MANILA, Philippines — Julia Barretto is entering a new phase in her career as an independently managed actress, saying she is “open to opportunities” to work with different production companies and storytellers.
Her new career chapter begins with Regal Films’ Metro Manila Film Festival 2026 entry, “Haunted Carnival,” which marks her first project with Regal Entertainment.
During the film’s media junket in Quezon City on July 26, Julia said she looks forward to exploring more projects now that she can work with different filmmakers and production outfits.
“It’s a good time in my life to be able to explore and work with everyone kasi lahat may magandang istorya, and gusto ko ma-grab opportunity na ’yun kapag naisip nila ako para sa proyekto,” she said.
Julia clarified, however, that she does not consider herself a freelancer.
“’Wag natin gamitin ’yung word na [freelancer]. Gamitin natin na open to opportunities,” she said.
The actress also expressed gratitude to the management teams and production companies that have supported her throughout her career. She most recently worked under Viva Artists Agency after leaving Star Magic.
“I don’t wanna burn bridges, you know why? Sa lahat ng network, management, production house, naalagaan ako, na-protektahan ako, naging mabuti and sobra akong grateful,” she said.
Julia said she remains open to working again with Viva, ABS-CBN, Star Cinema, Regal and other production companies as long as the project offers a story she wants to tell.
“Andon pa rin ’yung desire ko na makipagtrabaho sa lahat — from Viva, to Star Cinema, to Regal, with all the production houses. Gusto kong patuloy pa rin iyong trabaho, basta naman may magandang storya,” she said.
Julia also revealed that she deliberately took a break from acting after the commercial success of “Un/Happy for You,” her romantic drama reunion film with Joshua Garcia.
She said the pause allowed her to reassess the projects she wanted to pursue and become more selective about her next role.
“Ginusto kong mas maging maingat sa susunod kong gagawin. Gusto kong maging masaya sa proyektong gagawin ko. I want to finish the project na fulfilled ako, na may impact siya sa akin,” she said.
“So nag-hintay ako ng tamang timing. You just have to be patient and God is good, dumating ’to, and I have an exciting project also with this,” she added.
Julia said taking a break also helped her reassess the direction she wanted to take in her career.
“I guess timing is everything and everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it’s good to take a pause para malaman mo ’yung direction na gusto mong puntahan,” she said.
“Haunted Carnival” is set to premiere on Christmas Day as part of the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival. The horror-slasher also stars Maricel Soriano, John Arcilla, James Reid, Fyang Smith, Joaquin Arce, Celyn David and Charlie Fleming.