Like her or absolutely love her, there’s no denying that Barbie Forteza raised a whole generation of Filipino fandoms and pop culture enthusiasts. She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the moment—an award-winning artist whose talent and star power need no introduction. We practically grew up with her on our screens, and we’re lucky enough to have witnessed her blossom into the powerhouse actress she is today.
Photo: GMA Network, Netflix Philippines/YouTube
If versatility and range had a face, it would be Barbie. Any script would be in good hands with her. This year, she’s taking her filmography to new heights with multiple current and upcoming projects. Every recent film and series she’s starred in has been an impactful roller coaster ride, and we’ve been tuning in from the first act to the grand finale.
Count on Barbie to pour her passion into meaningful works with memorable life lessons and striking social commentary. She’s in for an even more fruitful year, and her latest roles in TV and film are reeling in all the love, support, and success she deserves.
Klay, Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022-2023)
All hail Klay, our Gen Z historian! This witty, endearing, and empowered queen helped Filipinos brush up on the country’s history as she got transported into the timeless stories of our national hero, Jose Rizal. Klay became our reliable guide in uncovering the pressing truths of a colonial-era Philippines. She also formed unexpected bonds with Rizal’s titular protagonists, Crisostomo Ibarra (Dennis Trillo) and Maria Clara (Julie Anne San Jose).
If you’re looking for a period drama that thoughtfully portrays our rich history (especially this Buwan ng Wika), Maria Clara at Ibarra is right up your alley. Barbie shines as Klay, who sets the show alight with her eye-opening experiences and character arcs.
Adelina, Pulang Araw (2024)
If anyone deserves a new, hopeful beginning after trudging through an endless series of strife, it’s Adelina. She asserted her worth and dignity amid various unfavorable circumstances that posed hurdles between her and her loved ones.
Adelina’s story of grief and seeking justice is only one of the many compelling points that make Pulang Araw a worthwhile watch. Barbie was committed to embodying the many layers of Adelina, each one founded on her upbringing and struggles as a Filipina under the war-stricken Japanese occupation.
Noreen, Beauty Empire (2025)
Who else but Barbie can pull off a viral confrontation with Choi Bo-min in fluent Korean? If you thought that sentence was a handful, wait until you watch Barbie’s world-class adventures as Noreen in Beauty Empire. This luxurious drama is an all-out extravaganza of beauty, brains, guts, and glory straight out of a high fashion magazine.
From Manila to Seoul, Noreen has her heart set on reclaiming her long overdue success story. She goes head-to-head with Shari (Kyline Alcantara) in becoming the most revered and influential empress of the beauty and wellness industry. This means war—a “diva-off,” rather—and we can’t wait to see who’ll reign supreme.
Luna, P77 (2025)
P77 (short for Penthouse 77) is a haunting and intense supernatural thriller that sees Barbie conquering the horror genre like a champ. She plays overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Luna, the penthouse’s new cleaner, who faces mysterious forces that lurk along the building’s corners and crevices.
This spine-chilling movie marks Barbie’s first major role in a horror film since The Road in 2011. We can’t help but applaud her as she reconnects with more genres that help her acting journey come full circle.
Gigi, Kontrabida Academy (2025)
Are you ready to serve utter chaos and high camp with Barbie in this upcoming drama-comedy? Kontrabida Academy introduces us to Gigi, a server at her local samgyupsal eatery who’s had enough of being a doormat around her colleagues and loved ones. She soon meets the fabulously intriguing Mauricia (Eugene Domingo), who promises Gigi a total glow-up from the inside out if she enrolls in her extreme character-building institution.
Kontrabida Academy will light up our screens on September 11, 2025, serving laughs, couture, and undeniable “girl boss energy” with a purpose. We’re seated for Barbie’s must-watch transformation that’s bound to usher in more viral moments on our timelines. After all, kontrabidas aren’t born, they’re made, and Gigi is about to learn this lesson in the most memorable way.
ALSO READ: Barbie Forteza Named Best Drama Actress at Golden Laurel Batangas Media Awards 2023
Are you excited for Kontrabida Academy? Who are your favorite Barbie Forteza characters? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
