7 times Barbie Forteza proved she is a strong independent woman

Single or taken, with or without a love team—Barbie Forteza is one strong independent queen.

Her acting prowess has garnered awards from renowned organizations like FAMAS, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Ani ng Dangal, and the Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal.

Not only that, Barbie remains hardworking with every project, and continues to be humble, bubbly, and confident while she achieves her dreams.

Here are seven moments Barbie proved that she is unstoppable.

1. Solo red carpet moments

Despite having some leading men she could appear with, Barbie chose to walk the GMA Gala red carpet in 2023 and 2024 solo.

Responding to netizens, Barbie quotes Taylor Swift, "What's a girl to do? A diamond's gotta shine."

2. Her ‘Pulang Araw’ character is a courageous woman

Barbie is proud to say her “Pulang Araw” character Adelina is a strong and courageous woman herself.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Kapuso Primetime Princess said these qualities make Adelina stand out.

"She shines more brightly because she carries the weight of all the rest of the characters, from the Borromeo family to my brother Eduardo, and my love for Hiroshi. Parang, lahat 'yon, pinagdadaanan ni Adelina all at the same time while fighting for her country," the actress said.

3. Powerful ‘Pulang Araw’ ad lib

In an intense scene from “Pulang Araw” Adelina argues with her older sister Teresita (Sanya Lopez), who tells her she is sacrificing herself for their family by agreeing to marry Hiroshi, a man she does not love.

A crying Adelina responded saying, “Hindi lang naman ikaw ‘yung nagsakripisyo dito eh."

On X, Barbie said she was glad the ad libbed part was aired.

“Naramdaman ko din kasi talaga si Adelina sa eksenang to. Gusto niyang ipaalam kay Teresita na she shares the burden of the situation with her,” she said.

4. ‘It’s not what I’m after’

Barbie had the most graceful answers in an interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in 2023.

When asked whether she prefers the abs of her then-boyfriend Jak Roberto, or the abs of her love team partner David Licauco, Barbie answered "It's not what I'm after."

And when Tito Boy asked which hugs she preferred, Barbie said, “Ang ganda ko naman, both."

Barbie also admitted that she felt kilig with all her leading men.

In another 2023 “Fast Talk” interview, Barbie said that the person she would tell “"Mahal na nga kita palagay ko eh, maging sino ka man," would be, "Sarili ko."

She added that if she were to have a university, there would be a major in Self-Worth. Barbie also preferred to be named "Best Actress" instead of "Best Girlfriend."

5. Barbie uses her platform for good

Barbie has made a name for herself in the showbiz industry, but she makes sure to give back and use her platform for the betterment of society.

In 2014, Barbie had a birthday party with the kids of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

Then in 2021, she inspired an 80-year-old fan, Nanay Nenita to donate to Smile Train Philippines, which helps children with cleft palates.

In 2024, Barbie was named as one of the new ambassadors of Save the Children Philippines.

“Gagamitin ko po ang aking profession [as an] actress, at ang aking platform to influence our children to know their rights kahit at an early age. At syempre, pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral nang sa ganon ay sila magiging mabubuting leaders in the future,” she said at the memorandum of agreement signing.

6. Helping Herlene Budol

Real queens support each other.

At the GMA Gala in 2024, Barbie quickly ran onstage to help fellow Kapuso star Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol get back up after falling onstage during the program.

Barbie’s helpful actions were lauded by netizens. Herlene also met up with Barbie to personally thank her.

7. Barbie paid and moved into her dream house in a year

Talk about a strong independent queen.

In 2024, Barbie was able to pay for her dream home, Casa B, where she spent Christmas with her family.

Barbie said the home was “signed and sealed with blood, sweat and a whole lotta tears.”

— LA, GMA Integrated News