Former child star BJ Forbes takes his acting to the next level

Many Filipinos still fondly remember BJ Forbes as Tolits, the energetic kid from the iconic laundry detergent commercial, or as the quick-witted child host on “Eat Bulaga!” 

Since his early breakout years, which spawned roles in fantasy shows “Mulawin” (2004), “Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia” (2005) and “Fantastikids” (2006), sitcoms “Ful Haus” (2007) and “Moomoo and Me” (2009), and films like “Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo!” (2005), “Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom” (2005), “Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On” (2006), “Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol!” (2008), “Ang Panday” (2009), and “Ded na si Lolo” (2009), among others, Forbes has practically grown up before the nation’s eyes. 

Now, the veteran performer is charting a path toward deeper artistic maturity. Forbes recently proved that a true artist’s education never really ends. This after officially graduating from The Masters Series: FDCP Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026, an intensive training program designed to push actors to new creative heights. 

Forbes, reflecting on the workshop and its selection process, admitted that simply earning a spot felt like a huge win. “It was an experience that I will forever treasure,” he shared. “I didn't expect to get accepted from the auditions, knowing that legends would be teaching and so many people were interested.”

He revealed that he was initially caught off guard by the opportunity. The workshop was structured into three distinct phases led by acclaimed directors in Philippine cinema.

The first three days with director Laurice Guillen and acting coach Ana Guillen Feleo focused on breaking down emotional guards and building a tight-knit ensemble. Forbes described it as an intense experience of opening up in front of a room full of new faces. However, he revealed that it forged deep, lasting trust among the participants. 

The subsequent three days with FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes shifted toward a deeper appreciation for the local entertainment industry. Under Direk Joey’s guidance, the sessions filled the actors with practical, real-world insights that validated their talents while reigniting their deep love for the acting profession. 

The final stretch put every actor’s stamina to the test, as Direk Joel Lamangan focused on the unglamorous realities of a professional movie set, instilling a level of work ethic, grit, and discipline required to sustain a long-term career. 

For an actor whose screen history stretches from dramatic stints on “Maalaala Mo Kaya” to teleseryes like “Pangako Sa 'Yo” and “Black Rider,” the FDCP Master Series proved to be far more than a routine refresher course. 

For Forbes, it was a holistic, hands-on experience that went beyond technical performance, equipping him with the emotional, intellectual, and professional tools needed for the next chapter of his acting journey.