Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza is stepping into a transformative phase in her life—her so-called "solo era."
This period centers on self-care, personal growth, and a string of projects and endorsements that showcase her versatility as an artist.
In early 2025, Barbie announced her breakup with long-time boyfriend Jak Roberto, marking the end of their seven-year relationship.
Read: Barbie Forteza announces breakup with Jak Roberto
BARBIE FORTEZA NAMEd as Blackwater Women ambassador
The launch event for Blackwater Women's Whimsical Deo Spray collection, held at SM North EDSA on January 25, 2025, marked her first public appearance since she announced her breakup with Jak.
She was her usual bubbly self while promoting the brand's five new scents—Whimsy, Wish, Dream, Lullaby, Spell, and Dream.
Read: Netizens shocked by Barbie Forteza-Jak Roberto breakup
During the event, the 27-year-old star revealed that she is now on her "solo, self-discovery, and self love era."
In her own words:
"I think solo era, puwede ko na bang i-claim iyon?
"Mas maganda naman na may kasama talaga, pero siguro hindi naman solo totally, pero siguro ako ngayon, mas nasa self-discovery era, self-love era.
"We're all about exploring the world 'coz I would love to travel more this year."
Read: Barbie Forteza's mother, sister post cryptic messages
After the program, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) got to chat with Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Denice Sy.
In the interview held backstage, she explained why the company chose Barbie as the new face of its perfume brand.
Denice told PEP.ph: "We feel Barbie is the most representative of the versatile of the scents because she can represent any character she wants.
"I think Barbie, when you see her, she's just so bubbly and inspirational, and I think when you see her, you just feel very joyful and happy.
"And that's what we hope people will feel as well when they try on the Whimsy Collection.
"Barbie is so strong, she's on strong-independent-woman era now."
Read: Barbie Forteza bares secrets to her fresh and youthful glow
Denice talked more about the new products:
"And really, that's why we wanted to launch this collection now it's because the Whimsy Collection actually has an antibacterial property, so it helps control body odor throughout the day.
"But we wanted to communicate that it's for every day, not just for when you work out. But there's also five different scents where you can choose from.
"So whatever you feel, whatever mood you're in, there's a scents for you."
BARBIE FORTEZA ON SELF-CARE
Following these remarks, Barbie added that perfume helps in maintaining a positive outlook in life.
She said: "I achieve my best self every day by keeping a positive pagkagising na pagkagising. Yung nag-invite ka talaga ng good vibes, good aura, ganyan.
"I would go down and spend time with my parents, chikahan, ganyan. Kumbaga, talagang surround yourself with good people.
"Yung self-care, maarte kasi talaga ako sa katawan. Marami akong pinaglalalagay and kasama na diyan, ang pinakaimportante sa akin, e, pabango. Kumbaga, kasama iyan sa core memory, e, kapag nakilala ka.
"Yung amoy mo, yung scents mo, so dapat hindi lang good vibes or good aura yung i-share mo sa kanila, dapat bigyan mo rin sila ng long lasting and very memorable scent."
Read: Barbie Forteza speaks out on speculations about her net worth