Barbara Ambas "Barbie" Forteza (born July 31, 1997) is a Filipino actress and singer. She is the recipient of several accolades, including both international and local awards.

Early life

Barbara Ambas Forteza was born on July 31, 1997, in Biñan, Laguna, to Imelda Ambas and Tony Forteza. She has a sister named Gabrielle Forteza-Vierneza.

Career

Forteza made her television debut at the age of 12, where she played as young Jodi in GMA Network's remake of the 2003 South Korean television drama series, Stairway to Heaven. She bagged her first lead role as Cyndi Gomez in First Time. Forteza also appeared in several movies such as: Tween Academy: Class of 2012, The Road and the indie film, Puntod in which she won as New Movie Actress of the Year in the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Movies. In April 2013, Forteza released her self-titled album, Barbie Forteza under MCA Records with the carrier single, Meron Ba which was used as the theme song for GMA Network's Koreanovela, Big. In 2014, Forteza was chosen to play one of the lead roles in the television series, The Half Sisters, alongside Thea Tolentino. The afternoon series ran for nearly two years. In August, she won the Best Supporting Actress award in the new breed category at the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, for the film Mariquina, portraying a teenage version of Mylene Dizon's character Imelda. In 2016, she won the Best Actress Award in 36th Fantasporto International Film Festival when she portrayed a sea gypsy for the indie film, Laut. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the 2022 fantasy drama series Maria Clara at Ibarra, where her on-screen partnership with actor David Licauco garnered significant public support. Building on the success of their partnership, they went on to work together in the film That Kind of Love and in several television projects, including Maging Sino Ka Man and Pulang Araw.

Personal life

Forteza previously dated actors Miguel Tanfelix and Kiko Estrada. She is currently in a long-term relationship with actor Jak Roberto since 2017. The couple first worked in the romantic comedy TV series Meant to Be.

Filmography

Television series

Television variety shows

Television comedy shows

Television anthologies

Film

Discography

Albums

Awards and recognitions