When Julia Montes celebrated her 30th birthday on March 19, 2025, it wasn't just a milestone of age but a reflection of her evolving understanding of beauty.
In her earlier years, Julia equated beauty with external attributes, like physical appearance. As she matured, she recognized that true beauty transcends mere looks.
She conveyed this change in perspective during an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the launch event for Avignon Clinic's new treatment, Ulthera Prime, on March 7, 2025.
Julia said: "Before kasi, when I say beauty, automatic, physical. Physical looks, kung ano yung hitsura ng mukha mo, ng katawan mo, ng balat mo.
"But I realized, habang tumatanda ako, it's more of within, than yung nakikita."
She emphasized the importance of a positive outlook and genuine happiness in her perception of true beauty.
"Tulad yan, recently, nasasabi na parang, 'Oh, you look so good...' Ganyan-ganyan, 'You look so happy.'
"Kasi I'm really happy. So, parang na-realize ko, 'Oo nga, when you're really happy within, nagre-radiate siya.'
"So why not embrace myself, who I am talaga, kung ano talaga yung mga insecurities ko, just embrace it para mas ma-appreciate pa ng iba yung kung ano man yung binigay sa akin ni Lord."
Julia’s perspective is shaped by her experiences and the pressures of the entertainment industry, which can often distort self-image.
By focusing on self-love and inner strength, she learned to navigate these challenges and stop comparing herself to others.
She told PEP: "Yun yung natutunan ko this year.
"As I turn almost 30, parang na-realize ko na at end of the day, kapag mahal mo naman kung ano yung ano ka as a person, mas magiging feeling mo, mas beautiful ka.
"Mas na-appreciate ng tao yung hitsura mo.
"So, parang, kesa mag-focus ako na nai-insecure ako sa ganito ko, sa ganito ko, parang na-realize ko na sa industry, don't compare yourself.
"Kasi hindi lahat tayo pare-pareho."
The Filipino-German actress continued, "And ako, alam ko naman na may lahi ako. So, technically, hindi ko ma-reach yung gusto kong kapayatan.
"At kung gustuhin ko man yun, just appreciate na lang kung ano ako muna ngayon. Huwag kong i-pressure yung sarili ko sa goal na hindi ko pa naman na-achieve."
JULIA MONTES'S BEAUTY SECRET
If you're curious about how Julia maintains her youthful glow, aesthetic clinic visits have certainly contributed.
One of her favorite treatments is Ultherapy, a non-invasive procedure that utilizes focused ultrasound energy to boost collagen production, resulting in tighter and more lifted skin.
Julia stands by this treatment so strongly that even after gaining weight—and with TV notoriously adding 30 more pounds—her face stays "snatched."
For those unfamiliar, "snatched" is modern slang for looking incredibly amazing or perfectly on point.
Julia said, "Ever since naman nag-start ako sa showbiz, kilala naman ako na chubby cheeks talaga.
"So, every time na may treatments, dun ako mas nagpo-focus kasi parang dun nga yung pinaka-insecurity ko — yung chubby cheeks ko before.
"And then, later on, nari-realize ko pag pinapanood ko ulit from ngayon yung mga ginawa ko way back na nag-gain ako ng sobrang weight, sabi ko, 'Ah, in fairness naman yung mukha ko pag naka-tight shot, medyo nadadaya pa.'
"Tapos, dun ko na-realize na Ulthera lang naman yung ginagawa ko."
Julia is now eagerly anticipating her experience with the latest innovation, Ulthera Prime, which offers the same results in less time and with reduced discomfort.
Along with Avignon Clinic's founders Christopher Cachuela and Benedict Sy, Julia was thrilled to lead the unboxing of the Ulthera Prime machine during the event at Avignon's Grand Alabang branch.
The Kapamilya actress said, "I heard kasi na less pain and more parang compressed na yung time.
"So, siyempre, mas marami ka pang treatments na puwedeng gawin right after, if you have a busy schedule, kapag nagpa-schedule ka.
"So, meron kang puwedeng i-compress na other treatments ba. And siyempre, less painful.
"And I can say kasi yung pain ni Ulthera, hindi naman siya pain, e. It's more of you feel the tightness, yung tightening ng machine kapag nagpa-press yung doctor.
"So, parang ito, kung mas less pa dun sa na-feel ko before, puwede mas enjoyable, mas makakapag-relax ka while doing Ulthera."
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