Singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose‘s journey with international child-focused NGO World Vision continues with her being officially declared its newest Celebrity Advocate for Children during a MOA signing on Tuesday. With this, Julie Anne will be more involved in various charity and community outreach efforts, especially those promoting children’s rights, well-being and education.As young artist who knows very well the hard road to success, Julie Anne San Jose also recently visited her young fans in Malabon, many of which are World Vision sponsored children, to inspire them to follow their dreams.
On August 4, Julie took time off from her busy schedule to meet with 20 students of Catmon Integrated School and to give them tips and inspiration in singing.
“Some people think being an artista is easy, but it is not. But the key is never give up on your dreams. If it is really your passion to sing, don’t give up on it. Work hard,” she shares.
Julie, a homegrown talent of GMA Artist Center, reveals that she began singing at age 2.
“My parents saw my talent when I was very, very young. So they enrolled me to singing classes. I also joined several singing contests, of course, I had hopes that I would win.”
But just like every up-and-coming artist, Julie Anne has had her share of losses. She remembers the first time she lost a bid on a singing contest for kids on TV.“Of course for a young girl, defeat was a big blow to me. I almost gave up. I even told my mom, baka hindi naman ito [singing] para sa akin,” says Julie.
“But my mom didn’t give up on me. My parents knew that I had it in me, so they enrolled me in singing lessons, we kept joining singing contest, until all our hard work finally paid off.”
Now at 20, Julie is the consummate artist – a mainstay on the GMA noontime show, Sunday PinaSaya and weekly sitcom, Pepito Manaloto and is part of the teleserye, ‘Buena Familia’. Last December, she also had her first major concert, titled ‘Hologram’ at the SM Mall of Asia.
Julie’s advice to young, aspiring singers: never give up.
“If I had given up because of those losses, I wouldn’t have known what plans God has for me. Also, you always have to pray. Even now, before I go out on the stage to perform, I pray. That’s one thing you should never lose — your faith in God.”
“I see a lot of potential in these children and I am sure that with proper coaching, malayo ang mararating nila.”
Julie sings her signature hit ‘I’ll be there’ with the kids singing along.
“It was heaven,” described Julie when the kids sang her song. “They knew my song by heart. That’s the reward for us, singers, when people sing our songs. And the kids sang it very well. I am so touched.”
“We are very honored to now have as part of our family a staunch advocate for children, Julie Anne, who we all know started in her career as a child. We have been witness to how she genuinely cares for the children and we know that this will be the beginning of a beautiful journey with her in ensuring that every child lives his/her life to the fullest,” says World Vision Manager for Public Awareness and Experience Pamela Millora.
Prior to announcing Julie Anne San Jose as a World Vision Advocate, she has been already been involved in various World Vision initiatives, such as ‘Bangon Pinoy’, a concert for the benefit of Typhoon Yolanda survivors in 2013, and more recently, the ‘White Event’, an online celebrity auction for a cause. She also sponsors two children with World Vision.
Just like Julie Anne, you can make a difference in a child’s life by being a sponsor.Know more about child sponsorship and how it is affecting a positive change in the lives of over 100,000 Filipino children.
Visit worldvision.org.ph or call 372-7777 to learn more.