In her own words: Julie Anne San Jose

Though she is only 18 years old, Julie Anne San Jose has already become a YouTube sensation; released a solo album; and, with co-star Elmo Magalona, captured tens of thousands of teenage fans nationwide.

 

But despite all this fame, Julie Anne has largely remained a mystery. Unlike many other actresses, she rarely talks about her private life on television. In an episode of GMA’s "Tunay Na Buhay," Rhea Santos sat down with the enigmatic young star to talk about her love for music, her relationship with her parents, and what it’s like to be exposed to such fame at a very young age.

 

On singing vs. acting

“Ang first ko love po talaga singing, kasi nabuhay ako sa pagkanta at sa musika. Acting is just a bonus.”

 

On her music

“Ever since po, mahilig talaga ako tumugtog ng instruments... I’m a frustrated composer. I’ve been trying to compose, pero hindi ko magawa. Pero thankful ako kasi sa album ko, may dalawa akong compositions na kasama.”

 

On her “JuliElmo” loveteam with Elmo Magalona

“It was just an experiment. It just happened. Kami naman kasi ni ‘Mo, hindi kami associated before. Out of nowhere, biglang naging JuliElmo.”

 

On the impact showbiz has had on her life

“Sobrang laki ng pinagbago ng buhay ko. Kumbaga, parang kahapon lang normal lang ako. Ngayon, nabubuhay ba ako sa panaginip? Dati pangarap ko lang ito, tapos ngayon, nakakamtam ko na. Nararanasan ko na 'yung pagiging buhay-celebrity.”

 

On what she’s learned so far

“Ang pinakamagandang aral na natutunan ko, 'yung itinuro sa akin ng mga magulang ko na just be humble. Always keep your feet on the ground and ask guidance from the Lord. Siya kasi 'yung magtuturo sa iyo sa tamang daan.”

 

On her hopes for her family

“Gusto kong maging proud sila sa akin at maging maayos lalo ang pamumuhay namin. Gusto kong maging mas mabuti ang estado namin sa buhay.”

 

On her parents’ reaction to her showbiz career

“Noong una po, hindi talaga nila naintindihan. Si mommy, okay naman — kung nasa'n ako susuportahan niya ako kahit anong mangyari. Pero si papa talaga ayaw niya akong ma-associate sa showbiz. Pinapatigil niya ako before. Takot siya sa mga isyu at intriga. Ngayon, natututunan naman niyang intindihin ako, na ito 'yung gusto ko. Nandiyan na eh, pakakawalan ko pa ba?” — Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News