Former Goin' Bulilit child stars will topbill ABS-CBN's remake of Mara Clara. Kathryn Bernardo will reprise the role of Judy Ann Santos while Julia Montes will fill in the shoes of Gladys Reyes.

In 1992, viewers first met the oppressed Mara and the spiteful kontrabida named Clara. Judy Ann and Gladys became household names because of the original teleserye that aired for five years on the Kapamilya network.

Almost two decades later, ABS-CBN executives signed up Kathryn and Julia to portray the two characters whose lives are intertwined through a twist of fate. 

Present during the September 29 contract signing were ABS-CBN Channel Head Cory Vidanes, Senior Vice President for TV Productions Linggit Tan, and Business Unit Head Deo Endrinal.

In an interview aired on Showbiz News Ngayon last night, September 29, Kathryn expressed gratitude to the network for her big break.

"Sobrang saya po ng feeling kasi sobrang laking project ng Mara Clara. Hindi ko rin ine-expect na sa akin nila iyon ibibigay kaya sobrang thankful po ako. Hindi nga po ako makatulog nung first taping day namin kasi medyo kinakabahan rin po ako," admitted Kathryn.

The young actress is best known as Maya, the partner of Makisig Morales in ABS-CBN's now defunct primetime teleserye Super Inggo. It is interesting to note that she portrayed the young Judy Ann in the fantasy series Krystala.

Last June, Kathryn portrayed the young Gretchen Barretto in ABS-CBN's Magkaribal and the young Marian Rivera on GMA-7's Endless Love. She was paired with former Star Magic talent, Kristoffer Martin, in the said Kapuso show. The young actor has remained with GMA-7 and is now paired with Lexi Fernandez. (CLICK HERE to read related article.)

Julia Montes was formerly known as Mara Montes but to avoid confusion with Kathryn's character, she changed her screen name. She has previously appeared in ABS-CBN shows such as Komiks presents Mars Ravelo's Nasaan Ka Maruja? and episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya, featuring Bea Alonzo and Christopher de Leon.