Barbie Forteza revealed that Sharon Cuneta was the one who inspired her to pursue acting.
"Kaya po ako naging aktres dahil po sa kanya. Siya po ang dahilan kung bakit ginusto kong maging artista," she shared in an interview with Boy Abunda.
Barbie recalled that the first time she became captivated by Sharon's acting was while watching the 1996 film Madrasta with her mother when she was younger.
"When I was eight years old, my mom was watching Madrasta kasi Sharonian po ang nanay ko. T'as nakita ko po 'yung eksena niya na, 'I was never your partner. I'm just your wife.' Tapos sobrang na-hook ako sa kanya, 'yung performance niya it felt so real," she recalled.
Looking back on the scene, Barbie said she was struck by the depth and authenticity of Sharon's performance.
"Kahit bata ako at hindi pa ako nagiging madrasta, wala pa akong napagdaang heartbreak sa buhay, naramdaman ko siya dun, 'yung level of truth and depth ni Ms. Sharon Cuneta. So sabi ko, 'Mama gusto ko 'yung ginagawa niya.'"
She went on: "As young as eight years old na ganun ka-firm 'yung desisyon ko because of Ms. Sharon. So it really comes full circle now na I'm working with her."
In the same interview, Barbie also opened up about her experience working alongside Sharon in the upcoming Prime Video series Honor Thy Mother.
"It's like always taking a masterclass in front row seat every day, and to have that experience, sobrang surreal po nun and it comes full circle," she stated.
READ: Sharon Cuneta, Barbie Forteza's 'Honor Thy Mother' to premiere on Sept. 11
Barbie also praised Sharon for being a generous scene partner who makes it easy for her co-stars to tap into the emotions needed for a scene.
"'Pag nakaka-eksensa ko po si Ms. Sharon, sobrang galing and sobrang daling pagkunan ng emosyon. She's that generous. She's that brilliant na talagang nabibigay niya 'yung tamang emosyon na dapat kong mailabas," she said.