Direk Derick Cabrido on Barbie Forteza’s growth, Atasha Muhlach’s acting debut, & juggling projects

Derick Cabrido has become one of the most in-demand directors today, with back-to-back projects in both film and streaming platforms. While working on the psychological thriller P77 with Barbie Forteza, he was also handling several projects including the local adaptation of Bad Genius with Atasha Muhlach and Cignal Play’s vertical drama 3 Queens.

On Barbie Forteza’s Growth

Cabrido first collaborated with Barbie Forteza back in 2016 through the Cinemalaya film Tuos, where the young actress starred alongside Superstar Nora Aunor. Nearly a decade later, the two reunite in P77, and Cabrido immediately noticed how much Forteza has matured as an actress.

“Nakita ko na sobrang okay ni Barbie ka-work in terms of kung paano siya before 10 years ago same pa rin at mas meron siyang sarili nang diskarte sa kung saan niya gustong dalhin yung acting niya, yung performance niya, yung character niya,” he shared.

Reflecting on the difference between her early years and today, Cabrido added:

“Ang layo na. Sobrang layo na. She was 15 years old when we worked together dun sa Tuos. More on doon, ang focus ng trabaho niya is alam niya kung paano niya ipe-perform at magaling na siya pero kailangan mo i-guide… Wala pang personal inputs e. Pero this time, malinaw na yung personal inputs niya… Binubuo na niya muna yung character sa utak niya bago niya ilabas.”

Currently, their reunion project P77  is still showing in cinemas nationwide.

Why is Barbie Forteza proud to lead the psychological horror film ‘P77’?

On Atasha Muhlach’s First Acting Project

Beyond P77, Cabrido is also directing the Philippine adaptation of Bad Genius, which marks Atasha Muhlach’s first acting role. He shared that one of his first challenges was guiding Atasha in her debut project.

“Ang challenge sa akin nga noong una ay si [Atasha Muhlach] kasi first [acting project] niya e. To the point na nag-meeting pa kami with Ate Charlene [Atasha’s mom]. Kasi I need to present and then at the same time kung kampate sila na paano ba babaguhin ‘to. Kasi, Atasha, ang pagkakaalala ko lang sa kanya is I think dalawang beses ko lang siya napanood sa Eat Bulaga pero sobrang bubbly. E ang character ni Lin sobrang seryoso e.“

Cabrido admitted he was surprised by Atasha’s performance and saw that she has the potential to grow as an actress.

“Pero noong nag-i-screen test na kami… doon ko [nakita] na kaya pala. And to be honest, na-surprise ako sa kanya,” Cabrido said.

Watch Bad Genius, streaming exclusively on Viva One.

Atasha Muhlach and the cast of ‘Bad Genius: The Series’ bring the thrill in Viva One’s new adaptation

On Being an In-Demand Director

With projects coming one after another, Cabrido acknowledges the blessings and trust he continues to receive from various studios.

“Of course nakakatuwa kasi sunod-sunod yung mga projects. Sabay-sabay pa nga, hindi nawawalan. And sana mag-stay ng ganoon, kasi ayaw ko nababakante…” he shared.

He added, “Saka nakakatuwa na parang sunod-sunod na, I mean, ang daming nagtitiwala sa ‘yo na studios.”

For Cabrido, this season of back-to-back projects is more than just work. It is also a chance to keep telling stories that connect with different kinds of audiences. Watch out for his upcoming projects in film, television, and streaming!