Julia Montes Searching for German Father

"Way Back Home" star Julia Montes admitted that she has yet to meet her real father.



The 16-year-old Montes told "Kris TV" on Wednesday that she has tried searching for her German father through social networking sites, but to no avail.



According to Montes, she is certain that her biological father is currently in Germany.



“Alam ko po kasi nakatira talaga siya doon kasi ‘yong last sulat na nabasa ko, sa Germany pa po ‘yong address niya,” she said.



Montes started her showbiz career when she was 8 years old.



Among her early projects was a cameo role in the 2004 television series “Hiram,” wherein she took on the character of a young Anne Curtis.



She is also known for playing the role of “Clara” in the remake of the celebrated television series “Mara Clara.”



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, Nervous Over 'Way Back Home'

Young actresses Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes admitted that they are feeling nervous over the red carpet premiere of their first film together, "Way Back Home."



In an interview with ABS-CBN's "Showbiz News Ngayon," Bernardo said that they are not sure if the people they invited can make it to the premiere, which will be held at SM Megamall on Tuesday night.



"Kinakabahan kami siyempre kung makakapunta ang mga taong makakapunta sa aming [premiere] at kung ano ang reaksyon nila kapag nakita nila ang movie," she said.



"Sana po makita namin kayo sa August 16, sa SM Megamall na po 'yan."



Montes, for her part, said, "And sa August 17 na po ang family drama of the year ng Star Cinema, 'Way Back Home.' Sana po ay suportahan niyo po kami ni Kathryn."



"Way Back Home," directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, tells the story of family members who learn to accept and forgive one another despite their differences.



The film also stars Enrique Gil, Lotlot de Leon, Tonton Gutierrez and Agot Isidro.



Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Julia Montes Admits Getting Backlash for Playing Kontrabida

After portraying the role of the scheming Clara in the popular remake of the afternoon series Mara Clara, Julia Montes takes on another meaty role as Jessica Santiago, one of the lead characters in the upcoming drama flick Way Back Home. “Excited ako sa movie namin with Star Cinema and yung teen show namin na Growing Up,” she shared.



After the success of Mara Clara, Julia said she has adopted a more enthusiastic attitude towards working in the limelight. “Siguro naging mas excited na ako magtrabaho sa mga next projects ko kasi na-e-excite ako na pagkatapos ng Mara Clara, ano kaya susunod na ibibigay sa akin or anong challenge naman ipapagawa sa akin, more on sa ganun ang naiisip ko,” she admitted.



The 16-year-old actress also admitted she will never let the instant fame get to her. “Siguro kasi ang dami ko ring pinagdaanan before. Galing rin ako sa ilalim, sa auditions, so nafi-feel ko rin yung nafi-feel ng iba. Hindi ko naman gusto na porke’t nagkaroon lang ng show or sumikat lang ako eh mag-iiba na porke’t napunta na ako dun. Parang siyempre iisipin mo kung ikaw yung nandun dati, ayaw mo ring ganunin ka so huwag kang manggaganun,” she explained to Push.com.ph



Because of her anti-hero role in Mara Clara, Julia revealed that some people mistook her onscreen persona for her character in real life. “Meron akong natatanggap na ganung feedback. Feeling nila ganun na rin yung ugali ko, parang yung kay Clara pa rin. Pero sinasabi ko naman na iba talaga eh at hindi naman talaga ako ganun, role lang yun. Siguro minsan nadadala lang. Pero wala, malayong malayo talaga yung character ko sa show namin at sa ugali ko,” she stressed.



The Fil-German beauty also said that people close to her would never assume she is like Clara in real life. “Sinasabi ko na iba talaga ako kay Clara. Kung makikilala lang nila ako sa totoo, malalaman nila yung totoong ugali ko. Kung puwede lang yun para malaman nila. Basta, okay lang naman sa akin kasi typical naman sa tao yung magkaroon ng opinion. Basta ako sinasabi ko lang na hindi ako ganun,” she told Push.com.ph.



Despite the backlash, Julia said it will not deter her from accepting more kontrabida roles in the future. “Kung yun naman yung sa tingin ng ABS-CBN na maganda para sa akin, tatanggapin ko naman. Pero kung may ibibigay naman na chances na iba, why not?” she said matter-of-factly.



Julia admitted that it’s actually a challenge for her to play a villainous role. “Para sa akin mahirap in a way maging kontrabida kasi mahirap mang-away kasi kahit alam mong role lang siya, mahirap pa rin mang-away. Sa totoong buhay kasi siguro makikipag-away lang ako pag inaway ako. Pero as long as wala naman masyadong rason para mag-away, hindi naman ako nang-aaway ng basta-basta,” she added.



The young actress admitted she also wants to get the chance to play a heroine role in the future. “Siguro kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon gusto ko naman ma-try mag-bida naman. Yung ako naman yung kino-kontrabidahan,” she said.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, Like Sisters in Real Life

Currently busy promoting her latest project, the Star Cinema drama Way Back Home, Kathryn Bernado admitted that she is excited to be back in the limelight along with former Mara Clara co-star Julia Montes. “I’m busy talaga dun sa movie and sa Growing Up. Siyempre aabangan nung fans sana kasi matagal na din yung pagkawala namin sa TV sa Mara Clara so dito mapapanuod nila kami ulit ni Julia tapos ibang Kathryn din ang makikita nila. Talagang pinaghirapan namin ito ng sobra kaya sana maagustohan nila,” she said.



The 15-year-old actress admitted that she and Julia have gotten even closer than before, even off-cam. “Close na naman talaga kami ni Julia. From Goin Bulilit and Mara Clara, lalong na-develop yung friendship namin and hindi ko lang siya kaibigan pero tinuturing ko na siyang kaipatid eh. Parati kami lumalabas or tatambay siya sa bahay ko, ganyan. Supportive din siya sa akin. Close na din ang families namin. Si Lola pati si mama sobrang gusto rin siya,” she shared.



Kathryn revealed that one of their favorite bonding activities is going to the mall during days when they don’t have work. It also doesn’t hurt that they both share a passion for shopping and have even gotten matching outfits together. “Mahilig kami mag-malling tapos bibili kami ng magkapareho na damit. Marami na kaming nabili na mga gamit na pareho. Tapos nagpapa-foot spa kami, ganyan. Tapos tambay lang sa bahay,” she said.



Kathryn shared that although she enjoys hanging out with friends at home, she really enjoys being out and about. “I really like malling and shopping. Ayokong nasa bahay parati, guso ko nagmo-mall ako. Ikot-ikot lang sa mall, Masaya na ako dun,” she added.



After the almost overnight popularity she got with the success of Mara Clara, Kathryn said she has not allowed fame to get to her. “I try to stay the same. Ayoko talaga magbago. At saka feeling ko ayaw rin ng family ko ng ganun, pag may nakikita sila sa akin, pagsasabihan nila ako agad para ma-correct. Pero so far, wala pa naman yatang ganun. Bawal maging ganun,” she stressed.



The Way Back Home actress said that the only difference now is that she is more ready to face the crowd after becoming more recognizable in public. But other than that, she is still the same down-to-earth person that she has always been. “Pareho lang ako ngayon. Siguro lang naging confident ako, kasi ngayon medyo kilala na ako ng mga tao kahit saan ako magpunta. Hindi katulad ng dati na hindi ka nila papansinin. Ngayon kailangan may image ka na aalgaan kasi bawat labas mo may makakakilala sa ‘yo,” she admitted to Push.com.ph.



The Star Magic talent also admitted that she would rather focus on her career than boys at this moment. “Hanggang admirers lang sila. Wala muna ngayon. Open ako sa manliligaw pero hanggang dun lang. Wala munang commitment,” she shared.



Kathryn said she hopes to be able to do a different kind of project someday where she can play a lighter kind of character. “Siguro yung malayo naman sa character ni Mara. Yung hindi paawa. Siguro yung medyo love story na comedy, yung malayo sa drama para iba naman. Parang yung roles ni Sarah Geronimo, mga My Girl na type of role ni Kim Chiu. Or like yung Thai movie na Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Mga pa-tweetums na makaka-relate yung mga teenagers,” she said.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Kathryn Bernardo Doesn't Mind Being Compared With Julia Montes

After being catapulted to star status by their hit teleserye Mara Clara, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes will clash once again, this time on the big screen via Star Cinema’s upcoming offering Way Back Home. Those who got hooked on the rivalry between Kathryn and Julia’s characters in their TV series are in for a new treat in Way Back Home. Kathryn shared, “Iba po itong movie, hindi tulad ng Mara Clara na maraming sampalan and sabunutan. Walang masyadong sakitan, more on the dialogue.”



Kathryn confessed that she is feeling the pressure to follow up the success of Mara Clara by making their launching movie a box office hit. “Nararamdaman talaga namin ‘yung kaba kasi iba na ang pelikula. Sa TV isang click lang makakapanood na ang mga tao. Pero sa movie kailangan nang magbayad. Iba rin ang acting sa movie kaya mas challenging.”



In the movie, Kathryn will play Joanna who after years of living with amnesia comes home to her real family. But the lost time has alienated Joanna from everyone, most especially to her elder sister Jessica, played by Julia. Kathryn explained that she doesn’t mind being typecast playing goodie-oppressed roles on screen. “Hindi ako natatakot na ma-typecast na api-apihan lagi. Pero sana mabigyan din ako ng chance na gumawa ng bago para maiba naman. Nasa management po ‘yun kung anong roles ang bagay sa akin.”



For her impressive acting talent, Kathryn is now being tagged as Judy Ann Santos’s successor. But the teen actress said she prefers establishing her own name in the industry. “Sobrang thankful kasi sobrang laking artista ni Ms. Juday. Malaking compliment na maikumpara sa kanya. Pero sabi na sa akin ni Ate Juday noon na ayaw naman niyang pati ‘yung pag-arte niya e gayahin ko. Gusto niya gumawa ako ng sarili kong name. Kaya ngayon happy siya sa nagiging takbo ng career ko.”



Both Kathryn and Julia are predicted to be on their way to superstardom. That’s why aside from playing rivals onscreen, they are also being pitted against each other as to who is more talented and popular. However, Kathryn said that despite the intrigues, she and Julia remain good friends. “Hindi talaga maiiwasan ang comparison sa artista lalo na sa aming dalawa ni Julia. Pero alam namin pareho na hindi kami dapat magpaapekto. For as long as alam naming dalawa kung ano ang totoo friends pa rin kami. Kapag work, work lang. Wala namang personalan sa amin ni Julia. Effective si Julia kapag eksena kaya makaka-react ka talaga nang tama.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes Regarded as Next Superstars

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes are now regarded as the newest breakthrough stars, having starred in the top-rating teleserye Mara Clara and now in the upcoming movie Way Back Home. During the press conference for the film opening August 17, the two young stars talked about their experience making the jump from teleserye to movie. They described Way Back Home as the fulfillment of their dream to see themselves play lead roles on the big screen.



Director Jerry Sineneng attested to the observations of fans and critics alike that Kathryn and Julia both have the makings superstars and have even been likened to Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto. Direk Jerry shared, “Deep in my heart nararamdaman ko na si Kathryn ay sumusunod sa yapak ni Judy Ann Santos and si Julia naman sumusunod sa yapak ni Claudine Barretto. Pareho silang magaling, very professional, passionate at committed sa kanilang trabaho. Ginu-groom talaga sila as parehong bida. Pareho silang bida material. Baka siguro maging future rivals sila in terms of popularity, talent, number of fans. They are future superstars.”



The veteran director had some advice for the two young stars so they can stay long in the business. “Always keep your feet on the ground. The more you go up the ladder kasi the more responsibility you have. Mas malaki ang ine-expect sa iyo ng mga tao. You have to learn to embrace those things na kasabay ng pagsikat. ‘Wag lumaki ang ulo at laging lumingon sa pinanggalingan. I’ve been a director for 16 years. Marami na akong na handle na sumikat, pero nasaan na ngayon. Ang nagtatagal kasi talaga aside from talent is ‘yung tingin sa iyo ng mga katrabaho mo. Once trust ang nasira mahirap nang makuha uli.”



Agot Isidro, who plays their mother in Way Back Home, talked about the positive traits she saw in the two stars while shooting the movie. “Nararamdaman ko ‘yung kanilang determination at hard work. They really do the best that they can in every scene. Kapag take na or kapag nagri-rehearse na, yun talagang parang sinasaniban. Ang nakatrabaho nila ay ang kaibigan kong si Mylene (Dizon) sa Mara Clara and I've heard good feedbacks from her.”



Agot added that with the talent and hard work, if Kathryn and Julia will also have the right attitude, they are more likely to become superstars like Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto. “As long as they play their part. I mean, the talent is there, the looks are there, the attitude. As long as they stay that way. Kasi yung dalawang stars (Judy Ann and Claudine), especially Juday, talagang until now she's hardworking. Sana maging ganun din sina Kathryn at Julia.”



Source: www.push.com.ph

Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes Named as the Next Judy Ann Santos and Claudine Barretto

During the presscon for the upcoming Star Cinema movie “Way Back Home,” its lead stars Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo are being tagged by the entertainment press as the next Claudine Barretto and Judy Ann Santos.



This is simply because both Julia and Kathryn show a lot of promise in their budding career since their last project, “Mara Clara,” has been a nationwide top-rater.



And since both of them have already established solid followers in different parts of the country, ABS-CBN is giving them another TV project (Growing Up) and the network’s film outfit, Star Cinema, is launching them on the big screen via the coming-of-age drama “Way Back Home.”



With the way their careers are moving, there’s no doubt that both Julia and Kathryn will follow the footsteps of their idols.

Way Back Home Publicity Photos

Here are the publicity photos of Star Cinema's latest teen-oriented film Way Back Home starring Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil. The movie is directed by Jerry Lopez-Sineneng.

Way Back Home opens in cinemas nationwide on August 17, 2011.

Photos courtesy of Star Cinema.

Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil Join Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes in Star Cinema Movie

The breakthrough performances of Sam Concepcion and Enrique Gil in the youth-oriented program “Good Vibes” have paved the way for the launch of their movie career.

Sam and Enrique were recently announced as the partners of teen royalties Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes in a film for Star Cinema.

The two are shoo-ins for the plum roles as they have already established themselves as brilliant actors in “Good Vibes” where they play half-brothers Marc and Troy, respectively.

Furthermore, the two have also developed a clout among youth viewers who are either amazed by their superb acting and dancing skills or are drawn by their good looks and charisma.

Aside from Sam and Enrique, the program has also provided a boost to the career of Arron Villaflor who celebrated his birthday last July 5. Arron first showed his more mature and “sexier” image in “Good Vibes” where his character Franco is in a relationship with an older girl.

Arron shared that there’s still much he wants to do in his career. “I wish more success in my career, like someday I hope to be able to choreograph a dance number in ASAP Rocks. It will be like Good Vibes and ASAP all in one” he said.

A year older, the young actor said he is a fighter now, and he was inspired by his character to be so. “I learned from Franco to fight for what is right and not give up whatever the struggles and circumstances that come,” Arron stated.

Meanwhile, Arron and company continue to bring kilig vibes this Sunday (July 10). Troy will follow the suggestion of Danilo (Joe Vargas) and Jhong (Eslove Briones) to use magic in courting Geleen (Linn Oeymo). Monique (Coleen Garcia) will also witness a tender moment between her ex-boyfriend Marc and Ara (Yen Santos).

The Jaevon team-up will raise the ante with their own romantic moment. Spencer (James Reid) will try to help Maribeth (Devon Seron) hide from her mom by pulling her close to him, setting them just inches away from each other.

Will the first on-screen kiss of James and Devon finally happen? Find out on “Good Vibes” this Sunday (July 10), after “ASAP Rocks” on ABS-CBN.

Julia Montes Happy to be Working Again With Kathryn Bernardo

Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo are happy to be working with each other again on a new show. “Siyempre masaya kami kasi ang kinakatakot namin noon, what if magkahiwalay kami? Hindi na kami madalas makakapag-bonding. Kasi dati everyday kaming magkasama. So we’re very thankful to ABS-CBN management for giving us another project. Sobrang saya at kulitan lang kami dito sa set,” said Julia who’s best friends with Kathryn in real life.

Best known as a kontrabida in the hit teleserye Mara Clara, Julia can’t wait for the Kapamilya viewers to see her portray a different character this time around. “Dapat nilang abangan yung role ko dito kasi hindi na siya kontrabida. Siya si Tammy, fun-loving girl pero romantic at heart. Ang saya-saya kasi binigyan ako ng opportunity na maipakita yung different side ko sa pag-arte. Hindi na maiisip ng tao si Clara sa bago kong role. Sana maging maganda ulit yung pagtanggap nila sa bagong proyekto namin ni Kathryn.”

Given her rising showbiz career, Julia is determined to make the most out of every project that comes her way. Although she’s being romantically linked to several Kapamilya actors, she maintained that entertaining suitors is far from her mind right now. “Ang plano ko this year, papakasalan ko work ko. Hahaha! Kasi mahirap yung maraming nangyayari [sa buhay mo]. Basta kung anong priority, yun lang dapat ang focus. Happy naman ako na nagpe-pay off naman yung pinagpapaguran ko.”

Since she already bought a new car with her previous earnings, Julia is planning to build a house for her family in the future. “Kakatapos ko lang bumili ng car. Gusto ko naman mag-invest ako next sa bahay. Lahat naman siguro dream magkaroon ng bonggang bahay. Pero para sa akin, magkaron lang ng sariling akin, ok na sa akin. Simple lang naman ang gusto ko.”

Did she feel relieved when people eventually discovered that the she’s actually sweet and simple in real life? “Siyempre mas naging masaya ako, kasi ang tingin nila dati sa akin as Clara, tapos ganon din ang ugali ko sa totoong buhay. At least mas nakikilala nila kung sino talaga ako off cam.”

Catch Growing Up (This is the time of my life) starring Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes soon on ABS-CBN.

Source: www.push.com.ph