Julia Barretto is open to doing intimate scenes with Joshua Garcia for their teleserye Ngayon at Kailanman.
She declared this during the press conference of their upcoming teleserye held earlier today, August 13, at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theater.
During the presscon proper, Julia said that having "special feelings" for Joshua helped them in doing intimate scenes together.
She said, "In real life we're so comfortable, it means even sa trabaho namin, parang mas nakakapag-explore kami with each other, mas komportable kaming gumagawa ng eksena with each other, na pag kailangan... 'pag intimate na o nagiging sensual na yung eksena, it's more comfortable and more open.
"And may trust, e. It's a different level of trust na alam naming maalagaan yung isa't isa."
Julia was then asked by an entertainment reporter if she will do more intimate scenes with Joshua for the Kapamilya teleserye.
The Star Magic talent declared, "I'm very open, wow!"
Creative Manager Henry Quitain then quipped, "It's good news for us, for the creatives!"
Julia explained, "No, but you know, honestly, because I think we're also above 20, we're 21, turning 22, I also feel like it's healthy to be able to explore and take a little bit of risks.
"Because in reality naman talaga, when you fall in love, there are no limitations when you fall in love.
"I'm sure the creatives are gonna do something about it.
"At saka feeling ko, sa Ngayon at Kailanman, mas nagiging mature na yung roles namin, we are adults na so I'm very much open.
"I'm excited for the scenes that will challenge the both of us."
Henry then said, "Accepted!"
SWITCHING ROLES.
As seen in the show's trailer, Joshua and Julia seemed to have switched roles compared to the ones they portrayed in their movies.
In this series, Julia is cast as Eva, a street-smart, free-spirited lady who grew up in the slums.
Joshua plays Inno Cortes, a rich, young man who hails from a powerful family.
Joshua admits having a hard time with his role, especially since he is not accustomed to speaking the English language, which he is now required to do for the role.
"Mahirap ang English!
"Ganun daw kasi yung kailangang pag-deliver, kailangan slow din para walang buckle. Tama yung pagkakabigkas.
"Challenging dito talaga yung pag may confrontation na, ang hirap. Tapos English," he said in jest.
The ABS-CBN actor has a speech coach with him on the set to help him with his lines.
"Pilipit dila, e. Pasalamat din ako sa Star Creatives kasi nagbigay talaga sila ng speech coach.
"So bago sumalang sa eksena, iko-coach muna ako ni Ate."
Star Creatives is the unit handling the production of Ngayon at Kailanman.
JoshLia's co-star Iza Calzado, who is also one of the show's lead characters, peaised Joshua by saying, "I have to say congratulations for even being open to be coached for some people don't want to be coached."
Meanwhile, Julia is thankful for being able to portray a role far from what she used to do in her past projects.
"Finally, nabigyan ako ng role na malayong malayo po sa akin. The character itself already is different even without delivering [the lines].
"Ako po kasi siguro, yung mga past ko, yung mga binibigay na role sa akin, mas restrained also. Parang hindi masyadong loud.
"Dito po, si Eva, free-spirited, mas magalaw, mas loud, mas big yung movements, yung pagkasalita ko po is mas bargas, parang laking ano talaga."
Henry revealed that Julia did an immersion for her role, "As in nagpunta siya doon to experience the life of the people there."
Julia said about her experience, "In fairness, bilib na bilib ako kasi noong nag-immersion kami, these people have more reasons than us to complain about life but they're so hopeful and positive in life."
Ngayon at Kailanman, the first teleserye of JoshLia, will air starting August 20 on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block.
The show also features Iza Calzado, Alice Dixson, Christian Vazquez, Dominic Ochoa, Ina Raymundo, Rio Locsin, Ronnie Lazaro, Jameson Blake, and Boyband PH member Joao Constancia.
The prime-time series also serves as the comeback series of Rosemarie Gil. The veteran actress is the mother of stars Cherie Gil, Michael de Mesa, and the late Mark Gil.