Julia finds joy in providing for family

At 17, Julia Montes has the grown-up responsibility of providing for her family. But far from taking it against them, the young star takes pride in the fact that she just gave her mom, grandmother, and two younger brothers a new two-storey house in Antipolo City.

“Masaya ako kasi noon pa lang, hindi ko ini-expect na magkakabahay ako. Akala ko sa age na 25 pa ako magkakabahay. Hindi ko akalain na sa 17th birthday ko, magkakaroon ako ng gift sa kanila, itong bahay,” Julia told Yahoo! Philippines OMG and some members of the press at the house blessing on Tuesday, March 20.

Also present were Julia’s friends from showbiz, including Susan Roces, Melissa Ricks, Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil, Sam Concepcion, Janus del Prado, and the Star Magic team.

No more monthly rent

Julia is glad her family no longer has to worry about paying the rent every month. And she’s willing to sacrifice even more for her family.

“Lahat kaya kong i-give up, kahit yung mga pangarap ko, basta para sa family ko,” a teary-eyed Julia said.

The Kapamilya actress, who turned 17 on Monday, March 19, continues to count her blessings.

“Nabago kasi ngayon hindi na ako namomroblema lalo na sa mga pag-aaral ng kapatid ko. Umabot ako sa point na if kaya kong tumigil ako, titigil ako para sa mga kapatid ko. Masasabi ko na secured na rin sila,” she added.

Julia’s birthday wish is for more blessings and happiness.

“(Sana) magtuloy-tuloy lang yung happiness. Hindi ko ma-express kung gaano ako kasaya ngayon. More than happiness, siguro, magtuloy-tuloy lang talaga ito, yung career ko at mas lalo pa kaming maging okay ng family ko.”

She may have turned a year older, but Julia admits she still needs to act in a more mature, ladylike way.

“Awkward kasi yung kilos ko ganoon pa rin. Sinasabi nila na ‘Dalaga ka na, umayos ka ng tayo.’ Hindi ko alam kung paanong ayos kasi feeling ko okay lang naman ako,” she jokes.

Good reviews

Even if her role in “Walang Hanggan” requires her to act like someone more mature than she is in real life, Julia shares that she has been getting good reviews on her tandem with Coco Martin and Paulo Avelino.

Julia is also happy they are able to play characters well despite the age gap between her and Coco.

“Noon maraming nagsasabi sa amin ni Coco na hindi kami bagay, wala kaming chemistry. But now talagang pinu-prove namin na yung age gap, hindi namin mapapakita sa ‘Walang Hanggan.’ Mas marami na ang sumusuporta ngayon," Julia said.

By Karen Valeza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom