Julia Montes opened up about her childhood and her relationships with her parents and grandmother while reflecting on her lead role in the family drama Saving Grace. The series, which aired on a streaming platform from late 2024 to January 2025, explores themes of family struggles and resilience.
In the show, Montes plays Anna Sarmiento, a character who kidnaps a student to save her from parental abuse. The role prompted Montes to revisit her own experiences growing up under the care of her grandmother, Flory, and navigating her relationship with her differently-abled parents.
Protective Love from Her Grandmother
Montes shared that her grandmother shielded her from certain truths about her parents during her childhood.
“Before, hindi kinekwento ng lola ko ‘yung buong kwento ng mom and dad ko. When I filmed Saving Grace, I realized she was protecting me for my own sake,” Montes said. “There was pain at first when I learned the truth, but I couldn’t let myself drown in it.”
She credited her grandmother for stepping up as both mother and father figures, providing twice the love and support.
A Unique Bond with Her Mother
Montes also spoke about her relationship with her mother, Gemma, who is deaf and mute.
“Ang relationship namin ni Mama is different. Deaf and mute si Mama, so struggling din siya emotionally because her world is different,” Montes explained. “Habang nagdadalaga ako, nagdadalaga rin ang mama ko. We joke that I’m the mother and she’s the daughter.”
Her grandmother, Flory, took on the role of caregiver and nurturer for both Montes and her mother, holding their family together.
Finding Positivity and Meaning
Despite a challenging childhood, Montes emphasized her efforts to adopt a positive outlook.
“Growing up, my childhood wasn’t okay. But doing Saving Grace taught me to pray for the ability to see the positive light after everything,” she shared. “I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t see it at first.”
Rebuilding Relationships
In 2018, Montes reunited with her German father in London, marking a significant step toward mending their relationship. She has since developed closer ties with her biological parents, finding clarity and healing in the process.
Montes’ journey of self-reflection and resilience mirrors the themes of Saving Grace, highlighting her growth both as an actress and as an individual.