Claudine Barretto ‘really happy’ to reunite with niece Julia at party

(From left) Claudine Barretto and Julia Barretto. Images: Instagram/@claubarretto, Instagram/@juliabarretto, Screengrabs from Tiktok/@mindcl0uds

Claudine Barretto is “really, really happy” after reuniting with her niece Julia Barretto at the “Night of 100 Stars” tribute party of veteran starmaker Johnny Manahan, saying it was a “special” moment for her.

Claudine said in a pocket mediacon via ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel that her reunion with Julia was “special” since their past encounters had always been quick. She, however, clarified that the “Expensive Candy” star pays her respects during family gatherings.

“Talagang ako, I’m really, really happy kasi nagkakitaan kami pero very few times lang talaga… it’s always fast lang. Kapag may family gathering, magbibigay pugay lang siya,” she said. “And kahit magkasama kami sa isang table, hindi talaga kami nakakapagkwentuhan talaga.”

(For me, I’m really, really happy because we would see each other but very few times. It’s always fast. When there would be family gatherings, she would pay her respects. Even if we’re at the same table, we usually don’t talk.)

The “Lovers/Liars” star credited this to Julia’s “awareness” about the “tension” between her and the latter’s mother Marjorie, though she noted that they’re on “civil” terms now.

“Siyempre rin siguro, alam niyang may tension. Civil naman ang ate ko, ni Marjorie, so siyempre, Mommy niya ‘yun. Hindi siya komportable [sa fact] na hindi kami komportable sa isa’t isa pa,” she said.

(Of course, she knows there is tension. My Ate Marjorie and I are civil. So of course, it’s her Mommy. She’s not comfortable with the fact that we’re still uncomfortable with each other.)

Touching on their reunion, Claudine admitted that she missed Julia’s company and it was evident during the event, though she said Marjorie never stopped the “Between Maybes” star from interacting with her relatives.

“Noong night na ‘yun, that was a [time] we were able to spend time and namiss ko ‘yung hugs and kisses. Never naman siya pinigilan ng Ate ko,” she said.

(During that night, we were able to spend time together and I missed her hugs and kisses. Julia was never stopped by my sister.)

Aside from reuniting with her aunt Claudine, Julia also made headlines after she was seen making small talk and pleasantries with Bea Alonzo, the ex-girlfriend of her partner Gerald Anderson, seemingly mending their feud.

The event also witnessed Julia exchanging hugs and taking photos with her ex-boyfriend and former onscreen partner Joshua Garcia.