For the first time in 21 years, Julia Montes finally met her German father Martin Shchnittka.
In her Instagram post today, December 27, the Kapamilya actress revealed that she found her dad with the help of her cousin and a solid CocoJul (Coco Martin and Julia) fan.
Julia wrote in the caption of her photo with her biological father: “Hindi ko aakalain na darating ang araw na ito, makikita at makakasama ko sya ...
“Unang una gusto ko magpasalamat sa Panginoon na pinagkaloob nya ang pagkakataon na ito...”
For several years now, Julia has been looking for her father through online leads--all to no avail.
“Malinaw pa sa isip ko nung mga panahon na ipagdasal ko na mangyari ang araw na ito hanggang sa sumuko na ko at nawalan ng pag-asa...
“Maraming ways talaga ang Panginoon para sa atin... Iba hinihingi natin sobra sobra pa ang binibiyaya sa atin.”
Born and raised in Pandacan, Manila, Julia's real name is Mara Hautea Schnittka.
Her mom Gemma Hateau and dad Martin are both deaf-mute. Her dad left them when Julia was just a baby.
Although her mom is present in her life, it was Julia's maternal grandmother Flory who took most of the responsibility in raising and taking care of the Kapamilya actress.
But Julia previously said that she has no complaints nor does she bear any grudges towards her parents.
In the latter part of her Instagram post, Julia thanked the people who gave her much love and hope through the years.
“Sa mga naging tatay-tatayan ko salamat din sa inyo dahil lalo kong na-appreciate ang Papa ko dahil sa inyo...
“At sa Cocojul din na isa sa naging daan para magkausap kame, and to my Cousin Michelle who did everything and every way to make this day possible. Thank you! #goingtoendmy2016 #blessed”