Julia Montes is one of the most prominent child stars from the 2000s who has gracefully grown up before our eyes.
Now 29, the Kapamilya actress hadn't given much thought to turning 30 until PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) inquired about her feelings on this milestone.
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The question was posed on August 15, 2024, at The Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City, where she was announced as the new ambassador for Avignon Clinic's Ulthera Ultimate Lift treatment.
Julia exclaimed, "Oh gosh, yes!"
"Malapit na ako mawala sa kalendaryo noh?" she quipped.
"Yun yung kasabihan natin mga Pilipino."
Looking back on her experiences, Julia has always treated age as just a number, having to grow up fast in her two-decade-long showbiz career.
The actress explained, "Siguro... age is just a number. Ever since parang, as early as age five onwards, nagwo-work na kasi ako.
"So hindi ko na nafi-feel yung parang leap of financial responsibility, or so on...
"Siguro I think, mas ano lang, excited din siguro.
"Because another year, another blessing, and iba na naman ang kakaharapin mong responsibility because 30 is another year."
Rather than being stressed about turning 30, Julia is more concerned about other importrant things, particularly when it comes to her family's health.
"Greatest [stressor] siguro pag hindi happy yung family ko, yun yung parang... doon ako major nase-stress, anything about my family.
"Pag may nagkakasakit sa amin, especially my lola, my mama, tapos si papa ko na malayo.
"Pag may ganun yung wala ka masyadong magawa agad, yun yung talagang hindi ko kayang i-deal na stress.
"Because every day naman merong stress tayong kinakaharap.
"It depends kung paano natin kakaharapin, or tatawiran yung araw ng stress na yan.
"Pag mga ganun bagay lang, yun ang pinaka-greatest ano ko talaga."
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JULIA MONTES: YES TO SELF-CARE
Julia's worries about her family's health made her recognize the importance of taking time to pamper herself and look out for her wellbeing.
Initially, she admitted feeling guilty whenever she indulged in self-care.
Julia recalled, "Before, I feel guilty whenever I have a pamper day. Kasi I feel na parang supposedly it's my time for my family.
"Kapag busy ka sa work, kapag may mga segue ka na hindi gagawin kang movie or teleserye."
Over time, she realized that such pamper days are crucial for her overall wellbeing.
But Julia emphasizes that self-care is essential for everyone, not just for celebrities, influencers, or public figures.
"Sometimes you need that also para din, yun nga, ma-lift yung feeling mo na meron ka rin binigay for yourself, yung confidence.
"And sometimes, kahit sino sa atin, mapa-artista man yan, mapa-normal na tao, social media influencers, we have that day na we feel na... 'Am I good enough?' That's your question every time.
"So, pag may ganun kang pamper time, medyo na-uplift yung whatever downside na mafi-feel mo. So, kailangan din talaga every now and then."
When it comes to her pamper days, Julia enjoys indulging in anti-aging treatments.
Her top choice? Ultherapy, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and lift the skin.
"I can say talagang patient ako prior to being an Avignon Baby.
"Yun talaga yung ginagawa ko na because ever since, open naman ako sa mga past interviews ko na talagang yung body type ko, hindi talaga siya friendly sa camera.
"So, yung chubby cheeks ko before, yun yung nagiging problem ko.
"Kaya nag-loose na [ng weight] yung whole body, naiiwan yung cheeks.
"And then, yung Ulthera talaga yung tumulong sa akin.
"And so, sometimes you need that confidence na makakatulong for your work.
"Especially sa atin po na mga humaharap sa camera, may mga roles na ginagampanan.
"So, whenever you feel confident, alam mo na nagfa-follow na lahat.
"So, hindi ko na masyadang iniisip ngayon yung face because of tulong na rin naman talaga ng Ulthera."
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