Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza is making waves not just for her gripping performance in the upcoming psychological horror film ‘P77’, but also for her exceptional work ethic and professionalism on set — earning praise from both her director and GMA Network executives.
At the July 22 media conference held in Quezon City, ‘P77’ director Derick Cabrido shared just how committed Forteza was to the project, often arriving ahead of the crew despite her hectic schedule.
“Ito ‘yung artista na nauuna kaysa sa staff,” Cabrido said. “Maraming time na nakaka-receive ako ng tawag, tumatawag sa ‘kin, nagda-drive pa lang ako. Imagine mo, call time namin mga 6:30, 7:00. Tumatawag na sa akin ‘yung PM namin o kaya ‘yung mga staff. Sabi ‘Nandito na si Barbie.’”
He recounted one instance where she was already on location by 5:30 a.m. — long before her 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. call time. “For me, alam ko na talagang sobrang ano siya doon sa work niya.”
Cabrido revealed that Forteza often went straight to the ‘P77’ shoot from filming ‘Pulang Araw’, highlighting the actress’s dedication to both projects.
GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon echoed the praise, calling Barbie “such a pro.”
“She is always early. She is just so prepared. She is so professional,” Valdellon said. “So, why wouldn’t we want to work with her?”
The network executive also commended Forteza’s reliability: “No weirdness, no freak-outs. She doesn’t disappear in the middle of a shooting day. We love Barbie. And she acts so well — ever since bata pa siya.”
Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, and Support Group, also emphasized the film’s importance. “Matagal nang hindi gumagawa ang GMA Pictures ng horror na movie… kaya pinaghandaan talaga ‘to,” she said, calling P77 their much-anticipated return to the horror genre.
In ‘P77’, Forteza plays Luna, a cruise ship chambermaid who quits her job to care for her sick younger brother, played by child actor Euwenn Mikaell. The siblings seek refuge in an abandoned condo unit after their mother goes missing—only to find themselves in the haunted Penthouse 77.
Forteza shared her thoughts on the film’s deeper message during the press con: “Napaka-grounded ng story namin – it revolves around family. It will also delicately delve into PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Aside from the jumpscare, this is also an awareness para mas lumawak ang ating intindi sa mga taong may PTSD.”
Speaking about her young co-star, Forteza had only praise for Mikaell.
“The camera loves him… He captures the heart of the audience. I really felt he was comfortable with us on set.”
Director Cabrido also highlighted P77’s immersive sound design, saying, “While we were watching it as we edited, it was not boring. I know the audience will enjoy it because it’s a different kind of horror.”
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Based on a story by ‘Green Bones’ creators Anj Atienza and Kristian Julao, with a screenplay by Enrico Santos and direction by Cabrido (Mallari), P77 is set to hit cinemas nationwide on July 30. The film also stars JC Alcantara, Gina Pareño, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Jackie Lou Blanco, Rosanna Roces, and Chrome Cosio.
Handpicked for the lead role, Forteza expressed her gratitude and excitement: “I am fully aware that I was handpicked for the role, and I’m grateful… So thankful for this project. It’s a blessing to have this kind of pressure because great things are expected of you.”
