Barbie Forteza is stepping into unfamiliar territory with Saving Cherry, taking on a character whose rebellious energy pushes her far beyond the more restrained roles she has played in the past.
At the film’s media conference, Forteza made an entrance, together with her co-stars, through an intense skit like they stepped out of the movie. We were immediately introduced to Cherry Valdez. Sporting untamed hair, intense makeup, and an unmistakably fierce attitude, she appeared in character before eventually revealing the fearless personality at the center of the upcoming comedy.
The opening performance offered a quick taste of Cherry’s personality — unpredictable, uninhibited, and unafraid to make a scene. But beneath the outrageous moments is a woman dealing with heartbreak and learning to take charge of her own life.
Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal and co-written by Fatrick Tabada, Saving Cherry follows a conservative and devoted woman who has always planned to save her virginity for her wedding night. Her plans take an unexpected turn after she catches her fiancé, Jude, cheating on her.
Played by Khalil Ramos, Jude’s betrayal pushes Cherry into a completely different chapter of her life. With the help of her bridesmaids and wedding planner, she sets out on an unconventional journey that begins with revenge but gradually becomes a process of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.
Forteza said understanding Cherry required her to work through several emotional layers, particularly because the comedy often comes alongside moments of vulnerability.
“It was very challenging kasi ’yung timpla, iba kasi ’yung nagshi-shift, iba ’yung pinagsasama mo in one emotion. May mga eksenang ganoon si Direk Ivan sa akin,” she explained. “Ako naman, bilang pinagkatiwalaan talaga, sa abot ng makakaya ko, kung ano man ang inorder sa akin, I try to deliver, really.”
The actress also shared that Payawal prepared the cast individually before they came together for the script reading. That process allowed the actors to understand the director’s expectations and the emotional direction he wanted for the story.
“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,” Forteza said.
For Cherry, Payawal encouraged Forteza to embrace the comedy without losing the truth behind the character’s emotions.
“So with Cherry, sabi niya, ‘All-out comedy ’to, Barbie. As in wild comedy, pero punong-puno ’to ng puso,’” she recalled. “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.”
The film also brings together an ensemble that serves as Cherry’s support system. AC Bonifacio plays Ingrid, Mika Salamanca portrays Jewel, Mikee Quintos takes on Beth, and Sassa Gurl appears as Martha, while JC Alcantara is also part of the cast.
As Cherry moves further away from the sheltered woman audiences first meet, Forteza’s performance also changes in subtle but noticeable ways. Her appearance becomes bolder, her voice carries more confidence, and her perspective reflects someone who has begun seeing relationships and life without the idealized view she once had.
That transformation gave Forteza the freedom to explore a side of herself she had not previously brought so openly into a role.
“She is the wildest woman I’ve ever portrayed, to date. And the most freeing for me. Not just the role, but the freedom of approaching every scene,” Forteza said. “In-unleash ko lang yung wild side ko. Rawr! Hindi ko din akalain na may ganoon din akong side. So far, eto yung most mature role ko.”
Ultimately, Saving Cherry turns Cherry’s heartbreak into the beginning of a personal awakening. Rather than simply telling the story of a woman getting even after being betrayed, the film follows her as she learns to make her own decisions, confront her emotions, and define herself beyond the expectations placed on her.
The production describes the movie as an unapologetic comedy that challenges the traditional “good girl” narrative while exploring female anger, personal freedom, and the power of choosing one’s own path.
