Julia Barretto shares how she handles criticisms

Actress Julia Barretto, just like most showbiz personalities, is no stranger to criticisms on social media. While she has millions of followers, she also has a number of bashers.

In Manulife's recent webinar titled “Health Matters: Caring for your mental and physical well-being,” Julia shared how she handles negativity on social media and how she takes care of her mental and physical health amid the pandemic.

Julia said criticisms have been a part of her life ever since she was younger, since she grew up in a well-known showbiz clan.

“Well, you know, it's something that I grew up with. I lived with criticism my entire life.

“I wouldn't say that now I'm immune to it.

“I don't think it's something you'll ever be immune to.

“But I think now I've become wiser on how to handle it.”

So, how does Julia handle all the bashing? She says compartmentalizing is the key.

“So, like what I always say, it's so important for you to compartmentalize things that matter to you and the things that don't.

“So, you know, when it's the criticism from people I don't know and who don't know me, and don't play a significant role in my life, it's easier to shrug off and not worry about.

“I mean, the only criticism that matters to me is of course [from] the people that are really within my circle and my family, and you know, the people who can be honest with me, and constructive ba. Constructive criticism, hindi 'yung criticism na [just to bring you down].”

When it comes to her physical health, Julia said she keeps fit through pilates and a couple of other strength and endurance-building workouts.

“I'm the biggest pilates fan. I like pilates because it hits the muscles that we don't think we should be hitting.

“And then it's sort of a meditation for me, like it's a quiet time, a time to breathe and get your stretches in.

“But then I realized that I also…you can't just be fit and not be strong.

“So, when I realized that I wanted to feel more strong, and (have) more strength, that's when I kinda mix it up with weightlifting and a lot of circuit, then a lot of cardio.

“Although I'm not the biggest fan of cardio; we have to for stamina 'di ba?”

Julia also said that a balanced diet has become more sustainable for her.

“A few years back I thought the best diet is just eating less than what you should be intaking.

“But the older you get, the most sustainable and easy to maintain diet is just the balanced diet.

“So, I also realized that when I diet so much, so strictly, it affects so much my attitude, my patience and everything.

“So, what I've been doing now that's been working for me is just a balanced diet and more workout, because I like to eat.

“So, bumabawi na lang ako sa workout and just being active.

“Right now, I can eat whatever I want, pero siyempre 'yung tama lang. Don't overeat.”

Julia also revealed that she just finished a month-long lock-in taping, and she couldn't really workout during that time because she was taping almost the whole day every day.

And on the day of the webinar, she was set to work out for the first time after one month.

So, she shared inspiring words to help those who need more motivation in their fitness journey.

“So, tonight actually is going to be my first time to work out after a month and day one is usually what I dread the most.

“Because you don't feel as strong and your motivation is not the same.

“But you know what, the first step is the most important because, you know, after you take the first step, tuloy-tuloy na 'yan.

“You know, it's domino effect and it's the beginning of everything.

“So, take that first step and you'll be surprised. It's going to change everything for you. Don't be afraid.”

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