In her recent sit-down on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Barbie Forteza opened up about a life in motion, literally and figuratively. From breaking personal limits on the running track to cutting her signature long hair, Barbie is boldly embracing what she calls her “self-love era.”

Finding freedom

These days, Barbie is not just running towards success, she’s actually running. A lot.

“Running is something I have full control of,” she shared. “Sa trabaho natin, everything is mapped out. But with running, it’s all mine, pace, distance, time. It’s my escape from reality. Limot ang trabaho, limot ang showbiz.”

What started as a personal challenge earlier this year has quickly evolved into a full-blown passion. She has joined several fun runs, many for charity, proving that even her me-time can be meaningful to others.

“Masaya kasi hindi lang ako nage-enjoy, nakakatulong pa ako. It’s the kind of hobby na mahal na mahal ko, and it gives back too,” she added.

A cut above: Reinventing through hair

Barbie’s fresh perspective is mirrored in her physical transformation. She recently debuted a chic short haircut, one that symbolized both artistic commitment and personal liberation.

The decision to chop off her locks was initially for her role as Noreen in GMA’s upcoming series "Beauty Empire." “I didn’t want the character to feel like a version of Barbie,” she explained. But the change went deeper than appearance.

“I stepped out of my comfort zone,” she said. “This is me discovering a new version of myself. A new era and it started with my hair.”

The impact was immediate. “Even the way I carried myself changed. I felt more confident, more sophisticated. I used to hide behind my long hair. Now, I feel like I have to stand tall, dress with intention, and own this new energy.”

A home fully paid, a heart fully present

Another reason Barbie is beaming with pride is that she has officially paid off her new home, a milestone that marks both financial freedom and personal fulfillment.

“Fully paid na siya,” she said with a smile. “That’s a huge responsibility I accomplished for myself and for my family. So now, it’s time for me.”

With that responsibility behind her, Barbie is learning to prioritize herself without guilt. “When I say I’m in my self-love era, it means I’m finally choosing me. I’m making time for the things I truly enjoy. I’m putting myself first, not in a selfish way, but in a way that finally makes sense.”

What’s next for Barbie?

With "Beauty Empire" set to showcase her dramatic range and the upcoming film "P77" on the horizon, Barbie’s career is as vibrant as ever. But for the actress, this chapter is about more than roles and ratings. It’s about reclaiming her time, reshaping her identity, and running confidently into the woman she’s becoming.

“I feel like I’m having the time of my life,” she told Tito Boy.