Actress Julia Barretto firmly believes that challenges and controversies should not define a person but serve as opportunities to grow and rise above adversity.
Speaking candidly at a recent media conference, the 27-year-old reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, which began in her childhood, and how she has used both triumphs and trials to shape her character.
“Challenges like controversies don’t define who we are,” Julia remarked. “Hardships in life don’t represent our hearts. It’s always about how we rise above them.”
She stressed the importance of learning from every obstacle, adding, “It doesn’t just happen for no reason. It happens because there’s something to learn from it. There’s nothing I would erase from my past.”
Julia credited her years in the industry for teaching her the value of self-improvement and adaptability. “It’s not always about others but about how I can improve myself to adapt to different environments and meet people halfway,” she said.
Reflecting on her love for acting, she added, “I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. It’s an outlet, an escape, and a way to express myself. Every time I step on set, it’s an unexplainable feeling.”
Despite the challenges, Julia remains focused on her craft and is gearing up for a busy 2025. She will host the upcoming reality show ‘Artista Academy’ on TV5, and she’s set to make her teleserye comeback with ‘Hello, Heaven’, the network’s major primetime series.
This year, Julia starred in notable projects like the Viu series ‘Secret Ingredient’, the film ‘Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko’ with Aga Muhlach, and the hit movie ‘Un/Happy for You’ alongside Joshua Garcia.
Julia’s latest project, ‘Hold Me Close’, is Viva Films’ entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, the romantic-fantasy film, which co-stars Carlo Aquino, was shot in Karatsu City, Japan, through a collaboration with the Saga Prefecture Film Commission.
Director Laxamana described the film as a competitive international collaboration, following his earlier project ‘Between Maybes’ with Julia, also shot in Saga.
