The much-anticipated reunion of former couple Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto on the silver screen for the film ‘Un/Happy For You’ has sparked considerable interest, especially as both actors navigate new relationships and personal growth.
In a press conference held on July 10 to promote their latest project under the banners of Star Cinema and Viva Films, Joshua and Julia addressed questions about their collaboration and its implications for their current romantic partners.
Julia, who is presently dating Gerald Anderson, emphasized the solidity of their respective relationships outside of their work together. She asserted, “I believe, Josh and I are both in our secure place in our lives. Kahit na gumawa pa kami ng 10 pelikula, ang intensiyon naman nu’n, e, hindi para makasira ng isang magandang bagay.”
“Siguro, we are both in secure positions in our lives. We are fine, we’re okay. Tingnan niyo, ang saya naming natapos yung Un/Happy For You. Lahat ng nasa paligid namin, masaya para sa amin, minamahal pa rin kami.”
Joshua echoed her sentiments, noting the professional approach they now bring to their collaborations. “Actually, kami po ni Juls, parang ano, e, parang iba na yung approach namin sa work. This time, mas professional, we know our boundaries na rin,” he explained.
When asked whether he had discussed the project with his girlfriend prior to accepting it, Joshua candidly replied, “Hindi ako nag-ask sa partner ko kasi bago pa kami magkakilala, alam niya na pagiging aktor na yung trabaho ko. She’s just very supportive about du’n sa movie.”
‘Un/Happy For You’ explores the story of Juancho (portrayed by Joshua) and Zy (played by Julia), former lovers whose paths cross again due to fate, leading to confrontations and revelations from their shared past.
Both actors admitted that drawing from personal experiences added depth to their performances, particularly in emotionally charged scenes. Joshua reflected, “Hindi maiwasan na humugot sa past, but I think bilang actor, nasa sa iyo na rin yun kung paano mo siya babawasan yung nararamdaman mo. Just to protect yourself lang din dun sa pain na naramdaman mo.”
Julia added, “Ayoko naman i-spoil masyado yung naging process namin ni Josh. Kasi isa siyang intimate one na kami lang talaga magkakaintindihan habang ginagawa namin to. But siguro, ginawa namin inspiration mas lalo yung happy memories namin noong kami pa.”
Joshua and Julia first gained recognition as a tandem in the hit 2016 film ‘Vince, Kath, and James’ and subsequently collaborated on other successful projects including ‘Love You To The Stars and Back,’ ‘Unexpectedly Yours,’ ‘I Love You, Hater,’ and ‘Block Z.’ They also starred together in the ABS-CBN teleserye ‘Ngayon at Kailanman’ in 2018.
Looking back on their reunion, Joshua expressed, “Na-miss ko na may kaeksena na naiintindihan yung nararamdaman ko, alam mo yun?Lumalabas siya sa screen talaga. Na-miss ko yung mga tawanan namin.”
Julia concurred, saying, “Parang over the years, nag-evolve na kami as people and actors as well. So, it’s nice that we’ve grown in those past years as we come together and we get to learn new things about each other and from each other while we’re working. Ang dali ng trabaho kapag may pagkakaintindihan na kayo lang makakaintindi sa proseso na yun. It’s special. It’s different.”
Directed by Petersen Vargas, ‘Un/Happy For You’ also features a stellar cast including Nonie Buencamino, Ketchup Eusebio, John Lapus, Kaila Estrada, Aljon Mendoza, Bong Gonzales, Ana Abad Santos, and Meann Espinosa. The film is scheduled for nationwide release on August 14.
