At the press conference of the ABS-CBN's upcoming teenage series Growing Up last August 23, Julia Montes talked about her plans for the future, plans that involve her family mostly.

At 16, Julia is the breadwinner.

"At nine years old talagang naisip ko na na kailangan ko na tumulong sa kanila. Hanggang sa paglaki ko, na-mind set na ako na more on family talaga," says the star of the recently-ended remake of Mara Clara and Star Cinema's Way Back Home.

Raised by her Lola Flory Hautea, Julia also lives with her two younger brothers, aged 15 and 8, and her deaf-mute mother.

The half-German, half-Filipina beauty finds fulfillment in being able to send her siblings to school while she juggles her academics and showbiz career.

Apart from owning a restaurant in the future, Julia also dreams of buying a house, one that her family could call their own.

"Pinag-iipunan ko na po. Hindi naman sobrang engrande gusto ko rin naman ng simple lang," says Julia.

"Gusto ko talagang yung sa amin lang, masasabi kong sa amin ng family ko.

"Dream house ko masasabi ko [yung] tig-iisa kami ng kuwarto kasi nakasanayan naming sama-sama kami.

"Siguro gusto ko yung mapa-feel sa kanila yung magkaro'n ng sariling privacy, [sariling] kuwarto nila."

SEARCHING FOR DAD. Recently, ABS-CBN News reported that the young actress is looking for her German father, Martin Shnittka. Julia has never seen or spoken to him before.

Unfortunately, there has been no development in the search. "Until now, wala e. Pero sana, hopefully magkaron ng time na umabot sa point na may progress.

"Nag-try ako sumalat ng letter sa last na binigay sa aking address.

"May mga common friend ako na sa Germany nakatira, nagpapatulong ako na hanapin kasi maganda yung government sa kanila.

"Pero mahirap din talaga, pero baka mahanap ko," says a hopeful Julia.