Kapamilya teen actress Julia Barretto shared her celebrity journey in a heartfelt open letter she posted on Instagram Tuesday.
(Julia Barretto via Instagram)
The open letter came after the positive feedbacks on her performance in her newest film “I Love You Hater” with her on-screen and real-life partner Joshua Garcia and Kris Aquino.
Coming from one of the most famous families in the entertainment industry, Barretto revealed her career’s ups and downs as she tried to be recognized for her own achievements and make her own name in the industry.
“I’ve always wanted to prove my doubters wrong. I’ve always wanted to be more than my last name. I wanted my hard work to get the credit and not my last name. I wanted to make a name for myself,” Barretto wrote in her post.
Barretto shared her experiences wearing the shoes of her character, Zoey, as she used her as an outlet for her true self to come out.
“’I Love You, Hater’ is a film I poured my heart and soul into. I was faced with one of the biggest challenges of my life before doing this film and I don’t think I was able to really pour my heart out as Julia and took the chance with Zoey,” she said.
“My every heartache, every pain I felt in my body as Julia, I used Zoey as my outlet. I wanted to speak to people as Julia through Zoey and this is why I embraced Zoey. I embraced this film. I put down my walls, I let people in and see me at my most vulnerable,” she added.
Barretto also thanked and recognized the efforts of the whole team of “I Love You Hater” and expressed her appreciation for the overwhelming feedback they have been receiving.
“From Day 1 of our showing, Joshua and I talk about how overwhelming the feedback, appreciation, and love we’ve been receiving. Our journey has been so magical and special because we are getting the perfect amount of support... from our family, our friends, Star Cinema, our network and our supporters,” she said.