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Kathryn, Julia regret loss of AJ in launching movie

Set to appear in an upcoming movie as first-time lead stars, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes of the top-rating "Mara Clara" share their thoughts on the milestone and the loss of their would-be co-star in the film, the late AJ Perez.

Kathryn and Julia became household names for reliving the characters of "Mara" and "Clara," which were once portrayed by Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes. Although Kathryn's portrayal of "Mara" is her first leading role, she already acted in several ABS-CBN teleseryes through the years, such as "It Might Be You," "Krystala" and "Super Inggo," and the GMA-7 remake of "Endless Love: Autumn In My Heart" as the young "Jenny." Meanwhile, before landing her breakthrough role of "Clara," Julia got her first break in the GMA-7 drama "Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga" in 2003 before landing roles in ABS-CBN primetime programs, such as "Paano Kita Iibigin," "I Love Betty La Fea" and "Katorse." Both were mainstays in the gag show "Goin' Bulilit."

After the success of "Mara Clara," Kathryn and Julia will headline the Star Cinema film under the direction of Jerry Lopez-Sineneng.

The cast of this still unnamed film was revealed in previous reports. This included their "Mara Clara" co-star Albie Casiño and the late AJ Perez, who was killed in a vehicular accident last month. AJ's replacement in the movie is yet to be named.

"Sobrang sayang kasi po dapat first time po namin makakasama dito si AJ. Sayang kasi sana nabigyan kami ng chance," Kathryn said in an interview with ABS-CBN's "SNN" on Wednesday, May 4.

Julia, on the other hand, admires AJ's craft as an actor and also regrets she won't be able to work with him. "Malungkot po kasi siyempre magaling po talaga siyang actor lalo na sa 'MMK,' napatunayan niya talaga ang galing niya doon," Julia said.

Like Kathryn, Julia also regrets AJ's loss but still looks forward to this movie project. "So, sa akin, nanghihinyang ako na hindi ko siya makaka-work pero iba na rin po yung project na ito," Julia said.

Considered now as budding big stars of their generation, Kathryn and Julia are happy with how their careers are going. "Sobrang saya po kasi bago na naman yung pupuntahan ng career namin," Julia said.

"Sobrang grateful po namin ni Julia, kasi ngayon movie na. Iba po yung movie kung sasabihin natin di ba? Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Star Cinema kasi pinagkatiwalaan po nila kami," Kathryn added.