Julia Montes signed a three-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN last April 6 and the young actress talked with Push.com.ph about what she felt right after the contract signing. “Hindi ko po inexpect ito. Sobra nga akong shocked right now. Sobra kong saya na marami pa ring sumubaybay sa Mara Clara kahit remake lang siya. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng patuloy na sumusuporta sa Mara Clara.”
From doing minor roles as a child star, Julia’s big break came last year when she was chosen by ABS-CBN management to play the mean character Clara in the remake of the popular ‘90s teleserye which starred Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes. Since it’s debut on the primetime block in October of last year, Mara Clara has become the most watched program across the country, and Julia’s clashes with Kathryn Bernardo’s character Mara has earned praise and gained a fan following.
But 16-year-old Julia dismissed speculations that even in real life she and Kathryn are enemies. “Hindi namin talaga iniintindi ‘yung pagku-compare sa aming dalawa. Sa Mara Clara, siya ‘yung bida ako naman ‘yung kontrabida, so magkaiba talaga ‘yung roles namin. Tulungan kami. Super close na kami. Araw-araw gusto naming magkasama kami.”
With her height, mestiza beauty, and acting talent, Julia is said to have what it takes to be the next drama princess and is even being compared to Bea Alonzo. Julia confessed that she looks up to Bea as her idol. “Gusto ko talaga si Bea Alonzo. Bata pa lang ako siya na talaga ang idol ko. Nagkatrabaho na kami before sa isang MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) episode. Sana maulit ‘yun.”
As to being called the “next Bea” Julia could only welcome it as a compliment. “Sobrang saya kung ‘yan nga ang nakikita ng mga tao sa akin. Sobrang salamat kasi hindi ko naman talaga inexpect ang lahat ng ito. Sana maging katulad din ako ni Ate Bea. Gagawin ko ‘yung best ko parati ng marating din ‘yung narating niya kasi idol ko talaga siya.”
When asked who her big showbiz crush is, Julia mentioned the name of Bea’s box-office ka-love team John Lloyd Cruz and added that she dreams of working with him. “Dream ko talagang maka-work si Mr. John Lloyd Cruz. Bago pa ako mag-artista siya na ‘yung crush ko. Hanga rin talaga ako sa acting niya.”