How Coco Martin inspires Julia Montes

MANILA, Philippines – Julia Montes admits former co-star and rumored romantic interest Coco Martin serves as an inspiration.

The ABS-CBN actress said she was inspired by Coco to use her earnings from showbiz to buy properties and invest.

So far, Julia has bought two houses, a decision admittedly stirred by the ABS-CBN actor’s move to invest in real estate property for himself and his family .

READ: Coco Martin: Julia Montes is girlfriend material

“Siya nga po 'yung super close ko and super inspiration ko ngayon kasi makikita mo yung journey niya from way back na hindi naman siya Coco Martin agad,” she said during the press conference for her upcoming ABS-CBN afternoon soap opera “Doble Kara” on Monday.

“Talagang trinabaho niya 'yun bago siya naging Coco Martin,” Julia added.

Julia has long been rumored to Coco’s girlfriend, an issue the two have both denied. But the 20-year-old actress admits she is “super close” with the actor, which is one of the reasons why she cannot say for certain if they can end up together romantically.

“Kasi hirap sabihin. Super close kasi kami. Hindi ko masabi na, ‘Ready na’,” she said. “Go with the flow. Tignan po natin. And 'di ko po makakaila talaga na siya talaga ang close ko.”

Watch Julia Montes talk about Coco Martin here:

Julia talked to members of the press during the media launch of “Doble Kara,” which will premiere on Monday, August 24.

The actress is joined by Edgar Allan Guzman and Anjo Damilies for the project. Is there a possibility that she can develop romantic feelings for one of her on-screen partners? Julia said she’s currently focused on her work.

“Mahirap kasi magsabi ng age,” Julia said when asked when she’ll be ready for love. “Nakakapressure kung (sasabihin ko), ‘By this time, gusto ko ganito na.’ Siguro may mga priorities lang na uunahin. Kapag dumating, tignan natin.”

“Lahat ng bagay na dumarating sa buhay ko, pinagdarasal ko. So sabi ko, kung darating, will ni Lord,” she said.

“Medyo strict ako. Strict ako sa sarili ko. More than dapat strict si lola, mas strict ako,” Julia quipped when asked if she’s open to entertaining suitors. She added that her focus is on making sure her siblings live a comfortable life.

“Gusto kong ma-secure yung future ng mga kapatid ko. Ayoko yung ma-feel nila yung kailangan nila mag-work for pag-aaral,” she explained. “Thankful kasi ako sa lahat ng paghihirap na naranasan ko. Ayoko lang na maranasan nila 'yun.”