Following their appearance in Moira Dela Torre's heart-wrenching music video "Paubaya" three years ago, attempts have been made to reunite former sweethearts Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in a movie. But Julia and Joshua believe this is the perfect time for a film project together.
During an exclusive interview at the ABS-CBN compound on July 10, Julia and Joshua, collectively known as JosLia, opened up about their excitement to work together again and their lessons about being in a relationship.
"I think time plays an important role. It's always the perfect time and perfect material," said Julia.
Joshua added: "Actually, after 'Paubaya' namin, may offer to do a project na similar sa story ng movie namin. That time, I think hindi pa perfect time para gawin. Medyo fresh pa rin kasi sa amin yung nangyari. Nakatulong din yung tagal ng panahon bago kami magtrabaho uli together. This time ang dami na naming naipakitang bago sa isa't isa."
Julia and Joshua said their respective partners were excited about their reunion project.
"Yung partner ko, bago pa naman kami nagkakilala, alam naman niya na actor na ako. Noong sinabi ko ito sa kanya, excited daw siya. Hindi naman niya nabaggit kung JosLia fan siya. Basta excited daw siya sa project. Pero after that hindi na namin pinag usapan," said Joshua.
Julia said, "We're both in the industry and know how this works. He's very understanding and very supportive of everything that I do."
Julia and Joshua ended their relationship in 2019. Julia is currently in a relationship with actor Gerald Anderson, while Joshua is in a private relationship. Despite not working together for several years, their working relationship on the set of their new project went smoothly.
"Wala namang ilangan or awkward moments kasi nagkatrabaho na rin kami before. Familiar na kami sa isa't isa although medyo nangapa kami kasi matagal din kaming dalawa hindi nag work. Kinabahan kami. Kung paano ba namin gagawin ito? Nag work naman at natural na lang lumabas yung rapport namin," Joshua said.
"Para kaming umuwi lang sa friendship namin. There was never any discomfort working with him again. It's been years and it's a familiar space. He's someone who's gotten to know you in the past. We've grown over the years that we were apart but we feel like we've known each other. Kilala na niya ako paano magtrabaho. He knows what makes me happy, sad, or frustrated. So I think I found comfort in entering a space with someone who knows me well," said Julia.
Working on their chemistry, Joshua said: "Hindi namin alam paano namin na workout ang. chemistry namin. Minsan may mga one take lang kami sa mga eksena. Ginagawa lang namin yung work namin. Kami naman passionate na kami sa ginagawa namin. Work lang talaga. Sa tulong ni direk siguro lumabas na rin ang chemistry namin."
Julia said she was excited to catch up with Joshua and how the past years had been for him. "What has changed, and what has remained? In those conversations, doon kami nag-start to break the ice."
She believes that being friends with exes depends on the situation.
"It's different for everyone to get their second or third chances. I can't speak for everyone because everyone has a different journey in love. So, whatever works. I'm not an expert." Joshua said he supported Julia's thoughts on exes.
Julia and Joshua also revealed their favorite scenes in the movie.
"My favorite scene was when we met again," said Julia. For Joshua, he said: "Mine is yung ending. Iba ang impact sa akin ng ending. Right?"
JosLia shared the best lessons learned about being in a relationship.
"Sa akin siguro, ang natutunan ko, dapat talaga mag-tira ka ng pagmamahal sa sarili mo at huwag mawawala ang respeto mo sa sarili mo. Pero siyempre, dalawa lang yun sa mga natutunan ko. Marami pa," said Joshua.
Julia said: "Marami kang matututunan when you are in a relationship. Pero siguro isa sa mga bina-value ko na lessons is malaki pala talaga ang impact ng pagiging supportive sa other half mo or your partner. Empowering siya kapag alam mo na naka suporta ang partner mo sa'yo. Let them be that."
At the end of the interview, Joshua and Julia shared their sweet messages for each other.
Joshua told Julia: "I'm happy for you."
Then Julia told Joshua: "I'm proud of you."
'Un/Happy For You'
Joshua and Julia's reunion movie, “Un/Happy for You,” will make viewers reflect as they go through an intense emotional rollercoaster experience in cinemas when the film premieres nationwide this Aug. 14.
In the movie’s teaser trailer that has amassed 23 million views on various digital platforms in just eight days since it was released online, Joshua (Juancho) and Julia’s (Zy) characters offer viewers a glimpse of cheerful memories and eventually their heart-shattering breakup with Moira dela Torre’s “Paubaya” playing in the background.
The teaser also shows a series of relatable questions that have crossed the minds of those who have experienced the pain and joy of losing and reuniting with someone they once loved such as: “Masaya bang balikan? Dapat bang balikan? Delulu pang balikan? Masarap bang balikan? ‘Di na dapat balikan? Paano nga ba balikan?”
Online, fans have already expressed their excitement as they wait for the Star Cinema and Viva Films movie when it hits cinemas in August.
Joshua and Julia are also spreading the love and ‘kilig’ to fans before August 14 with their “Un/happy for You” The Get Back Tour in various malls nationwide. Their next stop is in SM City Cebu this July 13.
The lead stars have also shared some behind-the-scenes photos on their upcoming movie on their respective social media accounts to delight more fans.
Directed by Petersen Vargas and written by Kookai Labayen, Crystal San Miguel, and Jen Chuaunsu, “Un/happy for You” is the reunion film of Joshua and Julia that is best seen in cinemas starting this Aug. 14.