Julia Montes, one of the most beloved actresses in Philippine showbiz, has always been known for her versatility and professionalism.

Julia Montes shares challenges of working with Zia Grace | PUSH TV

But in a recent interview, she candidly shared the unexpected challenges she faced while working on her latest project with child star Zia Grace. While the experience was filled with laughter and adorable moments, Julia revealed that it also came with a few parenting-like duties that made fans tease, “Even famous actresses can’t escape parenting duties!”

A New Dynamic On Set

Julia and Zia are set to star in the upcoming family drama Ang Ating Pangako, where they play a mother-daughter duo struggling to overcome life’s obstacles. While Julia has worked with child actors before, she admitted that Zia’s boundless energy and unpredictable antics kept everyone on their toes.

“Zia is such a joy to work with,” Julia shared. “She’s naturally talented, and her energy is contagious. But sometimes, it’s like being a real mom on set! She gets easily distracted, so I have to help her focus. There are moments when I need to remind her to eat, rest, or even sit still.”

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

Though Zia is widely praised for her acting chops at such a young age, Julia confessed that working with a child actor requires a different level of patience and understanding. “There were times when we had to pause filming because Zia got fussy or tired,” she said. “She’s still a kid, after all, and I completely understand. I just remind myself to be patient and to make things fun for her.”

Fans couldn’t help but react playfully to Julia’s revelations, commenting on social media: “So now she knows how moms feel every day!” and “Even the queen of drama can’t escape toddler tantrums!”

Building a Genuine Bond

Despite the occasional hiccups, Julia emphasized that her connection with Zia has grown naturally. “Off-camera, we really built a bond. I treat her like my little sister, and we play in between takes. I think that helped a lot because it made our scenes more authentic.”

Zia, in turn, has developed a strong admiration for Julia, referring to her as her “Ate Juju.” “She’s so kind to me,” Zia shared in her own interview. “She teaches me how to act better, and we play games when we’re not filming. I love her!”

Fans Love the ‘Real-Life Mom’ Side of Julia

Julia’s openness about the experience has delighted her fans, who have been quick to comment that the actress would make an amazing mother in the future. Some even joked, “This is training for real-life mommy duties, Julia!” Others praised her patience and the effort she put into guiding Zia on set.

With Ang Ating Pangako set to premiere soon, fans are eagerly awaiting the chemistry between Julia and Zia on screen. If their off-screen bond is anything to go by, viewers can expect a heartwarming and emotional performance that truly captures the essence of family.

For Julia, the experience may have been challenging, but it was also deeply rewarding. “At the end of the day, seeing Zia shine and knowing I was able to help her in little ways makes it all worth it.”