JoshLia gets real on love, hate, and success
Even these days, Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto are coy when told they are one of the most celebrated love teams in show business. It started in 2016 when they were paired in the film “Vince And Kath And James” – a gamble that paid off. They are now into their fourth movie, “I Love You, Hater,” showing in cinemas nationwide. “Can you believe it? Back then, I was just deadma during ‘VKJ’ interview but here I am now, talking comfortably with you,” she shared. “And it’s nice because me and Joshua are still here and promoting our new film.” Julia admitted she gets nervous and excited every time they come out with a new project. “It’s crazy, actually, and my heart is beating too fast. I don’t know what I should feel. It has been such an amazing journey and a rollercoaster ride for us,” she said. Like many other actors, JoshLia monitors the earnings of their movies. But above boxoffice results, they said the important thing is to get positive nods from moviegoers. “These days, there are so many critics. They want to see good performance and we want our performance to get appreciated,” Julia disclosed. “We want to meet a certain level of expectation and that makes me worry sometimes. But I just remind myself to stop thinking and trust the Lord for I know He always has good plans.” The young actress then thanked Joshua for sharing the dream of making it big in the industry. “Of course, there’s no stopping me from reaching higher heights and it’s nice to have somebody you can share the journey with. I am happy to see Joshua grow and mature not only as an actor, but also as a person,” she said.
Go, Baba
Relating to their film “I Love You, Hater,” a colleague asked them to name one thing they hate about each other at first, but then fell in love with it.
“Joshua is so makulit (annoying). Sometimes he keeps on talking to me or tickles me even when I’m tired,” Julia explained. “But one time he was not taping with me and I was shooting a scene by myself, I realized it’s boring without him by my side. I missed him.” Joshua shared she is a moody person. “But I love that and her, of course,” he said. How do they make amends and say sorry after disagreement, we asked.
Julia said, “I’m a very straightforward person so if I get mad for something he did, I tell him why I’m upset. I tell him this and that, like, ‘This is what you did.’ And the good thing is, he listens then says sorry. So, you see, it’s hard not to forgive him.”
“But if it would be nicer if he gives a gift (to make amends),” she joked.
Joshua believes the best gift he has given Julia is patience. “And love,” he smiled. When they don’t have work, JoshLia spends quality time together by going out for dinner and watching movies.
Lessons
Joshua and Julia are rivals in “I Love You, Hater.” He even pretended to be gay just to get his dream job.
She praises his portrayal, ranking him 100 over 100 as actor.
“In the film, I didn’t know he was just pretending to be gay. At first, I was laughing so hard but then I saw his dedication and passion and I thought, ‘I’m so proud of Baba (their nickname for each other).’”
The two share the big screen with Kris Aquino. In previous interviews, Kris advised them to strike while the iron is hot but take care of their health at the same time.
“She also guides us on how to connect with other people. She told us to work hard and keep ourselves busy but never ever sacrifice our health. We just need to balance everything,” Julia said.