Barbie Forteza on humble beginnings before showbiz: 'Hindi naman ako galing sa comfortable na family'

Barbie Forteza is proud of her humble beginnings before entering the show business industry, all thanks to her ever-supportive parents.

In a YouTube sit-down interview with Karen Davila, the "Maria Clara at Ibarra" star admitted that she didn't come from a well-off family.

"Hindi naman ako galing sa comfortable family," the Kapuso actress said. "'Yung daddy ko nga po tricycle driver [dati]. 'Yung nanay ko, may family business po kasi kami ng yema at pastillas."

According to Barbie, her family's social status was not why she pursued becoming an artist but because of her pure passion for acting.

"To be completely honest, and I'm really thankful for my parents for this, dahil ginusto ko maging artista [pero] hindi nila sinabi na, 'Anak, mag-artista ka kasi kailangan natin ng extra,'" she said.

"Never nila pinaramdam sa 'min ni ate na kailangan namin tumulong sa kanila," she added.

As Barbie worked her way up in showbiz, starting from being just an extra for the TV series "Lupin" to becoming the lead star of "Maria Clara at Ibarra," she was able to help her family afford a more comfortable lifestyle.

The actress expressed her gratitude to GMA Network for her successful career that eventually led her to build her family's dream home and gift her parents with early retirement.

"Pinatigil ko na po 'yung parents ko [magtrabaho]," she said. "Nung medyo umokay-okay na po 'yung income, sabi ko hindi na kailangan kasi kaya ko naman."

Barbie starred in the recently concluded "Maria Clara at Ibarra" with David Licauco, Dennis Trillo, and Julie Anne San Jose.

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News