What does Julia Barretto think of the term "nepo baby"?
The 28-year-old actress weighed in on the growing online debate over the term “nepo baby” during the grand launch of her new beauty brand Bee Bee on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Asked what she thought of the label—shorthand for “nepotism baby,” used to describe people whose careers appear aided by family connections—Julia said the phrase now means different things depending on context.
“In what sense though? Kasi parang may dalawang meaning na siya, e,” she told entertainment reporters in an interview at the launch of her beauty brand in Makati City.
Turning a bit more serious, Julia, who is the daughter of actress Marjorie Barretto, added: “Anak lang ako ni Marjorie, but I work hard for what I have. Period."
She ended her statement with "I advice you guys to do the same.”
The term “nepo baby” has surged across social media in 2010s, often used deragatorily to criticize celebrities and public figures perceived to have benefited from familial influence.
In recent days, the label has widened into debates about privilege and accountability—especially aimed at children or relatives of those allegedly tied to corruption, including DPWH contractors accused of “ghost” projects and substandard flood-control work, as well as officials in other government agencies—and at those who flaunt suspected ill-gotten wealth.
JULIA BARRETTO ON TELESERYE WITH ENRIQUE GIL
Meanwhile, Julia expressed excitement about her upcoming teleserye with Enrique Gil.
Noting it’s been more than 11 years since they last worked together on the 2014 ABS-CBN series Mira Bella, she said, "Now we're both very much grown."
Apart from Enrique, Julia also said she’s thrilled to reunite with director Antoinette Jadaone, whom she worked with on the 2017 film Love You to the Stars and Back.
"I'm excited to work with Direk Tonette again, whom I worked with for Love You to the Stars and Back, in 2017.
"So both of them ang tagal na rin. So we're, we're really excited for this one."
Julia shared filming hasn’t started yet.
"It's still in the works. Ang dami pang pre-prod na kailangang gawin," Julia told reporters.
"They're completing the cast. I've heard some na makakasama namin that I'm really excited about.
"But I think we're supposed to be launching soon, before we start taping. But hopefully before the year ends."
Asked if she’s ready for the all-nighters that teleserye work demands, Julia joked, “Eddie Garcia Bill.”
The Eddie Garcia Bill — now a law — mandates protections for industry workers, including better working conditions, fixed hours, fair wages, social security and welfare benefits, and comprehensive insurance.
With this in place, Julia said, "Ang sarap magtrabaho ngayon because everybody is isang team na. Everybody wants to finish on time.
"Everybody wants to be productive with their time. Ang dami talagang natuto sa pandemic.
"So now, productivity and siyempre, respect sa time ng lahat.
"So, I'm not too worried about the puyatan though it may come. But being physically ready for it, maybe.”
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