Among the new generation of teen actresses today, Julia Montes stands out for choosing to invest in property. In just a span of two years, the 17-year-old actress was able to buy a new house for her family and put up a salon business. 

Together with her grandmother, Mama Flor Hautea, the Walang Hanggan star welcomed TV host-actress Kris Aquino to her prized two-storey abode. During the July 6 episode of Kris TV, Julia showed viewers her house that stands on a 200 square meter lot. 

The host of Kris TV immediately noticed a “mini Japanese garden” inside the property. Julia simply said, “Naka-design na siya nung nakuha namin…Bago po ito. No previous owner.” 

Julia told Kris that they scouted for houses in various areas before finally settling in Cainta upon the recommendation of her broker. When they chanced upon the property, they liked it, even if it was not yet finished. It was Julia who took care of the house design. 

The actress remarked, “Eto po yung kay Engineer [Marquez]. Pagkakuha namin sa bahay, wala po talaga siyang gamit. Yung asawa po niya interior designer so nagtulong po sila para wala na po kami aasikasuhin.” 

Mama Flor [as Julia fondly calls her lola] added, “nag-down kami ng kalahati. Yung kalahati hinuhulugan ko monthly for one year.” 

Julia is very proud of their Antipolo abode as this is a house that she can truly call her own. In the past, Julia’s family rented houses in Pandacan and Quezon City.  The last townhouse they rented was in Commonwealth while Julia was part of the Mara Clara remake. 

With her soap Walang Hanggan a primetime hit on ABS-CBN, Julia does not have problems going to the set’s location since it is simply a stone’s throw away from her home. 

Julia lives with her grandmother, mom, and two younger brothers who are aged 16 and 10. 

The actress showed Kris around the house from the living room, dining area, indoor and outdoor kitchens, the tiny powder room underneath the stairs and the bedrooms upstairs. Julia occupies the biggest room that connects to the veranda. The actress likes to hang around the veranda often for quiet reflection or simply getting a breath of fresh air. 

Julia introduced her mother, Gemma Luna Hautea, to Kris.  Julia’s mom is a deaf and mute so mother and daughter communicate through sign language. 

“Mas kikay po siya kaysa sa akin,” Julia told Kris. 

When asked if her mom has a boyfriend, Julia intimated, “May boyfriend ang mama  – deaf mute, three years. Siya po yung nagpatino kay mama. Siya yung nagiging guide ni Mama.” 

She added, “Si Mama parang teenager. Parang playful, kung mag-decide hindi sa age niya. Ako gusto ko [her mom getting married] boto ako…” 

Kris then inquired if her mom gets jealous with her grandmother.   Julia remarked, “Nagseselos sa closeness kay lola – minsan. May selos factor po siya. Kasi lagi po kaming magkasama.

“Minsan di namin siya na-uupdate. Minsan naglalambing siya tapos nakakatulugan ko siya na parang wala nang time sa kanya. Pag-i-explain ko po, naiintindihan na niya.” 

The attic was the last part shown and turned out to be Julia’s personal space.  The attic has been transformed into Julia’s walk-in closet, filled with clothes, personal stuff and shoes.  The young actress admitted that she has always wanted a walk-in closet. Her collection of high heeled shoes is displayed in a tall cabinet. “Iba ang feeling pag naka-heels. Nakakadagdag ng tindig,” says Julia. 

Kris observed and was quick to point out to Julia, “Di ka malustay sa damit unlike other actresses…” 

There is another walk-in closet filled with stuffed toys.  The young actress disclosed, “Marami pong nag-gift po sa akin ng mga fans ng stuffed toys.” 

Her Mama Flor, who acts as her guardian, also takes care of organizing her personal stuff. Prior to joining showbiz, Julia was an honor student in grade school.  

From Julia’s home, they proceeded to the Julia Montes Salon located in Pandacan, Manila. The salon is open every day until 10 pm to cater to office employees working late at night. 

When asked about the name of the salon, Julia told Kris that, “Nagpahanap po ako ng para i-name sa salon. Eternity – infinity. May nakakuha na…” 

The Kris TV host inquired if she knows how to cut hair and use salon equipment.

Julia replied in the affirmative and added, “Minsan si lola ang pinapagupit sa hair niya. Ako lang yung takot…” 

Because of all the blessings that she was been receiving, Julia admits, “lagi po di po nagsi-sink in…”

Kris asked Julia if she will marry late and she thinks she will. “Marrying late – ayokong pumasok sa panibagong…sa sariling family agad until hindi pa naayos ang family ko.” 

The young teen star became emotional when the conversation touched on her family, especially her Mama Flor. It will be recalled that Julia’s German father left her when she was still a young baby. Julia has yet to meet her biological father.

She tearfully admitted, “Siyempre alam ko kulang pa ‘tong salon sa lahat…I love you… siya po yung tumulong sa akin na di ako maging pariwara na bata. Siya po [nag-alaga] nung wala akong dad. Siya yung tumayong dad. Sa pagkukulang ng mom ko, siya yung pumupuno. All in siya… Kung ano ako ngayon. Kung gaano ako ka-matured mag-isip, kung gaano ako ka-thankful sa lahat…”