MANILA, Philippines - Julie Anne San Jose is not going to give up her active social media presence just because of haters.
“I have haters. I don’t take it as a hindrance. Just because you read a negative comment doesn’t mean you’ll stop. I take it as a challenge instead to better my craft,” says the Kapuso young star in an interview.
The singer, who’s turning 18 on May 17, has over 140,000 followers on her Twitter account with the user handle @MyJaps (after her initials), maintains a website and has millions of YouTube views for her covers of pop songs. Her version of Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass has accumulated over 13 million views already and in fact, she was informed that the video was among those being considered to be featured by US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who likes to invite YouTube sensations to her program. (What was eventually chosen was the Super Bass cover of the British seven-year-old Sophie.)
“It’s one of my dreams,” says Julie Anne, admitting that she’s hoping her YouTube postings will generate interest among international shows.
Still, Julie Anne is feeling the love online, although the negative comments can be a downer.
“I accidentally read the negative comments. Most of the time, I reply to fans. So, I can’t really avoid reading other comments. Of course, they’re hurtful. It is as if they have nothing to do in their lives, and just want to find imperfections (in you),” she says. “I don’t react. Before though, I was really sensitive, I really get affected. Parang I don’t deserve this, ‘hindi naman siya sikat, bakit siya ganito o ganyan, sana lumipat na siya…’”
She continues, “It’s not just about becoming popular (as to why I’m in the business), although that’s part of what I want to happen… (But) my main objective is to entertain people no matter how popular you are. What’s important is you’re giving your best, and you have passion.”
Her fans recognize that. It was through her Twitter followers that her collaboration with Team Manila Lifestyle came about. They requested the proudly Pinoy brand to tap into Julie Anne’s youthful creativity by providing design concepts. The brand, known for its “graphic interpretations of national icons to silhouettes of odds and ends from everyday life on the streets of Manila,” then translated the concepts into a limited-edition collection of MyJaps shirts and hoodies available in all Team Manila stores. (The brand’s most recognizable work is Jose Rizal’s graphic image wearing shades. They had the blessings of Rizal’s descendants to do it, according to co-founder Jowee Alviar. They also lent their artistry to the commemoration of the national hero’s 150th birthday.)
Proceeds of the shirts and hoodies will go to the patients of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Julie Anne says, “I’m just inspired to give back something na binibigay din sa akin ng mga supporters ko. They’ve given so much to me, and this is one way of thanking them.”
Julie Anne, whose father is a businessman and mother a teacher, started in the biz via kiddie contests (Eat, Bulaga’s Little Miss Philippines and Pop Star Kids). The Party Pilipinas regular is also now recording for her first album and doing mini-concerts, including one in Cebu on April 22 at the Amnezia Superclub, to be supported by Vans apparel brand.
Julie Anne especially gained fans when she got paired with Elmo Magalona. Fans call their loveteam JulieMo. They are now working on their debut movie titled Just One Summer under GMA Films.
“We’re getting to know each other more, we’re getting closer. But we’re really just friends,” Julie Anne describes her friendship with Elmo. “Hindi mawawala dun yung like and admiration, of course, because he’s the son of the master rapper (the late Francis Magalona), his father is my idol, and I see that in him.”