Angelica Panganiban shared that Barbie Forteza is one of the actresses she believes could convincingly take on the role of Rubi should the hit series get a remake.
In an interview on the Dogshow Divas with Baus Rufo & Macoy Dubs podcast, Angelica was asked who she thinks could headline the show if it were revived.
"Alam mo kasi napanood ko 'yung Kotrabida Academy. Nagalingan ako kay Barbie Forteza," she remarked.
She added: "So isa siya sa pwede kong pagpasahan kasi parang kaya niyang bumakla, kaya niyang magpatawa rin, at magaling siyang mag-drama."
Rubi is a 2010 Philippine television drama series that aired on ABS-CBN. The show is based on the 2004 Mexican television series of the same title.
The series starred Angelica Panganiban as Rubi alongside Jake Cuenca, Shaina Magdayao, and Diether Ocampo. It aired on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida lineup from February 15 to August 13, 2010.
The series follows the story of Rubi, dubbed as "Ang Bidang Kontrabida." The character is vain, scheming, and manipulative, yet still possesses a conscience, one she ultimately chooses to ignore in pursuit of her lofty ambitions.
Meanwhile, Barbie headlined the Netflix movie Kontrabida Academy in September this year.
Kontrabida Academy follows the story of a restaurant worker who unexpectedly finds herself transported by a mysterious television to a school for on-screen villains, an experience that gives her a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to confront those who wronged her as per its IMDb.
Barbie stars as Gigi and headlined the series alongside Eugene Domingo.
"It takes a lot of courage to step into a villain's shoes,” Barbie said on taking on a kontrabida role in a previous interview with Tatler. "So, having done that now, I can truly say that the emotional demands of being a kontrabida are on another level... That's why I really admire them."
Barbie also pointed out that Kontrabida Academy arrives at a time when audiences are more receptive to stories told from unconventional perspectives.
"I feel like nowadays, it's also acceptable to root for the antagonists because we’re more socially aware," she stated. "Many of our kontrabidas embody a more courageous, frank and straightforward character who openly address real-life issues, whether it's about family or themselves. They’re more direct and honest in their point of view, and I think that's what makes them relatable."