Julia Barretto. Photo by Leah Salterio

ACTRESS Julia Barretto recently excitedly introduced Fitz, her six-month-old giant poodle, which she expects to grow bigger when the canine turns one.

Fitz bring happiness to Julia’s house. “He’s like my best friend now,” said the actress who brought Fitz along for the media conference of her forthcoming film, Viva Films’ Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Hold Me Close.”

“He wants to go up onstage and see people.”

Ironically, Julia earlier developed fright on dogs when she was younger. Yet, she was able to overcome that.

“When I got a little older, I started with a small dog and later on, I was attracted to big dogs and got to adore them,” Julia offered.

She admitted she was influenced by boyfriend Gerald Anderson, who has a lot of big dogs.

“Everything is so much better when Fitz arrived,” Julia asserted. “You really have a companion. That’s happiness in my house. He really brightens up our home. He’s super clingy, very clingy.”

Julia remains happy with her career this 2024. “I am full of gratitude,” the 27-year-old actress said. “It’s so humbling what’s happening now. I am motivated by all the blessings that came this year.

“That makes me want to work even harder next year. Above all else, gratitude is on top of everything.”

Julia is undoubtedly thrilled now that she’s back to the MMFF after she starred in her light-romance entry, “Vince and Kath and James” (2016), with her former boyfriend Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte also in the title role.

“That film was really instrumental in my life and I’m just really excited to be doing another MMFF entry this time in my life,” Julia said.

Julia is looking forward to the forthcoming MMFF parade for its 50th year on December 21. “In 2016, I really, really enjoyed doing that,” she said. “This one will be different and very nostalgic. I’m really excited to be doing ‘Hold Me Close’.”

In director Jason Paul Laxamana’s fantasy-romance with her new team-up with Carlo Aquino (after director Petersen Vergas’ “Expensive Candy” in 2022), Julia plays Lyn Lyn, a clairvoyant girl.

Filmed in Japan, “Hold Me Close” is not just Julia’s much-anticipated return to the MMFF, the film also signals a fresh chapter in the actress’ already illustrious film career.

“You really have to see the film for the story to unfold,” offered Julia. “Direct Jason gave more of a journey for Caloy (Aquino), because the director tackles deep issues in this film.

“Just the ever-brilliant Caloy that he is. I’m really excited for everyone to watch ‘Hold Me Close.’ This film tackles issues that we’re afraid to tackle.”

Julia analyzed the composition of this year’s ten entries for the MMFF and she was really thankful that “Hold Me Close” made it to the list of entries.

“I feel like the MMFF is really want-to-die for local cinema and local films,” said Julia. “It’s really a celebration of local artistry and the hard work that everybody has put in their respective films.

“I’m so excited to see the rest of the films which are just as spectacular. Each film tackles their respective interesting theme. The edge of ‘Hold Me Close,’ I’d like to leave it with the people who will watch the film.

“I’m very much looking forward with the feedback and reviews. I’m just really excited about the fact that I was able to finish a love story with a different type of tone. It’s fantasy and direk Jason was able to do a metaphoric ability on the internal issues that we go through.”

“Hold Me Close” was given a PG (Parental Guidance) classification. “The whole family can watch and enjoy the film. I’ve seen the film already. It gave me a different kind of feeling.

“I think that’s the magic of direk Jason. He is just able to paint a universe. He’s really creative and I’m just grateful being part of the story and the vision. I hope people give this film a chance. Is this the kind of love story that they want to see this holiday season?”

Julia expressed her desire to work with Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. “I’ve been open about that since I was super young, 15 maybe. That has always been a dream of mine,” she insisted.

More than just an actress, Julia recently launched her own brand, The Juju Club, that offers a wide range of products including swimwear, eyewear and more, showing her impeccable eye for trends.

Her YouTube channel boasts nearly 1.4 million subscribers, where fans eagerly follow her for lifestyle tips, behind-the-scene moments and a glimpse into her personal life.

Julia’s diverse ventures prove that her influence transcends the big screen, as she continues to captivate audiences in fashion and digital spaces alike.

The actress is set to dominate 2025 with a slew of exciting projects in the pipeline. At the launch of TV5 shows last November, Julia was named the newest host of Artista Academy and she cannot be any prouder.

After making her TV5 drama debut in 2021 in “Di Na Muli,” Julia is gearing up for her highly anticipated acting comeback on the network with TV5’s biggest primetime series next year, “Hello Heaven.”

Apparently, as 2024 comes to a close, Julia shows no signs of slowing down, as she continues to light up both the small and the big screens with her undeniable talent.