By Jasper Valdez
Actress Barbie Forteza is no stranger to transformation, but for her latest film, P77 (Penthouse 77), the actress took it a step further, bringing both her craft and senses to the set.
At the press conference for GMA Pictures’ upcoming horror film, held on July 22 at Xi by Cafe Guilt in Quezon City, Forteza opened up about being handpicked for the lead role while the story was still being written.
“It’s a blessing to be given this kind of pressure,” Forteza said. “Because it means great things are expected of you.”
Director Derick Cabrido confirmed that Forteza was already the top choice even during early conceptualization.
“She was already the one we had in mind when we were still in the process of writing the film,” he said.
Despite juggling another massive project—her lead role in Pulang Araw—Forteza made sure she gave her full commitment to P77.
“I told Direk, ‘I’ll make this work,’” she recalled. “I didn’t use my other big project as an excuse.”
To stay in character, Forteza developed rituals that grounded her emotionally. One of her most unique methods was using a specific perfume for each role.
“When I smell it, I know—this is Luna,” she said, referring to her P77 character. “I had a different scent for Adelina (Pulang Araw) and another one for Noreen (Beauty Empire).”
She also listened to calming music before shoots and made it a point to read the entire script—not just the day’s scenes—before every filming day.
With the movie shot out of sequence, she said it was essential to stay emotionally anchored.
“I had to keep going back to the full script to understand what my character had already gone through,” she explained. “You have to feel the location, step into the environment.”
The film, described by Forteza as an “alternative narrative,” blends emotional storytelling with the horror genre.
“It’s a very heartwarming film about family,” she said. “Even if it’s a horror movie, it’s very relatable.”
To further develop her character, Forteza turned to other performances for inspiration. She cited Björk’s portrayal in Dancer in the Dark, a movie recommended by a friend.
“I related to her character. Luna is like that—fragile, but with quiet strength.”
Cabrido praised Forteza’s professionalism, saying she arrived on set emotionally prepared and ready to work. “It made our jobs easier,” he said. “She had already done the work before stepping on set.”
The film also stars JC Alcantara, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Gina Pareño, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Rosanna Roces.
Alcantara, who plays a mysterious character named Theo, said it was a dream to work with Forteza.
“I’ve been watching her since I was a kid,” he said. “I’m just really happy I got to work with her.”
Before the end of the conference, Forteza thanked the media and guests for attending despite the stormy weather and expressed her pride in the project.
“This film caters to all kinds of audiences, from the youngest to the oldest,” she said. “That’s why I really brought my A-game.”
And it’s not just because she’s the lead. “It’s not about me,” she said. “It’s the material itself—it’s so intelligent, so beautifully done. I’m genuinely proud of it.”
The film premieres in cinemas on July 30.
