Breakups are often driven by complicated factors, leaving exes to part ways with (usually) negative feelings. However, maturity and forgiveness can bridge nearly any conflict, depending on the individuals and circumstances involved. As we have seen from Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto's journey, reconciliation is possible.
At a recent press conference for their new film Un/Happy For You, Julia and Joshua expressed their anticipation towards working together. For the actors, the film is more than just a reunion; it's a chance for them to witness their personal growth since their 2021 breakup.
"Ayaw ko naman i-spoil yung naging process namin ni Josh. It is such an intimate one na kami lang talaga nakakaintindi habang ginagawa namin 'to. Siguro ginawa naming inspiration yung mga happy memories namin," Julia recalled.
"I was really looking forward to coming together to make this film and recreate those happy memories. We really built so much in the past," Julia added.
Joshua echoed her sentiments. But he also acknowledged the inevitable emotional draw or 'hugot' from their past, given the breakup aspect of the film.
"Di maiwasan na hindi humugot sa past. But I think bilang aktor, nasa sayo na rin yan kung paano mo babawasan yung nararamdaman mo. You just really have to protect yourself from the pain," Joshua revealed.
Further discussing the initial preparations that they had done before filming, Joshua and Julia revealed that the story was pitched to them during the pandemic. However, Joshua said that the initial pitch did not materialize due to 'timing issues' at the time, inferring that the breakup was still fresh.
"With Blacksheep pa ito nung una. Pero hindi siya natuloy kasi parang hindi pa yun yung tamang panahon. Then after 5 years, dun na nangyari. Nag pitch na [ulit] samin. Game ako. Gawin natin 'to," Joshua emphasized.
"Na-miss ko yung may kaeksena na napakahusay, yung naiintindihan yung nararamdaman ko. Iba rin yung ganon. And lumalabas siya sa scenes talaga. Namiss ko yung mga tawanan namin," he added.
Echoing the same sentiment, Julia addressed, "It’s a feeling naman na, when you know that it’s time, when the script is right for the two of us."
#JoshLia On Their Great Work Ethic And Chemistry On Set
Joshua and Julia's collaborative effort in Un/Happy For You reflect a commendable work ethic and chemistry, defying the typical tensions or 'bad blood' often seen between ex-couples. This reunion film demonstrates that, with maturity and accountability, exes can still be supportive and understanding of each other after enough time has passed.
Expressing her appreciation for Joshua's growth and hard work, Julia pronounced, "sobrang proud ako kay Josh. Mas kilala niya na yung sarili niya ngayon, mas secure na siya sa pagkatao niya ngayon, he knows what he wants, he knows what he doesn’t want. It’s nice to see how he has evolved into the man he is today."
Sharing the same appreciation, Joshua expressed his gratitude to Julia for her openness and support throughout the film.
"Alam ko hindi ako mag-isa don sa pelikula. Pag may mga araw na down ako, ina-assure mo ko na andiyan ka para alalayan ako. Thank you dahil generous ka sa acting na binibigay mo. Di ka madamot," Joshua shared.
"Kilala mo ko, alam mo kapag kinakabahan na ako sa isang eksena, pag yung energy ko nagbabago. Thank you because you’re always asking kung okay ako. You’re always finding ways to make sure na everything [and] everyone on the set, okay kaming lahat…We’re crazy for doing this," Julia reiterated.
