Enchong 'rebuilding' friendship with Julia Montes

Enchong Dee and Julia Montes are now in the process of rebuilding their friendship after they had a falling out late last year.

Dee and Montes will both be part of the upcoming ABS-CBN series “Muling Buksan Ang Puso,” which will also feature Enrique Gil, Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Dante Rivero, Dominic Ochoa, Daniel Fernando, Malou Crisologo and Pooh.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, Dee said he is happy that he and Montes are now given the chance to spend a lot of time together – something they were not able to do in the past.
“I’m really, really happy kasi isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami ganito na ulit ngayon is because of ‘Muling Buksan ang Puso.’ I’m thankful kasi masaya na ulit kami ni Julia. Kung ano 'yung gap, 'yung space na nagkaroon sa amin, wala na iyon,” he said.

In his past interview, Dee said time was among the factors why their then-blossoming romance did not end well.

“Ngayon I can say it na masaya kami now that we’re working. Pinangarap din naming ito nung time na iyon na maging magkasama kami. Now magkasama na talaga kami almost every day because of this show,” he said.

Dee said he also has no problems with Coco Martin, who also expressed interest in the young actress and was even her escort at her debut party.

“Sobra kaming okay ni Coco. Doing well ang ‘Juan dela Cruz.’ Walang [kompetisyon], Coco Martin na iyon eh. Wala naming problema sa amin,” he said.

Asked if he has plans to woo Montes anew, Dee said: “Julia and I, we are just rebuilding our friendship. Doon muna tayo.”

No spat with Xian

Meanwhile, Dee echoed what Xian Lim earlier said about their supposed spat on the set of their series "Ina Kapatid Anak."

“Okay kami, believe it or not, we are okay. Sabi ko nga more often than not, 'yung mga kwento sa showbiz either nadadagdagan or nababawasan and this is another issue that’s blown out of proportion,” he said.

Dee denied reports that he and Lim had a confrontation.

“Nag-usap lang kami, may klinaro lang ako sa kanya and walang sigawang nangyari and walang hindi kami nag-uusap. Sabi nga ni Xian, masyado kaming maraming pinagsamahan para masira lang dahil nag-usap kami,” he said.

Dee also took the opportunity to clarify reports saying he will be leaving “Ina Kapatid Anak” to give way for “Muling Buksan ang Puso.”

“Naging balita pero now, I’m confirming na we’re going end the show properly,” he said.

Now 18, Julia Montes goes sexy in pictorial

MANILA -- Only days after she turned 18, Julia Montes returned to work by flaunting her sexy figure as an endorser of a weight-loss procedure.

"Super nae-excite din ako, kasi after that big event sa buhay ko, ito, back to work na, at talaga namang ito ang gusto ko. Kaya happy, happy," she told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.

Montes, who celebrated her debut last Tuesday, gamely posed for the cameras during a pictorial for her latest endorsement deal with a local beauty clinic chain.

"Ang ine-endorse natin dito ay ang weight loss talaga. Nakita niyo naman ako noong tumaba ako nang bonggang-bongga, so in a way talaga nakatulong talaga sakin 'to," she said.

She admitted that her recent weight gain has been an issue, considering her frame. "Siyempre ako, matangkad ako, malaking bulas tapos kapag sa screen, additional ten pounds, so iba talaga 'yun, lalo na nung tumaba talaga ako last time."

Although she has managed to slim down, Montes said she has yet to feel comfortable wearing revealing swimsuits during trips to the beach.

Meanwhile, the "Walang Hanggan" star expressed joy over her recent debut, which gathered her close friends, family and colleagues in one occasion.

"Super happy. Actually mahirap i-express kung gaano ako kasaya noong gabing iyon," she said.
Parts of Montes' 18th birthday celebration will be aired in a special episode of the entertainment talk show "The Buzz" on Sunday.

Fairy-tale debut set for Julia Montes

MANILA, Philippines -- The invitations are out and the program is being finalized for the debut party of young actress Julia Montes next month.

According to the "A Moment in Time" star, preparations for her 18th birthday party are almost finished.

"Naibigay na 'yung mga invitation. Mayroon na po 'yung program. Inaayos na po ang song list. So medyo malapit na. Navi-visualize ko na kung ano ang itsura," Montes said.

The debut party will have a fairy-tale theme. "May pagka-fairy tale kasi mayroon akong carriage, castle," she revealed.

Montes will wear a ball gown designed by Pepsi Herrera, which she described as "puffy" with a "sweetheart cut."

"Dito ang gagawin ko may pagka-Cinderella type lang," she said.

Aside from the traditional "18 roses," Montes also decided to have "18 tulips" and "18 treasures."
Included in the "18 roses" are actors John Lloyd Cruz, Jerome Ponce, Albie Casiño, Aaron Villaflor, Robi Domingo, Sam Concepcion, Joem Bascon, Khalil Ramos, Enrique Gil, Daniel Padilla, , Rayver Cruz, Sam Milby, Jake Cuenca and her "Walang Hanggan" co-stars Paulo Avelino and Richard Gomez.

Meanwhile, included in the "18 treasures" are her "Mara Clara" co-star Kathryn Bernardo, "Walang Hanggan" co-star Dawn Zulueta, Eda Nolan, Melissa Ricks, Dimples Romana, Maricar Reyes, Denise Laurel and Janice de Belen.

She also revealed that Kapamilya artists Jed Madela, Richard Poon, Bugoy Drilon and Liezl Garcia will perform in her special day.

As for love-team partner Coco Martin and Julia Montes said she is hoping to have the actor as her escort.
"Baka maudlot pa din. Pero umoo na si Coco Martin," she said.

Julia-Coco film not 'Walang Hanggan Part 2'

MANILA, Philippines - Young actress Julia Montes made it clear that her upcoming movie with actor Coco Martin is not the big-screen version of their hit TV series "Walang Hanggan".

Montes made the statement as some people have been assuming that their newest project together, "A Moment In Time", is connected to the love story of Daniel and Katerina of "Walang Hanggan".

"[It's] A new tandem of us. Siguro iniisip ng mga tao na another story ng 'Walang Hanggan' sa big screen. Pero it's a different story. It has different characters. Ibang-ibang kwento at iba-ibang character talaga," the actress said in an interview on "Mornings@ANC" on Friday.

Montes, who rose to fame for her antagonistic role of Clara in the remake of "Mara Clara" alongside Kathryn Bernardo, said she is thrilled to work again with Martin and shoot some scenes for the film in Paris and Milan.

"Super fun. We never expected na magshoo-shoot kami abroad. 'Yung scenery kasi nakakadagdag doon sa love story namin. 'Yung good vibes noong scenery. So iba talaga," she said.

Montes added that she did not have a hard time doing the film because she is now more comfortable working with Martin.

"Ito, parang kumportable na kami sa isa't isa and we know each other well than before," she said.

As they embark on a new project, Montes appealed to her fans to support her first film with Martin.

"Noong 'Walang Hanggan', we never expected na ganoon ang feedback ng tao sa amin. Ito, big screen na ito, ibang usapan na. Hindi lang siya ililipat sa remote control, kung hindi pupunta ang tao sa moviehouse. They will spend time just to watch us. Iba talaga 'yung pressure. Sana, hopefully, kung paano nila sinuportahan ang 'Walang Hanggan', ganoon din sila sa movie," she said.

Directed by Emmanuel Palo, "A Moment In Time" also stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gabby Concepcion and Cherie Gil.

The movie is expected to continue the success experienced by the recently concluded "Walang Hanggan", which has been dubbed as a "phenomenal series" for spawning two soundtracks and merchandise such as jewelry and wine.

Julia's grandma says Coco Martin a good guy

MANILA, Philippines – The grandmother of Julia Montes would rather have the young actress focus on her career first than to enter into a relationship since she is still very young.

Lola Flory, who raised Montes, said the "Walang Hanggan" star should not hurry love.
“Intindihin muna niya ay ang kanyang pagta-trabaho, ang hanapbuhay niya. Saka na ang love life. Huwag muna, saka na lang,” she told Push.com.ph.

However, she said it will still be Montes’ call in the end, adding that she will remain by her side no matter what she decides on.

Asked to comment on reports romantically linking actor Coco Martin to her granddaughter, Lola Flory said: “Ako naman kasi mabait naman si Coco. Pinapasa-Diyos ko na lang 'yun.”

Montes and Martin first worked together in the phenomenal television series “Walang Hanggan.” They are set to bring their team-up to the big screen as their first movie together hits cinemas later this month.

During the recent trade event of ABS-CBN, Martin hinted that he plans to court Montes once she turns 18. However, Montes said in a separate interview that she finds the news hard to believe given Martin's stature in the industry.

Asked if Martin would stand a chance in case he really pursues her in the future, Montes said: “Parang ang hirap yata sagutin niyan. Ang haba naman ng hair ko kung totoo man iyan. Hindi ko po masagot eh. Tignan po natin. Wala pa naman akong 18.”

Montes stressed though that she will definitely follow her grandmother’s advice. “Desisyon ni Lola 'yun kaya dapat sundin,” she said.

Pushing intrigues aside, Montes invited all her fans to watch out for her movie with Martin.

“January na ‘yun, malapit na. Siguro in a way pasasalamat namin ito for ‘Walang Hanggan,’ sa lahat ng sumuporta and siguro hindi nila ine-expect yung hindi nakuha sa ‘Walang Hanggan.’ Hopefully dito ma-fulfill so sana mapanood nila kasi ibang tema, ibang kuwento, ibang atake sa mga characters namin,” she said.

Julia denies having an 'attitude problem'

MANILA, Philippines - Flory Hautea, grandmother of Julia Montes, shed tears in a press conference on Tuesday as she defended the young actress against rumors that she has an attitude problem.

Hautea maintained that the successes of the defunct top-rating soaps "Mara Clara" and "Walang Hanggan" did not go straight to Montes' head, adding that her granddaughter remains kind and obedient.

"Hindi po [siya nagbago], mabait 'yan at masunurin. Kapag sinabing hindi pwede eh sumusunod po 'yan," said Hautea while trying to hold back her tears.

Montes, meanwhile, believes that she was just misunderstood.

"Ako kini-claim ko siguro na nami-misunderstood ako. Kasi ako bubbly ako, friendly pero mahiyain ako at the same time. At saka ang hitsura, features ko, kapag tumatahimik ako, tignan mo lang ang mukha ko mukha akong nagmamaldita," she explained.

"'Yun ang edge ko kung bakit ako nakuhang Clara," the young actress said of her first contravida role in the hit series "Mara Clara" opposite Kathryn Bernardo.

Montes added: "Minsan hindi ako nagsasalita, tignan mo lang ako akala maldita ako. Kaya minsan gusto kong kinakausap ako kasi mas nakikilala ako ng tao kumpara sa tatahimik lang ako na ang impression ay mataray o maldita."

Depressed 

Montes admitted that there was a time when she got depressed because of the negative issues against her, including the "attitude problem" rumors.

"Aaminin ko, umabot ako sa pagka-depressed kasi kahit anong sabihin ko ang iisipin ng iba ay nagmamalinis or parang guilty pa ako," she said.

But the young actress said she is slowly able to understand that people have different opinions about her.

"Iniisip ko na lang ngayon ang bawat tao may opinyon, mayroon silang gustong artista at may ayaw nilang artista. Siguro nandoon ako sa hindi nila masyadong gusto. Siguro in the future malalaman nila kung sino ako at mapo-prove ko sa kanila na yung sinasabi nila ay hindi totoo," she said.

Asked if she can say that she never changed, Montes replied: "Wala, siguro ano lang, mas motivated lang ako compared before. 'Yun lang siguro ang nagbago sa akin. At saka sa mga comment din, sinasabi sa akin na hindi ako nagbago. Cowboy ako kaya walang ganoon."

Christmas plans

Meanwhile, Montes also shared her plans this Christmas.

"Ise-celebrate ko ang Christmas with family ko, buo kami magsasama-sama," she said.

"Christmas gift? Wala akong materyal pa na naiisip, gift siguro 'yung career ay tuloy -tuloy. At 'yung mga naniniwala sa akin sana tuloy-tuloy pa rin at gagawin ko ang lahat para mapasaya sila," she added.

Enrique Gil refuses to be affected by bashers

MANILA, Philippines – Young actor Enrique Gil refuses to be affected by the comments of some netizens who are rooting for actor Daniel Padilla to be the partner of actress Kathryn Bernardo in the ABS-CBN series “Princess and I.”

In the latest goings on in the top-rating television series, Prince Jao (Gil) is now engaged to Mikay, played by Bernardo.

In an interview with Push.com.ph, Gil said the viewers should not attack anybody since what they see on TV is only a story.

“Hindi naman [ako nakaka-receive ng hate mails] sa e-mail. Sa Twitter siguro mayroong iba pero hindi naman ako mahilig mag-Twitter masyado. Buti na lang wala naman akong nababasa na bashers so that I won’t feel bad. Siyempre story lang ‘to, teleserye lang ‘to, relax lang po,” he explained.

Gil, however, said he is glad that all of them in the show are given a chance to be in the spotlight.

“Masaya siyempre. Basta sa story na ito fair naman sa characters. May moment sila ni Gino (Padilla) may moment din si Mikay at Jao so bounce-bounce lang ‘yan eh. Basta follow the story to see kung sino ang magkakatuluyan in the end,” he said.

Gil also said they are lucky to have a “very particular” director, who brings out the best in them in every scene.

“We’re trying to work on it lalo na si direk Rory Quintos [mabusisi] sa mga eksena namin kasi pataas ng pataas ang emotions namin ngayon eh. Medyo haywire yung emotions nina Mikay, Jao, at Gino. Kaya level up din ang acting,” he said.

Meanwhile, the actor said he feels honored that aside from “Princess and I,” he is also doing a movie which will be part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival with the movie "The Strangers."

“Kapatid ko si Julia Montes. Family kasi kami tapos may journey kami, papunta sa probinsya. Tapos may unexpected turn of events na nangyari sa trip na ‘yon. That’s where the story starts—combination siya ng suspense, action, at horror,” he said.

'Walang Hanggan' gets 7 nominations in Star Awards

MANILA, Philippines (CORRECTED) – The top-rating ABS-CBN series “Walang Hanggan” has bagged seven nominations in the upcoming 26th Star Awards for TV 2012.

In the category of Best Drama Series, “Walang Hanggan” will be up against six other shows including ABS-CBN’s “Budoy,” “Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig,” and “100 Days To Heaven;” GMA-7’s “Amaya” and “Munting Heredera;” and TV-5’s “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina.”

“Walang Hanggan” actors Richard Gomez and Coco Martin are among the seven stars competing for Best Drama Actor.

Meanwhile, actresses Dawn Zulueta, Helen Gamboa and Sucan Roces will be among those vying for Best Drama Actress.

“We are all very happy kasi the mere fact na na-nominate kami, napansin talaga kami. Masayang masaya na kami. Whoever wins, okay lang iyon, it doesn’t matter. The nomination is enough,” Zulueta said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Child star Yogo Singh, who played as the young Martin on “Walang Hanggan,” will also be competing in the Best Child Performer category.

The 2012 Star Awards for TV will be held on November 18 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo De Manila University. It will be broadcast on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best on November 25.

Daniel, Katerina shot; will they survive?

MANILA -- The "eternal" love story of Daniel and Katerina in "Walang Hanggan" almost came to an end Thursday night after the characters were gunned down in a scene that drew stunned reactions from viewers of the top-rating series.

In a struggle to free his wife Katerina (Julia Montes) from the clutches of Miguel, Daniel (Coco Martin) is shot by the villain portrayed by Noni Buencamino. Attempting to save her husband from being shot twice, Katerina herself is gunned down, before Miguel fires one last time to ensure the lovers' demise.

The married couple are rushed to the hospital, where they appear dead after their vital signs flat line. Only moments later, however, Daniel and Katerina are seen opening their eyes, suggesting they have managed to survive the ordeal.

As the dramatic scenes unfolded during the penultimate episode of "Walang Hanggan," viewers of the show took to micro-blogging site Twitter to air their "hysteric" reactions.
Moments before Katerina and Daniel were shown to have survived the tragedy, netizens, led to believe the two have indeed been "parted by death," expressed mixed emotions on Twitter.

Why Julia Montes was given 'Walang Hanggan' role

MANILA, Philippines – Her ability to convincingly portray a giddy teen, a battered wife, and then a grown woman in love in the same series was a gift foreseen by management when it decided to cast Julia Montes as Katerina in ABS-CBN's top-rating series "Walang Hanggan".

"Management knew Julia could handle a role as big as Katerina's," said Nina Ferrer, the Star Magic handler of the 17-year-old Montes.

"As Clara, she showed such a wide range of emotions that the producers knew this girl could do mature roles. Plus, she looks older than her age," Ferrer told women's lifestyle magazine Cosmopolitan in its October 2012 issue.

An alumnus of kiddie gag show "Goin' Bulilit", Montes portrayed angsty teenager Clara in the 2010 remake of the 90's hit soap, and in 2011, carried over her tween team-up with actor Diego Loyzaga in the teen drama series "Growing Up".

In the same year, she reprised her on-screen rivalry with actress Kathryn Bernardo in the film "Way Back Home", where, for a third time in a row, she donned a high school uniform for a leading role.
As Katerina in "Walang Hanggan", which is down to its last five episodes, Montes transitioned from a giddy teen haciendera, to an abused wife forced into sex, to an adult who weds the man she truly loves.

Because of this, her most popular portrayal yet, "some people forget I'm just 17. Minsan 'di sila makapaniwala. Sasabihin nila, '17 ka lang?' Insulto ba 'yon?"

Even in her early teens, Montes had to grapple with the same "problem." She would miss out on roles because she was either too tall, or too mature-looking; and for some shoots, she would always be cautioned against looking too "sensual" for her age.

"Fifteen palang ako, photographers would tell me not to smile at the camera because I looked sensual daw. I always had to be extra careful of what I wore, because on me things looked sexy," she said.
As her post-"Bulilit" career unfolded, this "curse" became a "blessing" for Montes, as this afforded her biggest role yet as Katerina. But according to the young actress, being inexperienced in romance in real life, she would find challenging some scenes which required her to act as a grown woman.

"Parang ‘pag hahawakan ka pa lang, kikilabutan ka mula paa hanggang ulo. Dinadaan siya sa side [ng mouth]. Pero, ayun, dumidikit siya kahit papaano," said Montes, whose leading men in the "Walang Hanggan" are Coco Martin and Paulo Avelino.

FHM's sexiest list

However, proving she's done her role justice-- that is, shedding her tween star image--Montes recently debuted at number 68 in the "Sexiest Women in the World" list of men's magazine FHM.
Referring to the "achievement," Montes said: "I bought a copy and ako na ata ang pinaka-pa-sweet doon. Nakakatawa. Voting ba talaga 'yon? Nakakaloka! Kahit ganito ako? Anong meron? Nakakatakot!"