Julia Barretto on kissing scenes, career paths, and ‘Mirabella’

MANILA, Philippines – Julia Barretto, one of the freshest faces on television is set to star in her first lead teleserye role in ABS-CBN’s Mirabella, premiering Monday, March 24.

The 17-year-old model and actress plays Mirabella, a young lady cursed with wood-like skin. The story follows Mira’s struggle against bullies, her journey to self-acceptance, and as with most television dramas, her search for love.

From kissing scenes to career paths, here are some things to know about the upcoming fantaserye.

1. Julia’s first major teleserye Cofradia was cancelled

Julia Barretto was originally slated to star in fantaserye Cofradia, a teleserye based on Dominador Ad Castillo’s novel of the same name, reported ABS-CBN. Cofradia, the story about a girl who is insecure of her dark complexion, also had film adaptations in the ‘50s and ‘70s.

Through a magical candle, the young lady’s physical appearance is transformed.

The project was however, scrapped, following complaints of racism, revealed Julia in an interview with the press. 

In a recent interview with Buzz ng Bayan on Sunday, March 23, however, Julia revealed that she somewhat lost hope after the Cofradia cancellation. Keeping a positive attitude, she said she continued with her acting workshops until Mirabella came along.

In a previous interview with ABS-CBN, Julia she had no regrets because she believes Mirabella is “equally exciting, equally beautiful, even better.”

2. No kissing scene for Julia

“Bawal po,” (It’s not allowed.) said Julia when asked about a possible kissing scene in the teleserye, reported The Philippine Star. The 17-year-old said she’s in no hurry to grow up and shed her “tweenie-tweenie” image.

“Ayoko po kasi magmadali, e. Siguro habang tweenie-tweenie pa ‘yong projects doon muna ako, kasi hindi na ako makakabalik pag nagmadali ako, e.” (I don’t want to rush things. I’ll stick with my tweenie-tweenie projects because there’s no going back if I rush away from them.)

Julia revealed that more experienced cast members, Mylene Dizon for one, are those with the more intimate scenes.

Despite this, fans, can still expect romance between Julia and her leading men Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion.

Julia and Enrique hope to pave their own path

Expectations are high for the newest on-screen tandem Julia Barretto and Enrique Gil, with many fans wondering if their pairing will take off like teen stars Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo’s more established teen love team.

Julia and Enrique hope so, according to The Philippine Star. “We’re just doing our best,” said Enrique, who is optimistic about their love team. Meanwhile, Julia hopes for success, but aims to go on a “different path.”

It’s not uncommon for on-screen partners to take their romance off camera, but Julia told the press that she she “has so much time to enjoy” being single.

In the Buzz ng Bayan interview, the two, however, revealed that they are learning from each other through the experience.

Julia feels the pressure of being a Barretto

Being part of a famed celebrity clan, there’s no denying that pressure is on Julia to be at par with her celebrity parents and aunts.

Her mother, Marjorie Barretto, told Buzz ng Bayan that her daughter feels pressure from the immense expectations, but she advised her to “remove the pressure and just give it her best.”

Similarly, Mirabella director Eric Salud understands the great demands, but he believes that Julia will eventually make a name for herself, reported Pep.ph.

“Julia can never be her titas (aunts) Claudine and Gretchen Barretto but she will be, in time, Julia Barretto,” he said.

When asked to choose, she said she hopes to follow the footsteps of her aunt Claudine, saying she was a fan of her projects, movies, and teleseryes, particularly fantaserye Marina.

At this point, Julia, who is all praises for her famous aunts, said her game plan is to “just be myself and figure it out.”

Watch the Mirabella trailer here:

 

– Rappler.com