With a life that’s an open book to the public, Julia Montes didn’t shy away from sharing her humble roots growing up under the care of her lola and deaf-mute mom, Gemma Hautea. She was also honest about her wish to meet her biological dad, German-national Martin Schnittka. It was a prayer she would publicly profess and was answered in 2016.
Julia shared their reunion story in a past episode of TWBA, tracing it back to the day she went to Quiapo Church. According to Julia, on her way to the church, CocoJul fans (the fandom name of Julia and Coco Martin’s avid followers) told her that they received a message from Michelle, who introduced herself as her cousin.
While waiting for her cousin’s reply, Julia went inside the church to pray, “Sabi ko, ‘Lord, ngayon po siguro, itong pagdadasal ko na ito, hindi na ako magiging specific. Kayo na ho ang bahala sa akin. Kayo na po ang bahala sa lahat. Maraming salamat po sa lahat lahat.’”
When she went back to the car, she checked her phone and saw Michelle’s response. It got a bit rough when Michelle asked for proof of Julia’s identity. “Sabi niya, ano raw ‘yung proof ko na ako yung real Mara Schnittka. Nagsend ako, medyo may pagka-mataray pa ako. Sabi ko, ‘Verified ‘yung account ko kung hindi ka naniniwala sa akin at meron akong proof. Pwede ba mag-send ka rin muna sa akin ng proof?’”
She then received a photo, which she immediately forwarded to her mom. And that’s when she got the confirmation. “Sabi ni Mama, ‘Saan mo nakuha ‘yan? ‘Yan ‘yung picture n’yo noong nasa Cavite pa tayo.’ Naiyak na ako,” shared Julia.
Prior to their reunion, Julia felt she was losing all hope. As a child, she thought only a complete family can fill in her emptiness. “’Pag gagawa ng family tree sa school, memorable sa akin ‘yun, kasi wala akong mailagay. Even photo wala ako before.”
Julia seized every moment when she finally met her father as well as his family. Growing up watching teleseryes, she thought her siblings would despise her but it turned out very well. “’Yung bunso kong kapatid, siya ‘yung na-attach agad sa akin. Naiiyak siya nung nagkita kami ni Papa tapos doon na ako nag-start maging emotional.”
Julia said she didn’t expect it would happen soon, reminding everyone that God knows how to make things – even better than our desires – happen at His right time and purpose.
Check out this throwback video from Tonight with Boy Abunda!