The treasures of Julie Anne

You wouldn’t know when you simply look at her, but Julie Anne San Jose is perhaps one of the most successful young artists of her generation today. In an age when pundits claim that OPM or Original Pilipino Music is dying, the young Kapuso artist’s self-titled debut album is a certified multi-platinum. In an age when only a few artists manage to succeed as true-blue multimedia artists, Julie Anne managed to achieve it as a singer, songwriter and actress.

All this she attained through hard work. She started her career as a contestant in Eat, Bulaga!’s Little Miss Philippines contest, but only ended up as a finalist. Julie Anne also joined the kiddie talent search Popstar Kids, and made it to the Top Five. Rita Iringan (now known as Rita de Guzman, also a Kapuso artist) was named champion. Julie Anne or Japs to her peers became part of the pop group Sugarpop. 

Julie Anne’s career took a major leap when she joined GMA 7’s Party Pilipinas. A successful team-up with fellow young artist Elmo Magalona catapulted her to fame. But she didn’t rest on the laurels of her first minor showbiz victory — Julie Anne worked hard as a solo artist as well. Her YouTube video rendition of Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass became viral. Soon, Julie Anne became known as one of the most popular young singers in the Kapuso block — and, indeed, also the most promising.

Now, with her recently-ended first primetime soap opera Kahit Nasaan Ka Man, Julie Anne has proven that she is not just a one-hit wonder. Her single I’ll Be There is a multi-platinum hit. Julie Anne, however, remains grounded.

“Hindi ko akalain na makakamit ko itong lahat,” the 19-year-old singer-actress shared. 

Why does she treasure the Kapuso network after all these years? “Because this is where I started,” Julie Anne puts it simply. “I’m thankful they kept on giving me these opportunities. I’m blessed that dito ako sa network napunta. Slowly but surely, talagang nakikita mo na nag-pro-progress.”

Here are the other treasures of Julie Anne’s life.

Most treasured person: The young Kapuso artist cherishes her mother because of the sacrifices her mom has done for her. â€œSiya ang nagluwal sa akin at nag-aruga,” Julie Anne explained. “Kaya siya ang pinaka-treasured na tao sa buhay ko,” adding she doesn’t have to spend a lot to make her mother feel special.

Most treasured thing:  Julie Anne says she had a rosary that was even blessed in the Vatican in Italy by Pope John Paul II himself — to the point that she would even place it inside her undergarments when she’s performing. Unfortunately, the rosary got lost. 

“Di kami ganun ka-dedicated sa religious affairs but we make it a point na we go to church every Sunday,” she adds about her family. 

Most treasured place: â€œAlthough marami na akong napuntahan, so far United States ang most treasured travel destination ko,” Julie Anne revealed. She went to Los Angeles and New York just this May to do a solo concert. It was exciting because it was both work and recreation for the singer.  Julie Anne also went to Las Vegas for a vacation.

Which among the three is her favorite? “Los Angeles, because it was cold when we went there,” she enthused.

Most treasured advice: Her most cherished words of wisdom are simple, given to her by her father — “Be humble, all the time.”

“Sa kanya ko nalaman yung favorite Bible verse ko ngayon: ‘For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’.” The verse comes from Luke 14:11. “We should all humble ourselves, di ba?” 

Most treasured moment: Obviously, humbled by her experience in showbiz so far, Julie Anne had a hard time choosing one particular moment in her life that she cherishes the most. But the first thing that pops into her mind is her first birthday.

“Syempre, celebrating your first birthday is one of the best things in life,” Julie Anne said. “And kapag malaki ka na, it’s nice to look back on memories na ganun. Yung mga first things, masarap talagang balikan.”

Most treasured moment as a Kapuso: As a celebrity, however, her most cherished moment is when she joined Popstar Kids.

 â€œAlthough may ups and downs pa rin, it’s God’s will talaga, e,” Julie Anne said of her showbiz success.

Most treasured show and project: Of course, Popstar Kids remains close to Julie Anne’s heart despite not being named the champion in the contest. “Doon kasi talaga ako nagsimula,” she said, echoing her sentiments that the first always remains the most memorable.

As for her most treasured project? Without a doubt, it’s Julie Anne San Jose — her debut album.

“It was really successful and I’m really grateful that it had its supporters,” she said. “They showed their love for me. Sila ang nagpapatatag sa akin dito sa showbiz.”