For many Filipinos, BJ Forbes will always be remembered as the lovable “Tolits,” the child star who first won audiences over in a popular detergent commercial before becoming a familiar face as one of the youngest hosts of Eat Bulaga!. Years after building an extensive career in television and film, Forbes is embracing a new chapter as he continues to refine his craft as an actor.
The former child star recently completed the The Masters Series: FDCP Acting Workshop for Filipino Talents 2026, an intensive training program organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for actors committed to artistic growth.
For Forbes, simply earning a spot in the highly competitive workshop was already an unforgettable achievement. “I didn’t expect to get accepted from the auditions, knowing that legends would be teaching and so many people were interested,” he admitted, describing the opportunity as both humbling and motivating.
The program unfolded in three immersive phases led by some of the country’s most respected filmmakers. Veteran director Laurice Guillen and acting coach Ana Guillen Feleo challenged participants to break down their emotional barriers and embrace vulnerability in their performances. Forbes shared that opening up in front of strangers was initially intimidating, but the experience eventually fostered trust and genuine connections among the actors.
The second phase, under FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, gave participants a deeper understanding of the realities of the entertainment industry while reigniting their passion and purpose as storytellers. The workshop culminated with acclaimed filmmaker Joel Lamangan, whose intensive sessions emphasized the discipline, resilience, and endurance required to thrive in a demanding profession.
Looking back on the experience, Forbes said the workshop became much more than an acting masterclass. “It was an experience that I will forever treasure,” he said, noting how the program strengthened not only his skills as a performer but also his perspective on the craft.
Having appeared in television classics such as Maalaala Mo Kaya and Pangako Sa ‘Yo, along with fantasy series, sitcoms, films, and more recently Black Rider, Forbes believes The Masters Series marks a significant turning point in his career. Equipped with renewed confidence, fresh techniques, and valuable mentorship from some of Philippine cinema’s finest directors, he now looks forward to taking on more challenging and meaningful roles as he enters the next stage of his artistic journey.
