She isn’t called GMA Network’s Primetime Princess for nothing. Having navigated a wide variety of genres and shared the screen with veteran icons—including the late National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor—Barbie Forteza has cemented her status as a favorite among local filmmakers and fellow stars. Beyond her star power, she is undeniably one of her generation’s most vital and versatile actresses.
Yet, despite her extensive filmography, her latest project with Regal Entertainment Inc., Saving Cherry, sees her stepping into the most unhinged and wild role of her career.
When the teaser dropped online, fans immediately applauded Forteza for her effortless range, watching her pivot seamlessly between broad physical comedy, romance, and raw drama. But how does she pull off these complex emotional transitions?
When asked about her process during the film’s media conference, Barbie admitted the balancing act was no walk in the park:
“It was very challenging kasi ‘yung timpla, iba kasi ‘yung nagshi-shift, iba ‘yung pinagsasama mo in one emotion. May mga eksenang ganon si direk Ivan (Payawal) sa akin. Ako naman, bilang pinagkatiwalaan talaga, sa abot ng makakaya ko, kung ano man ang inorder sa akin, I try to deliver, really.”
“Siguro lagi ko lang tinatandaan na dahil lahat kami nag-one-on-one kay direk Ivan before kami mag-script reading, bago kami nagbasa ng script as a group, kargado na kami kasi alam niya na ‘yung gusto niyang mangyari, alam na namin ‘yung direksyon niya. So with Cherry, sabi niya, ‘All-out comedy ‘to, Barbie. As in wild comedy, pero punong-puno ‘to ng puso.’ So ‘yun din ang ginawa ko: na kahit nagpapatawa ako, totoo ‘yung emosyon. Kahit ‘yung atake o scene objective is supposed to be funny, where I’m coming from emotionally should be real and coming from a place of truth lagi.”
That dedication paid off off-screen, too. Throughout the press conference, the genuine chemistry of the cast and crew was impossible to miss. Banter flowed effortlessly, filled with inside jokes and a shared warmth that showed just how deeply they had bonded—and how well they understood one another’s personalities.
At the helm of this chaotic dynamic is director Ivan Payawal, who had nothing but high praise for his ensemble, highlighting their character as much as their talent. Describing his experience directing Forteza in such an unconventional space, Payawal shared:
“Minsan lagi kong tinatanong kung okay pa ba siya, kasi ang baliw-baliw na nung pinaggagawa namin! Pero sobrang committed, sobrang game.”
At its heart, Saving Cherry follows Cherry, a conservative woman who meticulously planned to save her virginity for marriage. But when she catches her fiancé, Jude, cheating right before the wedding, her world turns upside down. Refusing to play the wallflower, she gathers her bridesmaids and wedding planner for a chaotic road trip to take back control of her life and choices on her own terms.
Co-written by Fatrick Tabada and directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, the film boasts an exciting ensemble cast featuring Mika Salamanca, AC Bonifacio, Mikee Quintos, Sassa Gurl, JC Alcantara, and Khalil Ramos.
Get ready for an unapologetic, raunchy comedy starring Barbie Forteza like you’ve never seen her before. Saving Cherry hits cinemas nationwide on September 2.