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JoshLia on Drawing From Real-Life Experiences for “Un/Happy for You”

JoshLia's comeback film explores themes of healing and acceptance, which the two stars also pulled from their personal experiences

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Judy Arias

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/254b6404-c5ec-44bb-acf1-5d792e57b679_joshlia unhappy for youimg_0683.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia star in the upcoming movie " Un="" Happy="" for=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia star in the upcoming movie &#x27;Un/Happy for You&#x27;</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The undeniable chemistry between <strong>Julia Barretto</strong> and <strong>Joshua Garcia</strong> is set to ignite the silver screen once again in their highly-anticipated reunion film, <strong><em>Un/Happy for You</em></strong>. After years of navigating their personal and professional lives separately, the former love team promises a tale of healing and acceptance that is bound to resonate deeply with audiences.</p><div><br/></div><p>In a recent press conference, Joshua shared his thoughts on the movie’s theme, emphasizing its potential to teach viewers about acceptance and healing. “Feeling <em>ko isa rito</em> ’<em>yung</em> healing, ’<em>yung pag</em>-accept,” he remarked, suggesting that the film’s narrative will strike a chord with many.</p><div><br/></div><p>Julia, on her part, described the film as a rollercoaster of emotions and learning. “<em>May sariling</em> personal journey <em>si</em> Juancho, <em>may sariling</em> personal journey <em>si</em> Zy, and even all of our characters here in our movie we all have our personal journeys <em>na nakikita namin sa isa’t-isa para kaming </em>reflection <em>ng isa’t-is</em><em>a</em>,” she explained. She further elaborated, “We all have our different pains and personal joys <em>pero</em> it’s healing, letting go, it’s accepting, it’s setting free, it’s gonna be a rollercoaster ride in this film. Excited <em>kami na guluhin ang buhay niyo</em> for two hours.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CiiEwSWwy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CiiEwSWwy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank"> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"><br/></div> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:60px"><br/></div></div></div><div style="padding:19% 0"><br/></div> <div style="display:block;height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 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translateY(1px);width:12.5px;flex-grow:0;margin-right:14px;margin-left:2px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;height:12.5px;width:12.5px;transform:translateX(9px) translateY(-18px)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:8px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:20px;width:20px"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:2px solid transparent;border-left:6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom:2px solid transparent;transform:translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"><br/></div></div><div style="margin-left:auto"> <div style="width:0px;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(16px)"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;flex-grow:0;height:12px;width:16px;transform:translateY(-4px)"><br/></div> <div style="width:0;height:0;border-top:8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left:8px solid transparent;transform:translateY(-4px) translateX(8px)"><br/></div></div></div> <div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:24px"> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:224px"><br/></div> <div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;width:144px"><br/></div></div></a><div style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center;text-overflow:ellipsis;white-space:nowrap"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CiiEwSWwy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank">A post shared by ABS-CBN Films, Star Cinema (@starcinema)</a></div></div></blockquote> </div><div><br/></div><p>Directed by <strong>Petersen Vargas</strong> and penned by <strong>Kookai Labayen</strong>, <strong>Crystal San Miguel</strong>, and <strong>Jen Chuaunsu</strong>, <strong><em>Un/Happy for You</em></strong> marks a significant milestone for Joshua and Julia, whose on-screen partnership—affectionately known as JoshLia—has been cherished by fans since their debut in <strong><em>Vince, Kath, and James</em></strong> in 2016.</p><div><br/></div><p>Despite their past as a couple, both stars emphasized that working together again was not a challenge for them or their current partners. Julia is now in a relationship with actor <strong>Gerald Anderson</strong>, while Joshua is dating French-Filipino athlete <strong>Emilienne Vigier</strong>. Julia assured everyone that their collaboration was purely professional. “I believe Josh and I are both in our secure place in our lives,” she noted. “<em>Kahit na gumawa pa kami ng sampung pelikula</em>, <em>ang intensiyon naman nu’n</em> <em>e</em> <em>hindi para makasira ng isang magandang bagay</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Joshua echoed her sentiments, highlighting their mature approach to their craft. “Actually, <em>kami po ni</em> Juls, <em>parang iba na ’yung</em> approach <em>namin sa </em>work. This time, <em>mas</em> professional, we know our boundaries <em>na rin</em>,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ed8554e2-f2e8-4922-9405-0bf04e4588d3_joshlia unhappy for youimg_0666.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Direk Petersen Vargas with Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Direk Petersen Vargas with Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Drawing from real-life experiences</strong></div><p><em>Un/Happy for You</em> tells the story of ex-lovers Juancho (Joshua) and Zy (Julia), whose paths cross once more, leading them on a journey of rediscovery and healing. The actors admitted that their personal experiences significantly influenced their portrayal of the characters. Joshua mentioned, “<em>Hindi maiwasan na humugot sa </em>past, but I think <em>bilang akto</em>r,<em> nasa sa’yo na rin ’yun kung paano mo siya babawasan</em> ’<em>yung nararamdaman mo</em>. Just to protect yourself <em>lang din du’n sa</em> pain <em>na nararamdaman mo</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Julia shared that their process was an intimate one, rooted in their shared memories. “<em>Ayoko naman i</em>-spoil <em>masyado ’yung naging</em> process <em>namin ni </em>Josh. <em>Kasi</em> it’s an intimate one n<em>a kami lang talaga magkakaintindihan habang ginagawa namin ’to</em>. But <em>siguro</em>, <em>ginawa namin </em>inspiration<em> mas lalo ’yung </em>happy memories<em> namin noong kami pa</em>,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6d41b82a-24b2-48de-97b2-1a232d3e5738_joshlia unhappy for youimg_0573.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>“Flavors of love”</strong></div><p><a href="https://metro.style/people/celebrities/un-happy-for-you-naga-joshlia-atty-leni-robredo/38400" target="_blank">Set against the backdrop of <strong>Naga City</strong></a>, the film’s choice of location adds a layer of metaphorical depth. <em>Direk</em> Petersen explained, “It was an idea that I worked with our writers, part of the journey [of the characters] is <em>medyo mapangahas at nakakagigil na</em> element ’<em>yung</em> reunion <em>nu’ng</em> exes <em>sa</em> story and we felt that Naga as a city is filled with spiciness and we would like to embrace that ‘flavor.’”</p><div><br/></div><p>One of the writers, Kookai Labayen, relates this spiciness to love and pain, much like eating spicy food: “<em>Kapag kumakain ka ng maanghang</em>, at first <em>parang mapapasipa ka</em> but later on, <em>meron siyang sarap na nabibigay</em>. The pain stays but it’s so good.” Crystal San Miguel also noted, “<em>Pero</em> after, ’<em>di ba</em> you will want to keep wanting for more?”</p><div><br/></div><p>“<em>Kahit alam mong nadala ka na</em>, <em>uulitin mo pa rin siya,</em>” added <em>Direk</em> Petersen. It’s like love, the pain, and heartbreak that comes with it, but we keep loving, it makes us yearn for more, just like an irresistible spicy flavor.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fc9bb195-aad1-409b-8f96-b422c6ce5ac3_joshlia unhappy for youimg_0650.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="(From left) Crystal San Miguel, Kookai Labayen, Bianca de Vera, Aljon Mendoza, Petersen Vargas, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Kaila Estrada, Bong Gonzales, and Meann Espinosa"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">(From left) Crystal San Miguel, Kookai Labayen, Bianca de Vera, Aljon Mendoza, Petersen Vargas, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Kaila Estrada, Bong Gonzales, and Meann Espinosa</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Revisiting the “#JoshLia Magic”</strong></div><p>The last time fans saw Joshua and Julia together was in Moira dela Torre’s music video for “<strong>Paubaya</strong>” in 2021. Their reunion for <em>Un/Happy for You </em>has sparked excitement and nostalgia. Reflecting on what he missed about working with Julia, Joshua said, “<em>Na</em>-miss <em>ko na may ka-eksena na naiintindihan ’yung nararamdaman ko</em>, <em>alam mo ’yun</em>? <em>Lumalabas siya sa </em>screen <em>talaga</em>. <em>Na</em>-miss <em>ko ’yung mga tawanan namin</em>.”</p><div><br/></div><div class="youtube-iframe"><iframe width="400" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/25Cs__vdmII" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Julia noted their growth over the years, both as individuals and as actors. “<em>Parang</em> over the years, <em>nag</em>-evolve <em>na kami</em> as people and actors as well. So, it’s nice that we’ve grown in those past years as we come together and we get to learn new things about each other and from each other while we’re working. <em>Ang dali ng trabaho kapag may pagkakaintindihan na kayo lang makakaintindi sa proseso na ’yun</em>. It’s special. It’s different,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><p><em>Un/Happy for You</em>’s cast includes Kaila Estrada, Aljon Mendoza, Bianca de Vera, Bong Gonzales, and Meann Espinosa. </p><div><br/></div><p>As fans eagerly await the release of <em>Un/Happy for You</em> on <strong>August 14, 2024</strong>, the film promises not just a cinematic experience but a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the power of healing.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Watch the trailer of <em>Un/Happy for You </em>below:</strong></div><div class="youtube-iframe"><iframe width="400" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bFC9sSIk_cc" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Photos by <strong>Judy Arias</strong></p><div><br/></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>