MANILA – Actress Julia Montes considers herself “very fortunate” to be given the opportunity to headline three television series for ABS-CBN in a row.
Montes first broke into the primetime television via the remake of “Mara Clara” in 2011 which she starred in with fellow “Goin’ Bulilit” graduate Kathryn Bernardo.
The following year, she was then tapped to be the lead star of the top-rating series “Walang Hanggan,” opposite Coco Martin.
After playing a mature role in her second series, she will soon be seen in the primetime TV again with Enchong Dee and Enrique Gil for “Muling Buksan Ang Puso.”
But Montes doesn't believe ABS-CBN management is favoring her over other artists, noting that she also experienced a “waiting stage” before she was given big breaks.
“After ‘Goin Bulilit’ marami naman kaming teenagers na naghintay ng opportunity. Siguro swerte lang din ako and thank God tapos nabigyan ako ng sunud-sunod [na shows],” she told ABS-CBN News.
Montes said she is just grateful that ABS-CBN management sees her potential to grow as an actress.
“Sila na rin mismo ang nagbibigay sa akin ng ways para ipakita kung ano ang tama. Kasi after ‘Walang Hanggan’ na mature role, binigyan ako ng opportunity na i-regain yung kung ano ako as Julia na 18, na bata,” she said.
Although she never imagined herself as an actress when she was young, Montes said she has already learned to love her career.
“Dati sabi ko hindi ko naman pinangarap maging artista. Pero ngayon, hanggang kaya ko pa, hanggang gusto pa ako ng tao, hanggang kaya ko pa magtrabaho at magpuyat, gagawin ko siya kasi nae-enjoy ko siya,” she said.
Meanwhile, Montes once again brushed off rumors that she and Bernardo are being pitted against each other.
“Bago pa lang kami magsimula, iba na 'yung friendship namin eh. May lalim. So kahit anong pagbangga sa amin, never talaga naging issue sa amin,” she said.
Bernardo just recently started taping her new series “Got To Believe,” where she is again paired with Daniel Padilla.
“Tinuturing naming 'yung isa’t isa hindi lang best friends, sisters talaga,” Montes said.
Montes also clarified that the ABS-CBN management have different plans for her and Bernardo.
“Nasasabi lang po ng tao kasi mas matured ang tinahak kong role and siya 'yung nasa age niya pa rin. Workwise pareho pa rin naman kami. Iba lang 'yung category ng work namin as teenagers, as Kathryn and Julia,” she said.
