part of that growth is an important lesson Barbie learned from the pandemic, which is viewing everyone as equal.

“Walang mataas, walang mababa, lahat tayo naapektuhan talaga ng pandemya,” Barbie said.

Barbie also added that she has a newfound appreciation for everyone she works with.

“[So] from there, mas natutunan kong ma-appreciate yung mga tao sa paligid ko and how precious their time is, why they’re doing their jobs — the bills to pay and all that, the responsibilities you have to take on,” she said.

In her cover story, Barbie also opened up about her relationship with Jak Roberto and her family, building her dream house, and working hard to achieve her goals.

Barbie currently stars in the hit show "Maria Clara at Ibarra" as Klay. The show airs weekdays after “24 Oras.” You may also catch past episodes via the GMA Network website. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News