Julia Barretto [Viva Films]
Her leading man is 28 years her senior and is one of local show biz’s most established matinee idols. “Wouldn’t it be awkward?” not a few observers wondered. But Julia knew from the get-go that she couldn’t let such thoughts get to her if she hoped to give justice to her role.
“I never welcomed those thoughts. With the kind of material we have, you have to condition yourself. Once you commit to it, you have to be 100 percent in it. You can’t have one foot in and one foot out,” she told the Inquirer in a recent roundtable interview.
But should any bit of awkwardness manage to make its way on screen then that’s fine, Julia pointed out. After all, the story was meant to elicit that kind of emotion. “If it comes out naturally, then that makes sense because it’s a unique and odd love story… We didn’t really want to make light of the love story because it’s not,” she said.
“The story is quite deep and doing it was no joke,” the 26-year-old star added. “It was a light set, but the material was challenging… in a good way.”
In “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko”—produced by Viva Films and directed by Denise O’Hara—Julia plays Jas, a member of a Baguio City choir who finds herself in an unlikely and complicated affair with Michael, the ensemble’s newly hired musical director for a George Canseco tribute concert.
Public apprehension
Julia understands the public’s apprehension about her being paired with a much older actor, who had previously worked with her own mother, Marjorie, and aunts Gretchen and Claudine.
“I totally get the feedback and concerns. We’re not invalidating those. But at the same time, I wouldn’t be onboard this project if I knew the film was going to send the wrong message to people. The production team wouldn’t have let the project happen in the first place,” Julia said.
And contrary to some people’s assumptions, the movie isn’t meant to “normalize” May-December relationships.
“We’re not trying to normalize anything. We’re just trying to tell a love story through a film. And it’s up to the audience what they take or learn from it. If they see something simply for entertainment or enjoyment, then that will mean so much to us, too,” she said. “I hope people can be open and understanding about it. We’re talking about two adults.”
Asked if she could possibly fall for a man in his 50s, Julia said: “I can’t really answer the question because you never know who we become, or what we end up doing, until the situation is right in front of you… That’s love. We can’t really plan it. Love stories in real life just happen.”
Eye-opener
The other challenge for Julia and perhaps the more difficult one was playing a choir member. She has no background in music whatsoever, she admitted. But one of the things she loves about acting is the opportunity to try or learn new things she wouldn’t have tried if left to her own devices.
“I always grab the opportunity to learn new things. I know I’m not a singer. But accepting this project means I get to learn something new. So, game!” Julia also worked closely with vocal coaches to help her with her singing parts.
“That whole experience of practicing with singing coaches is something that will be with me forever. I never thought I would be taking singing lessons,” added the actress, who also had the privilege of singing with the esteemed Philippine Madrigal Singers. “Every taping day, I woke up thinking, ‘Basta singer ako today!’”
Seeing the internationally acclaimed group do what they do best up close was an eye-opener for Julia. “I got to observe them… see them at work. They’re such amazing artists. I always see singers singing, but I never really knew what goes behind it, the different techniques, how they control their breathing—everything. I have so much respect for them because singing is not easy,” she said.
As the taping days wore on, the deeper Julia fell in love with the enduring love songs of Canseco. “I love ‘Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.’ The lyrics and compositions are so beautiful. I still find myself singing it now,” she said. “I also love ‘Ngayon at Kailanman.’”
The ballad “Ikaw,” on the other hand, is a popular choice for couples and seems to be the “most perfect’” wedding song, Julia said. Does she see herself using it if she and Gerald Anderson get married someday? “Secret!” Julia said, laughing. “Wala pa tayo du’n!”
Would she consider recording a single or taking music more seriously after the movie? “I do sing for fun at parties, karaoke, or while having a drink. But don’t expect to hear good singing!” Julia said, laughing. “I don’t really think [I will venture into music]. I’m happy where I’m at. I’m happy to stay on my lane.”