Barbie Forteza hopes tax contributions lead to ‘good kind of change’

Top taxpayer Barbie Forteza shares her hope for national change and her boldest movie yet.

Barbie Forteza was honored by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as an awardee of the Husay ng Dangal ng Lingkod Bayan for being one of the country’s top individual taxpayers in July 2026. 

Despite ongoing public concerns regarding graft and corruption in the government, the Kapuso actress remains hopeful for positive systemic change that will improve the lives of Filipinos.

Radar Entertainment caught up with Forteza at the recent press conference for her upcoming film, Saving Grace,” where she said: “Siguro ‘yong purpose ko talaga kung bakit ginugusto ko o gino-goal ko na magbayad ng buwis ay dahil gusto ko ring makakita ng pagbabago, good kind of change sa buhay ng mga mas nakakarami,” Forteza stated. “I will not get tired of hoping na isang araw mangyari ‘yon. I will not stop giving my contribution until it happens.”

Forteza also recently celebrated her 29th birthday on July 31 alongside friends, family, and colleagues. She shared that she intentionally organized a festive gathering to bring together the most meaningful people in her life.

“First time ko nag-birthday party. Gano’n pala ‘yon, maasikaso,” she shared. “Sobrang saya. Ako kasi, sanay ako na ako ‘yong uma-attend. First time ko na ako ang dahilan kung bakit sila nando’n—nang-abala ako, ‘di ba? Sobrang saya ko kasi in one night, napagsama-sama ko ‘yong mga tao na importante sa akin at mahal ko. Parang lahat ng nasa diary ko nando’n. Lahat ng tao na nakasulat sa [buhay] ko nando’n, nakakatuwa.”

She added that planning the event within budget was an achievement in itself.

“Thankfully, naka-budget, finally,” she said with a laugh. “There’s so much to celebrate. Saka actually, na-realize ko rin na dumarating talaga ang mga kaibigan ko, parang lahat sila gusto kong kitain. Sabi ko, why not pagsama-samahin ko sila in one night?”

Forteza stars in “Saving Grace,” a comedy produced by Regal Entertainment and directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on Sep. 2. 

Primarily known for her wholesome roles, the actress noted that this project allowed her to explore a more mature and daring onscreen persona.

“Feeling ko lahat ng ginawa ko dito, ‘di ko pwedeng gawin sa TV,” Forteza explained. “Actually, mayroon kaming isang location, hindi na-approve ni Daddy. Ayaw niya. Sabi niya, ‘Barbie, dito ba ang location natin?’ Sabi ko, ‘Oo eh.’ Hindi approved sa magulang ko pero excited sila. They are both excited to see this kasi nga ibang-ibang Barbie ito. Alam ko naman na pelikula siya, alam ko rin naman na gagastos ang manonood nito, so I made sure na kahit papaano maging worth it ‘yong ibabayad nila kasi ‘di mo nga ito mapapanood sa free TV.”

READ: