JoshLia’s take on being called young John Lloyd Cruz, Claudine Barretto

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. Image:Instagram/@juliabarretto

Because of their unbelievable resemblance in both physical charms and acting performance, Kapamilya love team Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto have always been likened to an earlier generation’s teen king and queen, John Lloyd Cruz and Claudine Barretto.

For them, such compliment is indeed flattering but they also do hope that eventually, people will see them through their own works. Moreover, they are bent on proving that they also have what it takes to carve big names in the industry more than just being tagged as the “next” so and so.

Since his stint at the Pinoy Big Brother House, many have already seen his striking resemblance to the multi-awarded actor. But it was until he delved into drama that his sobs and theatrics showed prominent similarities to that of the young John Lloyd.

“Ako flattered, pero ano kasi ‘di ko na mapapantayan ‘yun eh, John Lloyd na po ‘yun eh, kumbaga ang layo ko po doon, successful nun ni Kuya John Lloyd,” he said at the grand press launch of his upcoming drama “Ngayon at Kailanman,” which he top-bills with Barretto.

Julia on the other hand, since first appearing as a child version of Claudine in the 2007 classic drama “Walang Kapalit,” already delighted fans for effortlessly looking like a carbon copy of her aunt. Even then, the 10-year-old Julia looked as if she was carved out of her aunt’s features. There is indeed no doubt that she belongs to the Barretto clan.

Of course, talent does run in the family as the now 21-year-old actress proves that just like her parents and aunts, she also deserves a spot in the industry apart from just being born into showbiz royalty.

“Opo it’s very flattering to receive such a compliment pero at the same time, I grew up really at the shadows of my titas, my mom, my dad pero someday I would be able to make a name for myself and I will be recognized for my work and not for my last name,” she said.

On another note, given the long-running chaos in her family, especially between her aunts Claudine and Gretchen, Julia said she could never choose or take sides as she equally loves them both.

“I love them both equally, very, very equally. They took care of me growing up also so I cannot choose,” she said.

“Ngayon at Kailanman” is an ode to classic Filipino teleseryes about star-crossed lovers who must fight the odds to be together. Garcia is Inno, an heir of the powerful Cortes clan, and Barretto is Eva, a streetwise girl who grew up in the slums.

This much-awaited JoshLia starrer is set to make television debut starting August 20. /jpv