Julia Montes became the breadwinner of her family at a very young age. Having a mom with a disability and without a father to depend on, she needed to work early on in her life. Julia admitted that providing for her family has not been easy.

“Aminado ako na umabot ako sa point na sabi ko, ‘Bakit ako? Ilang taon pa lang ako. Gusto ko lang maglaro, gusto ko mag-aral,’” she revealed during an interview with Chalk magazine for its April issue.

Despite her moments of weakness, she underscored that she chooses to remain strong for her loved ones. “Ayokong maapektuhan sila. Ang tingin nila sa ’kin, ako ‘yung strong sa family. ‘Pag nagpakita ako ng weakness, mawawalan sila ng loob. Ayokong maramdaman nila ‘yun. Ako lang talaga ‘yung kailangang maging strong, ako ang sandalan nila. ‘Pag ako bumigay, lahat kami guguho. Kailangan, poste ako,” she stated.

She shared that she draws strength from her faith. “Siguro sa akin ‘to binigay ni Lord kasi sa family namin, ako 'may kaya. Kinakaya ko and kakayanin ko dapat for my family.'

Julia is thankful to have been given the opportunity to work in showbiz and to be financially capable. “Dati iisipin pa namin kung saan namin kukunin ‘yung pang-tuition, saan namin kukunin ‘yung pang-araw-araw naming pagkain. Ngayon, stable na ‘yung future ng mga kapatid ko at ng family ko,” she shared. Julia has already built a house and bought a car for her family.

Read the full feature on Julia Montes in Chalk magazine’s big summer issue available now on newsstands nationwide.