Award-winning actress and Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza remains a loyal Kapuso as she renewed her ties with GMA Artist Center in a contract signing held last Thursday, November 18.
From landing her first major role in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean drama series ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to winning numerous acting awards and headlining various top-rating drama series, Barbie has grown to become one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.
“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm dahil lahat ng friends ko sa show business ay nagparating ng mensahe. Maraming, maraming salamat. Sa mga bosses ko po dito sa GMA, maraming salamat po. I can’t ask for anything more. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift,” she said after signing her contract.
As Barbie looks back on her Kapuso journey, she shared two of her most unforgettable roles, “Isa sa favorite ko ay si Billie Bendiola sa ‘Meant to Be’ dahil ang haba-haba lang ng buhok ko doon. Sa totoong buhay, hindi ko naman naranasan ang pag-agawan ng apat na lalaki pero natupad ng GMA ang dream ko na ‘yon. Sa pelikula naman, ‘yung role ko as Duwokan sa Tuos with the superstar Ms. Nora Aunor… I had so much fun shooting the film, I had so much fun watching it. Nasa-starstruck ako kay Ms. Nora habang pinapanood ko siya, and I also had fun promoting the film.”
GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Network Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Amoroso, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMAAC Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun S. Ferrer, Senior Talent Managers for GMA Artist Center Joy Marcelo, Tracy Garcia and GMA Artist Center Consultant Lawrence Tan showed their full support to Barbie via Zoom, video messages, and their presence at the Marquee Tent of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
Atty. Gozon is delighted to have a brilliant actress like Barbie in GMA, “With her many successful projects, there is no denying that Barbie is one of the most accomplished, talented, and popular artists of her generation. We are happy that she will continue her long journey as a Kapuso. Congratulations, Barbie.”
Similarly, Yalong expressed his admiration for the Kapuso Primetime Princess, “There’s no doubt that Barbie is one of GMA’s successful homegrown artists. Barbie, congratulations on your contract renewal, and we look forward to many more years of working together.”
Gozon-Valdes, on the other hand, assured Barbie that she will continue to reach new heights with the Kapuso Network, “Barbie is one of the most talented actresses in GMA. She’s very versatile, she can do rom-com, drama, sing, and dance. You name it, kaya ni Barbie. So, we’re very happy that she is renewing her contract with GMA. Marami na tayong pinagdaanan, Barbie, and marami pa tayong mararating and lalo na ikaw sa GMA. Thank you for your trust.”
Rasonable shared how proud she is for signing Barbie to GMA years ago, “Taking that trip down memory lane, with the very first program that we worked together on which was ‘Stairway to Heaven’ where we discovered you and decided we want to have you in GMA. Thank God, we made that decision because seeing you now grow as an actress, host, dancer, and as a person, makes me so proud we made that decision 12 years ago… I’m glad you’re still with us and I’m proud you’re still a Kapuso.”
Finally, Ferrer shared his enthusiasm for Barbie’s new projects in GMA, “I’m very much excited for everyone to see what’s in store for Barbie as she renews her contract with GMA. I’m really looking forward for people to watch her as she conquers the different shows that we have lined up for her. We’re proud to have you as a Kapuso, Barbie.”
After top-billing the month-long fresh episodes of Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: Captain Barbie, she is set to play another out-of-the-box character in the Christmas special of ‘Wish Ko Lang.’
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