Why Joshua Garcia chose to forgo intimacy coordinator in scenes with Julia Barretto

From exes to co-stars: Joshua Garcia opens up on real emotions behind intimate scenes with Julia Barretto.

Actor Joshua Garcia revealed that there is one person he considers his “comfort zone” as he opened up about the challenges of filming emotionally intense scenes with former girlfriend and actress Julia Barretto in their 2024 hit movie “Un/Happy For You.”

The actor shared that the production initially assigned an intimacy coordinator to help them navigate the sensitive sequence, considering their history as former partners.

“Noong una, since ‘yong production parang iniisip pa rin na baka mailang kami, kasi siyempre mag-ex kami tapos magla-love scene,” Joshua shared during his guest appearance on “The B Side” with Bianca Gonzalez, Joshua reflected on one of the film’s most talked-about moments a love scene with Julia.

However, while blocking the scene in Naga, Joshua said he and Julia both realized that the setup felt too rehearsed.

He recalled exchanging glances with Julia before deciding to speak with director Petersen Vargas about removing the intimacy coordinator from the process.

“Sabi namin kay Direk (Petersen Vargas) na hindi na namin kailangan ng coordinator,” he said.

Joshua explained that he believes genuine emotions often emerge when actors allow themselves to move beyond planned reactions. According to him, unexpected moments between scene partners can bring a deeper sense of authenticity to performances on screen.

The actor also revisited the film’s viral emotional scene, where he was seen crying in the rain alongside veteran actor Nonie Buencamino.

“Parang nandito na kasi ako sa phase ngayon na ayoko nang umiyak nang ganyan,” Joshua admitted.

Despite his hesitation, Joshua prepared for the emotionally demanding sequence by isolating himself and listening to songs that would help him connect with the scene. “Nag-play ako ng mga mellow songs, nakakaiyak na songs,” he recalled.

In the end, Joshua completed the dramatic scene in just one take, an experience he described as both challenging and deeply rewarding as an actor.

Currently, the former love team are now focused on their separate careers as Joshua continues with Star Magic, while Julia is now a talent of Viva Artists Agency.

 

 

Joshua explained that he believes genuine emotions often emerge when actors allow themselves to move beyond planned reactions.

 

 

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