EXCLUSIVE: Julia Montes shares birthday wishes, open to work on ‘more mature roles’ with Kathryn Bernardo

Saving Grace star Julia Montes recently celebrated her 30th birthday, marking another milestone in her life. This year, her birthday wishes were not for herself but for the people around her.

 “Super blessed na po ako parang galing sa lahat nang pinag-pipray ko, more than yung binibigay ni Lord. So this time, it’s not for me. It’s for my friends, lahat ng mga kakilala ko and sana dito sa atin lahat sa Pilipinas,” Julia told PUSH ABS-CBN.

The actress hopes that everyone can find a brighter outlook on life.

“Sana lahat mas maging brighter ang life. Lahat makahanap ng positive outlook sa buhay,” she added.

Julia's heartfelt wish stems from her deep gratitude for the blessings she has received over the past years.

“Kung ano man yung nafeel ko na blessing this year and from the past years na nafeel ko talaga yung gift ni Lord, sana ganoon din ang maramdaman ng bawat isa, yun ang birthday wish ko (ngayong) 30th,” she stated.

Before her actual birthday in March, Julia spent quality time with her biological father, German national Martin Schnittka.

She shared a sweet photo of them together on social media, captioning it with: “Pre- Birthday with my Papa ❤️#probinsya.”

Julia also took a moment to express her gratitude to her styling team and manager for their continuous support as she embraced this new chapter in her life.

“Grateful & Thriving at 30 ! 🍾🎉❤️ Cheers to 30 and beyond!” she wrote. 

Julia was also treated to a surprise birthday celebration organized by her longtime partner, Kapamilya star Coco Martin.

In a video posted by Coco's film production, Julia became emotional as she shared heartfelt moments with family, close friends, and special people in her life.

Among those spotted at the event were her father, ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes, Angelica Panganiban, and Cherry Pie Picache.

“Thank you for being with me on my special day,” Julia said as per the caption.

Looking ahead, Julia expressed excitement about the possibility of working with her close friend, Kathryn Bernardo, on a dream project. Reflecting on their journey as actresses, she hopes they can take on more mature roles together.  

“Actually, super excited siyempre yun nga yung sinasabi namin kami ang original love team with project. Nako kinakabahan na ako,” Julia shared with PUSH ABS-CBN.

She also entertained the idea of playing a villain opposite Kathryn, though she admitted it would be a challenge.

She went on: “Kung ako yung mangongontrabida sa kanya kasi talagang mahihirapan na talaga (ako ngayon) lalo yung puso ko, kung noon naiiyak ako, ngayon baka humahagulgol na ako.”

Julia hopes that producers will pitch an exciting and surprising project for them, whether in a series or a film.

“Looking forward kasi ang dami ng mature roles na napi-play ni Kath, so parang this year parang nandoon ako sa 'surprise us' kung ano yung pwedeng roles na pwede naming gawin together. Kasi nga ang dami na naming pwedeng i-explore this time around than before. So looking forward sa project na yon and sana matuloy anytime soon,” she continued.

Aside from Saving Grace, Julia is working on two exciting projects that fans can look forward to this year.

“For the project naman, soon di pa namin pwedeng i-announce pero super dream project ko ‘to. It’s a film together with the big stars. Hindi ko inaakala na aabot ako sa buhay ko or sa career ko na makakatrabaho ko ang dalawang ‘to,” she teased.

“And (may) isa na special project. Ito for sure ma-e-excite ang marami so abangan niyo po ‘yan.”