Julia, Joshua admit mutual attraction but still in courtship stage

Julia and Joshua in “Love You to the Stars and Back”

There is no reason for us to rush things,” declared teen actress Julia Barretto after admitting to likewise feeling attracted to onscreen partner Joshua Garcia at a recent press conference for their latest film “Love You to the Stars and Back.”

Joshua confessed having a crush on Julia since he met her at a look-test session for their first film “Vince & Kath & James (VKJ),” released in 2016. The actor said he began courting Julia early this year.

When asked how he was faring, roughly eight months since he began wooing the actress, Joshua replied: “I’m too scared to ask her that question. I’m scared of being rejected. At this point, it’s still possible that she’d say no. I’m an insecure person. I have the lowest confidence level. You can’t blame me—that’s how I was raised.”

Joshua did not elaborate, but it is common knowledge that he grew up in a broken home. He was raised by his uncle Jerry, a priest, when his parents separated over 10 years ago.

Julia said her friendship with Joshua had become deeper since working with him on “VKJ.” “I feel like I know him already. I’m enjoying his company; that’s what matters,” she pointed out.

“I have always prioritized my work, but Joshua has become such an important person in my life,” she added. “It’s not like he is a distraction to my work. I don’t see any problem if ever I combine [work and love].”

Julia Barretto (left) and Joshua Garcia

The actress added: “Every time we’re together, I discover the things that make him happy and sad, as well as those that make him feel jealous.”

Joshua countered: “I now know how to make her laugh. I now understand her mood swings, especially when she is experiencing her monthly thing.”

At this point, former actress Marjorie Barretto, who was chaperoning her daughter to the event, caught the attention of show biz writers and was asked to share her thoughts on Joshua. “Josh seems to enjoy being with our family—that’s important to me … I haven’t met his family yet.”

Julia later confirmed that she has already introduced Joshua to her dad, actor Dennis Padilla. “They get along well. Joshua is well-loved and is accepted by my family. People ask me where he is at gatherings.”

So does this mean agreeing to being called “Joshua’s girlfriend” is merely a formality? Julia explained: “Let’s just put it this way, I allowed him to court me because I also like him. I’m saying this because I’m being totally honest.”

To this, Joshua quipped: “I’m happy to learn that she likes me, too. I’ll finally ask her about this later.”

In “Love You to the Stars and Back,” Caloy (Joshua), who is afflicted with leukemia, and Mika (Julia), whose mom succumbed to cancer when she was young, embark on a road trip that will teach them “an important lesson on love and life,” said Antoinette Jadaone, who wrote and directed the film.

This Star Cinema production premiered in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 30.