Julia Montes made an appearance in the latest YouTube vlog of Dimples Romana.
Dimples and Julia have been good friends since they they played mother and daughter, respectively, in the 2010 remake of the classic drama Mara Clara that also starred Kathryn Bernardo.
In her vlog that she uploaded on February 19, 2021, Dimples asked Julia how she felt about becoming the sole earner of her family.
Dimples also revealed she became her family's provider when her father passed away, but she only realized the enormity of her load after some time.
In Julia's case, the 25-year-old actress knew what she was getting herself into from the beginning.
Julia, who grew up under the care of her grandmother, Lola Flory, recalled: "Siguro, ever since, seryoso talaga ako.
"Recently nga lang ako naging fun kasi siguro natututo na ako na i-enjoy ang life.
"Pero before, open kasi si Lola talaga, e. Open talaga siya ever since before.
"Sinasabi niya sa akin na, 'Huy, kung hindi natin ito ginawa, wala tayo pang ganito. Pambayad natin ito sa ganito, so kailangan gawin mo ito.'"
Julia started out as a child actress growing up in front of the cameras.
And ever since, her Lola Flory has instilled in the Kapamilya star the value of the money she has worked hard for.
The 25-year-old actress continued: "Alam ko lagi na ito sinasabi kapag nagtatrabaho na isang tao or minsan kapag bata naririnig mo, 'Nako, kapag lumaki ka, kapag nagtrabaho ka, maiintindihan mo kami.'
"Pero totoo siya, e... Alam ko na every time may kikitaan kami, may lalaanan na.
"So, nakalakihan ko rin siya na every time na may papasok na pera, saan siya nakalaan?
"Hindi siya iyong basta-basta may gusto lang ako bilhin, bibilhin ko because sumuweldo naman ako, e.
"Minsan kapag nag-e-earn ka, kahit alam mo na iyon, nakakalimutan mo pa iyong worth ng money kasi na-e-excite ka."
Julia on value of money
In the vlog, Julia said the pandemic has also made her more appreciative of the value of the money.
"Iyong totoong meaning nung money, especially now nung nagka-pandemic, lalo mo pinahalagaan.
"Every centavo na ine-earn mo, may importansiya siya at hindi lahat kasi ng tao blessed na nabibigyan ng opportunity or job, lalo ngayong pandemic.
"Kada piso importante sa akin. Pag may nahulog na piso sa bahay, 'Tabi niyo iyan.'"
And when someone would counter, 'Ate naman, piso naman,' Julia said she would bark back, 'Hindi ka makakabuo ng isang daan kapag walang piso.' May ganoon ako."
Dimples then asked Julia what was the first luxury item she bought for herself.
Julia quickly answered, "Pabango. Di ba, hindi halata sa akin? Parang wala akong collection na ganoon? Pero iyon iyong una ko naging luho sa sarili ko."
She recalled saving up for PHP20 perfume spray bottle, "Feeling ko kasi iyon iyong pinaka-kaya ko lang bilhin noon.
"'Tapos usong-uso na iyong mga specific brands na binili sa mall. Mga kaklase ko naka-ganoon, ako hindi ako makabili. Titipirin ko."
Later, earning more, she decided to buy perfume as a reward. Kathryn was with her at the store as that was the time they were doing Mara Cara and doing tours together
Julia said, "Iyon iyong una kong hinorde. Ilang pabango. Tatlo, apat na pabango para sa sarili ko? 'Tapos iba na sa nanay ko, sa lola ko."