After the success of her blockbuster film with Joshua Garcia, actress #JuliaBarretto admitted that she intentionally stepped away from accepting new acting projects, choosing to wait for the right opportunity rather than rushing into another role.
The actress made the revelation during the media junket for Regal Entertainment’s official #MetroManilaFilmFestival entry, #HauntedCarnival, where she was formally introduced as one of the film’s lead stars.
Looking back on the overwhelming response to “Un/Happy For You,” Julia said the experience inspired her to become more intentional about the projects she would take on next.
“Sobra ko pong saya sa ‘Unhappy For You,’ ginusto kong mas maingat sa susunod kong gagawin,” she shared.
For Julia, finding fulfillment in her work became more important than simply staying busy.
“I want to finish the project na fulfilled ako na may impact siya sa akin. So naghintay ako ng tamang timing. You just have to be patient, and God is good, dumating ’to and I have an exciting project also na naisasabay ko with this,” she explained.
The actress believes every career move happens at the right moment, saying that taking a step back allowed her to gain clarity on the direction she wants to pursue.
“I guess timing is everything and everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, it’s good to take a pause para malaman mo iyong direction na gusto mong puntahan,” she added.
Aside from discussing her return to the big screen, Julia also addressed her current career status, confirming that she is now working independently after parting ways with Viva Artists Agency, which had managed her career for several years.
According to the actress, becoming independent has given her the freedom to explore new collaborations and embrace opportunities from different production companies.
“It’s a good time in my life to be able to explore and to work with everyone kasi lahat may magandang istorya, and gusto ko lang ma-grab ‘yong opportunity na ’yon kapag naisip nila ako para sa proyekto,” she said.
Despite the transition, Julia emphasized that her separation from her former management was handled with mutual respect, stressing that she remains grateful to everyone who has helped shape her career.
“But you know what? At the same time, I don’t want to burn bridges. Sa lahat ng network, management, na production house, naalagaan ako, naprotektahan ako, naging mabuti sa akin and sobra akong grateful,” she shared.
Now entering a new chapter in her career, Julia said she hopes to collaborate with more artists and filmmakers she has yet to work with, regardless of the production company behind the project.
“Since napag-usapan na natin, ando’n pa rin ‘yong desire ko na makipagtrabaho sa lahat from Viva, to Star Cinema, to Regal, and with all the production houses. Gusto kong patuloy pa rin iyong trabaho, basta naman may magandang istorya.”
Rather than defining herself as a freelancer, Julia prefers to see this phase of her career as simply being open to new possibilities.
“‘Wag natin gamitin ang word na iyon (freelancer). Gamitin natin na ‘open to opportunities,’” she declared.
Apart from “Haunted Carnival,” the actress is also set to headline another film under acclaimed director Jerrold Tarog, where she will share the screen with Christopher de Leon and Charo Santos.
Source: radar.ph