Julie Sparks Joy

All her life, actress, singer, and songwriter Julie San Jose has been making everyone around her happy. Here’s why she’s not stopping anytime soon.

- Macy Alcaraz

Julie San Jose—or @MyJaps to her millions of followers—has been entertaining the public for for years, starting with joining contests and pageants as a threeyear-old girl. Like most pop stars, her musical beginnings are rooted in a singing competition. But unlike most pop stars, this dream wasn’t one she had for herself—at least not since she was born. Still, it’s a dream the now 23-year-old (turning 24 this month, on the 17th) fully embraces and feels grateful for. We sit down with the GMA star and Universal Records artist to talk about how she ended up where is right now and what’s fueling her decision to stay.

GROWING UP, WAS IT ALWAYS YOUR DREAM TO BE A SINGER?

It was actually my grandparents’, especially my lola’s. When I was three—I started singing at two and a half—they saw my potential. Ako ‘yung panganay sa aming lahat—panganay na apo, panganay na anak. At that time, ako ‘yung parang toy nila. They persuaded me to enter the industry. They told me, “Gusto namin paglaki mo, gusto ka naming maging artista, maging musikero.” They enrolled me in voice lessons at three years old and made me join different pageants and contests. Which I liked because I already really enoyed singing in the first place. If it weren’t for this skill—my Godgiven talent—siguro I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT CREATING MUSIC THAT YOU LOVE?