Filipino audiences still fondly recall BJ Forbes as “Tolits,” the pint-sized kid who charmed household screens in a detergent ad and subsequently as the quick-witted child host on “Eat Bulaga!”
However, decades after breaking into showbiz through a string of fantasy hits, sitcoms, and feature films, Forbes is actively reshaping his career trajectory.
The former child actor recently completed the highly competitive The Masters Series: FDCP Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026, an intensive program designed for actors seeking artistic growth.
Forbes admitted that simply clearing the audition hurdles was a humbling moment. “I didn’t expect to get accepted from the auditions, knowing that legends would be teaching and so many people were interested,” Forbes shared.
Surviving three intense phases of cinema mastery
The workshop, backed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, was structured into three distinct phases led by acclaimed directors in Philippine cinema.
The opening leg, guided by veteran director Laurice Guillen and acting coach Ana Guillen Feleo, pushed actors to shed their emotional defenses. Forbes noted that opening up to a room of strangers felt daunting at first, but it quickly established a deep layer of trust among the workshop participants.
The second phase saw FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes taking the reins. Direk Joey’s sessions grounded the performers in the day-to-day realities of the local entertainment industry while reigniting their core motivation for the craft.
Director Joel Lamangan spearheaded the grueling final stretch, instilling the raw work ethic, grit, and endurance required to survive long film shoots over a lifelong career.
From child star to a lifelong career
“It was an experience that I will forever treasure,” Forbes added.
His resume already spans classic television projects like “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” and more recent teleseryes like “Black Rider.” Forbes considers this rigorous workshop far from being treated as a basic refresher course. FDCP’s The Masters Series is a pivotal turning point that has equipped him with the emotional, intellectual, and practical foundation for the next stage of his career.
