Barbie Forteza in her self-love era

A blooming Barbie Forteza during her launch as the face of BW Women, along with company Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Denice Sy (bottom photo, right). PHOTOS FROM INSTAGRAM (BARBARAFORTEZA) AND BW WOMEN

Now, with news about her personal and love life circulating on social media and news outlets, Forteza is officially marking a new chapter in her life — one focused on self-discovery and self-love.

"I think this is my self-discovery era and self-love era. I'm all about exploring the world. I would love to travel more this year. I'm also in my café era now," she happily shared during the launch of BW Women's latest fragrance line, the Whimsy Collection.

As the 27-year-old navigates her self-love journey, she defines her best self as starting each day with positivity.

With BW Women's Denice Sy. PHOTO FROM BW WOMEN

"I think I achieve my best self every day when I wake up in the morning with a positive aura. You invite good vibes, and then I go downstairs, have lunch with my parents, and chat with them. Surrounding yourself with good people is important," she shared.

Her self-care routine is also an essential part of her daily life.

"I'm meticulous about my body, so I use a lot of products. It's important because your scent is what makes you memorable—it leaves a lasting impression," she explained.

Meanwhile, amid her personal journey, Forteza is also embracing new opportunities, including her partnership with BW Women's Whimsy Collection. The collection features five enchanting scents: Whimsy, Wish, Spell, Dream, and Lullaby.

She expressed her excitement about the launch, particularly about BW Women Deo Body Spray in Spell, saying, "Even just with lotion or hand soap, I love that slightly vanilla, sweet scent. So when BW Women introduced the Whimsy Collection to me, I thought it was perfect. The colors are beautiful, like cotton candy."

When asked to describe the scent of a dream, Barbie said, "When I think of dreams, I always imagine clouds, calmness, and sweetness. Especially when you're inspired or in love — it's like you're on cloud nine, very playful and colorful."

Busy and thriving

For 2025, Forteza is embracing a productive year with new projects lined up.

"I'm very thankful that I've started 2025 on a productive note because I'm currently working on a film that I'm very excited to share with you soon. I'm also about to start a new primetime TV show in March," she revealed.

Aside from work, she is prioritizing her fitness journey, sharing, "I'm now in my fitness era with my team. I jog — I call it 'Takbong Barbie' (Barbie's version of running). If you know me, you'd know this is a big achievement because on my rest days, I usually just lie in bed all day. So for me to be doing this in 2025, it means I'm really committed."

"I'm also slowly building a rest-day routine. I usually wake up around noon since I finish work late at night. Then I have a late lunch at a café I found on TikTok. After that, I go for a jog or a walk. I also got back into reading, but I'm sticking to meet-cute novels for now," Forteza continued.

She added, "The TV show I'm working on for March is very women-centered. We'll be talking about fashion, women empowerment, and sophistication. It's going to be a different Barbie — more fashionable and sophisticated. I'm really excited because Pulang Araw was a huge success. Thank you so much to everyone who watched! But this year, we're leveling up, and we're going to serve looks!"

Embracing the journey

For those just starting their self-empowerment journey, Barbie's advice is simple yet profound: "Listen to yourself. If you need time alone or time with friends, go do that. There's no wrong step — you just have to start. Whether it's fitness, studies, or exploring a new career, why not? There's no big or small step, as long as you start doing what you want to do."

She also acknowledges the role of scent in her self-love journey.

"It plays a big role because I'm a very sentimental person, and scents hold memories for me. I have friends and even my parents who have distinct scents, and when I smell them somewhere, I immediately remember them. That's why scent is so important to me — I always wear the best, and that is BW Women's Whimsy Collection," she noted.

Denice Sy of BW Women agrees that Barbie is the perfect representation of their brand.

"BW Women is about being your best self every day, and I think Barbie really embodies that. She's fun, girly, cute, but at the same time, very whimsical as well," Sy pointed out.

For young women looking to find their signature scent, Forteza has this tip: "Always listen to yourself. Find a scent that suits you because some fragrances may work for others but not for you. Some are too strong, while others are floral. See what fits your personality. Personally, I love vanilla scents."