In her latest comeback project, Saving Grace, acclaimed actress Julia Montes takes on her most challenging role yet as Teacher Anna—a character that demands emotional depth and a profound understanding of the complexities of a mother’s love.
In an intimate interview with the press, Julia shared that the film offered her new insights into motherhood, sacrifice, and the lengths a mother would go to for her child.
“It’s hard to put into words because motherhood is very difficult to explain—the way they love is selfless. A mother is the epitome of sacrifice. A mother’s love is like the depths of the ocean—immeasurable. You can’t define it through one scenario or happy moment because they devote their happiness to their children,” Julia explained.
She continued, “One thing Saving Grace taught me is to be thankful for your mother while you still have her. Just knowing they brought you into this world and took care of you is already a blessing.”
The emotionally charged drama addresses weighty topics such as child abuse and generational trauma, which Julia believes are essential for Filipino audiences to discuss.
“In our culture, we often hear, ‘Nanay mo pa rin yan,’ or ‘Magulang mo pa rin yan.’ But what if those relationships are the source of a person’s struggles? It’s important to start conversations about these issues,” she said.
Julia also drew from personal experiences to add authenticity to her portrayal of Teacher Anna. She recalled a pivotal scene with veteran actress Janice de Belen, which reminded her of how parents often conceal truths to protect their children.
“We sometimes think our parents hide things because they just don’t want to tell us. But during that scene, I realized they withhold things to avoid hurting us. Growing up, everyone knew I didn’t know my father, and my grandmother didn’t tell me the whole story. I thought she was trying to hurt me, but in reality, she was protecting me,” Julia shared.
Julia described her role as emotionally demanding, calling it her most challenging performance yet.
“This is the hardest role I’ve ever done because portraying a mother’s love is incredibly difficult. Conveying that depth to the audience is no small task. Love is such a vast and complex concept, which is why I truly enjoyed this role,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Julia welcomed the opportunity to address societal issues like the physical discipline of children, emphasizing the importance of breaking the cycle of generational trauma.
“Not every family is fortunate to have someone who realizes the need to stop it or has the courage to do so. Sometimes, even you might not know how to break the cycle. I hope we become more open about mental health struggles to protect future generations,” Julia told Manila Standard Entertainment.
To those enduring abuse, Julia offered words of encouragement, hoping the film would inspire conversations and healing.
“It’s hard to speak up, especially when others question your truth. But never lose faith—it’s your greatest source of strength. No matter what others say, there is always light. Pray for the courage to find it, and when you feel like you’re sinking, look for that strength. Pray for it,” Julia concluded.