Young actresses Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo are growing up together like real sisters.
From the ABS-CBN children's program Going Bulilit to the recently concluded remake of Mara Clara, the soap that made known their promising talents, Julia and Kathryn have been through quite a ride.
Their adventure continues after being cast in the film Way Back Home, and now working with each other yet again in the new young-adult show, Growing Up.
Julia, 16, and Kathryn, 15, face the same issues as teen stars. Their rocketing showbiz careers make their experience extraordinary and at times difficult, and the girls can only be thankful to have each other.
Are they happy to be in showbiz despite compromising a normal teenage life? Do they miss out on parties, going out with friends, or boy troubles perhaps?
Dusky beauty Kathryn replies, "Yung nakakalabas siguro, pero yung party hindi rin kasi nga ako ma-party na tao, so para sa akin, nag-eenjoy din naman ako.
"Kailangan mag-sacrifice ka rin po ng konti... Okay lang naman po sa akin na yun yung kapalit dahil sobrang worth it naman."
It is surprising to find that both girls think beyond their years.
"Minsan po... iniisip ko na lang, positive side... ako, nakaka-ipon na ganito yung edad ko, ganito pa lang ako kabata. Para sa akin masuwerte pa din ako compared sa iba. Thankful po ako," says Kathryn.
Meanwhile, a mature Julia expresses that she has and will have no regrets in pursuing the showbiz career even if it means compromising the ordinary teenage life. Providing a better life for her family is what matters most.
"Siguro kasi hindi ako umabot sa point talaga na nagsisisi kasi nung bata pa lang talaga ako, Going Bulilit pa lang talagang tumutulong na ako," says Julia.
"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.
"May time na napapaisip na what if ako yung typical teenager, pero yun nga gaya ng sabi ni Kathryn, iba rin kasi kami na nakakapag-ipon na rin. Nag-eenjoy din kami dito sa trabaho... passion namin ito."
The fair-skinned, half-German mestiza has learned from a young age to act independently. She says that her grandmother, a key-person in her life, is firm yet encourages her to come up with her own decisions.
"Pinababayaan niya ako mag-decide, kumbaga kailangan ko na rin mag-decide sa sarili ko kasi darating din daw yung point na ako na rin magdedesisyon para sa sarili ko," says Julia.
