Julie Anne San Jose misses chance to be in 'Miss Saigon'

December 3 ------ As 2025 unfolds, Kapuso star Julie Anne San Jose is set to navigate a whirlwind of projects and engagements, filling her calendar to the brim. But the excitement doesn't end there; 2026 promises to be even more packed with opportunities, suggesting a dazzling future for this talented artist.

"I have All-Out Sundays and The Voice Kids—so medyo busy po ako. But I am even busier promoting my songs and then writing. In the first quarter of 2026, I will be in Dubai with Michael Pangilinan. We will have a concert in February. I also have a series of shows in the US and Canada," said Julie Anne during the launch of her newest single, "Simula" at Seda Hotel in Quezon City on Nov. 28

However, if there’s one passion she longs to cultivate in the near future, it’s the enchanting world of theater. The prospect of stepping into vibrant characters, basking in the glow of stage lights, and expressing emotions through the art of performance ignites a fervent excitement within her. "Sa mga bagay na gusto kong subukan, I want to try theater. I haven't done it. Many people are telling me bagay ako sa ganito or ganyan — time management lang talaga. (Of the things I want to try, I want to try theater. I haven't done it. Some people are telling me I'm good at this or that. It's just time management," she said.

At 31, Julie Anne fondly reminisced about the moment her passion for theater acting ignited. Noong high school ako, pinapili kami kung ano ang gagawin namin sa theater or musical: 'Les Miserables,' 'The Phantom of the Opera,' and 'Miss Saigon.' I chose 'Miss Saigon.' So we practised 'Miss Saigon.' We bonded with that, so paano pa kaya sa totoong theater experience. (When I was in high school, we were asked to choose what we would do in a theater or musical: ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ and ‘Miss Saigon.’ We chose ‘Miss Saigon.’ So we practiced ‘Miss Saigon.’ We bonded with that, so how about a real theater experience. "I would go for any character. Iba kasi ang role sa TV, movies and sa theater. In the theater, it will involve all your energy. Depende kung ano ang ibigay sa akin na opportunity.," she said.

Julie Ann recalled almost making it to the auditions for the blockbuster musical "Miss Saigon." "I would love to be part of Miss Saigon. One time, I got a call slip from 'Miss Saigon.' This was the time when Rachelle Anne Go performed in 'Miss Saigon.' "Pero during the audition day, I got so sick. Sabi ko, Paano ito? Hindi talaga ako tumuloy dahil hindi talaga kaya ng katawan ko. Sabi ko hindi ako talaga meant to be. But if there's ever a chance, of course, I would love to.," she added.

Julie Anne mentioned that she takes personal growth in stride, understanding that we will all eventually reach that moment. "Personal growth is essential. Darating naman tayo lahat dyan. When it comes to matters of the heart, happy naman ako. I think kung ano man ang tinutukoy ninyo, I think dapat si Rayver (Cruz) po ang makakasagot. So siya na lang po ang tanungin ninyo."

In her message to her younger self, Julie Anne said, "I will tell my younger self, Kaya mo yan. Ipagpatuloy mo lang yan. Maraming kang challenges and hurdles na darating na hindi mo ini-expect pero malalampasan mo rin yan. Walang hindi ibibigay sa'yo si Lord na hindi mo kayang lagpasan. Always keep coming back to your core and always be grateful. Just keep doing the things you love."

It will be a simple Christmas celebration for Julie Anne and her family. "I'll stay with my family during the holidays — yun naman ang spirit ng Christmas, which is to be with your loved ones. It is also about giving back as we celebrate Christmas." Her Christmas wish: "Siguro good health and bigyan pa ako ni Lord ng strength. And then wisdom para makapag sulat pa ako ng songs. And world peace. Sana maging maayos ang lahat para sa bansa natin."

Maintaining a positive mindset constantly is challenging, she said. However, anything is possible if you do not limit yourself. "Mahirap siyang gawin. I guess nasa mindset ko na rin. Kumbaga marami na rin akong pinagdaanan at nandito pa rin tayo. It will only make you stronger yung mga pinagdaraanan natin sa buhay. Dapat hindi mo nili-limit ang sarili mo. You have to think outside the box. You deserve only the best things in the world," she said. Julie Anne added, "Dreams do come true if you choose to make them happen."

Source: mb.com.ph