Unlike the traditional MMFF Magic 8, this year’s roster became a bit controversial for many as it mostly had independent films. Julia, Ronnie and Joshua are actually the youngest competitors on the festival. “It’s like a dream na parang lumulutang ka the first few minutes… Up to this day it’s still so hard to sink in. Siguro ma-fe-feel ko lang kapag sobrang lapit na or on the day itself,” she said. Not only was Julia excited to show their hard work to the public, she’s also looking forward to riding on the float and doing the annual MMFF parade. @juliabarretto #SpotlightonJuliaBarretto

A video posted by Star Magic (@starmagicphils) on Dec 18, 2016 at 2:54am PST

 

Other than her MMFF entry, Julia’s fans can also expect to see her on TV once again starting January 9 as part of the primetime soap “A Love to Last.” Julia will be taking on the role of Chloe, the independent daughter in the Ian Veneracion and Bea Alonzo soap. Julia even had to take ballet lessons in order to prepare for her role. For what it’s worth, Julia is very much thankful for the trust that was given to her to be part of a show alongside Bea, Ian, Enchong Dee, Iza Calzado, JK Labajo and her love team Ronnie Alonte and budding child star Hanna Vito. @juliabarretto #SpotlightonJuliaBarretto

A video posted by Star Magic (@starmagicphils) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:03am PST

 

With her strong characters and public image projecting someone seemingly unreachable, many seem to miss who the real Julia is. And so we’ve embarked to discover who she really is. Her fair skin, notable accent and polished speaking skills often cause people to write her off as “too sosyal” if not pretentious. But the fact of the matter is Julia is the exact opposite. She’s actually quite boyish and she actually wants the opposite in life. She wants to be accepted for who she is, sans pretentions and despite all her flaws. To say that many misunderstood her would be an understatement. And Julia admits that she used to be very mindful of what the other people say about her. But now, Julia is at a point in her life when she doesn’t really care about what people say. “I think I got tired at some point. At some point when you’re starting na ‘Aww na-affect ka.’ But then at some point you’ll realize that you know yourself really well and I’m being true to who I am. End game nito, sa huli I’ll be glad na nagpakatotoo ako because at least hindi ako nagkunwari. I may be hated for who I am but at least I am being who I am so magaan ang loob ko,” she said. @juliabarretto #SpotlightonJuliaBarretto

A video posted by Star Magic (@starmagicphils) on Dec 18, 2016 at 3:07am PST