PHOTOS: Seth Rabang

Julia Barretto said being simply part of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival is an honor when asked if she believes her performance in the entry Hold Me Close is worthy of being nominated for the festival’s Best Actress Award alongside seasoned actresses such as Vilma Santos and Judy Ann Santos.

Julia Barretto was showered with praises by her Hold Me Close leading man Carlo Aquino for her performance in the said 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry.

During the press conference for the film last Friday, November 22, the Kapamilya actor told members of the media that Julia’s performance is worthy of an MMFF Best Actress Award, saying it can stand firm alongside the performances of veteran actresses in this year’s MMFF line-up, which include Judy Ann Santos and Vilma Santos.

“Sobrang husay kaya ni Juju dito, ’di ba, direk?” Carlo said.

Julia, however, remained humble and said it is simply an honor to be part of the 50th year of the MMFF.

“Sobra ko silang dalawang iniidolo so even to mention my name beside theirs, medyo nakaka-dyahe siya. But, I think, this alone, this film making it to the MMFF on their 50th year and just being included is already such a great honor. Grateful naman na ako with this alone,” she said.

Julia and Carlo are all set to take moviegoers on an emotional rollercoaster ride this Christmas Day, December 25, with Hold Me Close, which is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana.

The film, set in beautiful Karatsu, Japan, centers around the story of Woody (Carlo), who travels across the world to find the perfect place to settle in, and Lynlyn (Julia), a squid vendor who has a special ability to tell if a person will cause happiness or harm to her with a simple touch.

Hold Me Close marks the second time Julia and Carlo will be working together after the 2022 romantic drama film Expensive Candy, which was also helmed by Laxamana.