JULIA BARRETTO plays a girl who’s skin is made to look like the trunk of a tree due to a curse in “Mira Bella”, her launching show, which will replace “Anna Liza” on the 6 PM slot of ABS-CBN. Born Julia Francesca Barretto Baldivia (the real family name of her dad Dennis Padilla) on March 10, Julia turned 17 last Monday. She started as a child star at 9 and did shows like “Kokey”, “Palos” and “Walang Kapalit”. She was re-introduced as a teener as part of Star Magic’s Batch 19.
Julia had a party with family and friends on the night of her natal day, but the next day, Dreamscape Entertainment hosted a party for her and Enrique Gil, her leading man in “Mira Bella”, who’s turning 22 on March 30. This was held at Playland on the 4th floor of the new mall on Quezon Avenue, Fisher Mall, and writers invited to the affair got the chance to try the different rides like the bump car and the ferris wheel with Julia and Enrique.
The story of “Mira Bella” starts with Dimples Romana, a small town beauty queen who falls in love with one of the judges, James Blanco without knowing James is married to Mylene Dizon. When Mylene learns about James’ infidelity, she puts a curse on Dimples and the baby she is carrying. Dimples skin turns into something like wood. She dies giving birth to Julia, her daughter who comes out as a baby also having the same wood-like skin. Because of this, people always make fun of Julia who is named Mira. But later on, she will have a beautiful alter ego, Bella, and how this happens is what you should watch out for when the show starts airing.
What’s Julia’s birthday wish? “Sana maging successful sa ratings ang ‘Mira Bella’. Siempre, kinakabahan ako kasi launching ko ito.”
How does she like working with Enrique? “Magkasingkulit kami, madaldal din siya, kaya masaya sa set. I got comfortable with him easily. He’s very encouraging kaya masarap kasama.”
Is there a chance that their relationship will develop into something else? “Di ko pinag-iisipan yun kasi bawal pa naman akong ligawan, sabi ng mom ko (Marjorie Barretto). Also, we’re still just getting to know each other as friends.”
Does she agree with her mom’s order for her not have a boyfriend yet? “Tama lang naman si Mama kasi nilo-launch ako ng ABS, so dapat dito muna ako mag-focus. Saka na yang ligaw-ligaw.”
What physical features of Enrique does she like in him? “His eyes. Maraming sinasabi ang mga mata niya. Maraming kuwento. I was so excited when I was told siyang magkakapareha ko kasi idol ko siya, lalo na sa pagsayaw. Ang galing niya.”
Some bashers in social media say she’s getting special treatment only because of her aunts, Gretchen and Claudine? “Hindi ko na lang pinapansin and I tell myself not to give these people the power to put me down. I just turn my attention to the people who appreciate me. But I guess it can’t be helped na ikumpara ako sa kanila as they’ve been in the industry for so long.”
Is she affected by the feud now going on between her titas and even her lola Inday? “Of course, I’m affected as they’re my family. I grew up with them and I felt they sincerely care for me. Now I see them fighting. Siempre, masakit. I just continue to pray that one day, maaayos ang lahat and just like before, we’ll be together again every Sunday, laughing together as a family.”
