Julia Barretto denies rivalry with Liza Soberano

MANILA, Philippines- Julia Barretto denied that there’s a rivalry between her and Star Magic batch mate Liza Soberano.

“It’s not true. Liza’s like one of my closest friends in the business,” said Julia in an interview aired in “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” on Friday.

According to Ricky Lo’s column “Funfare,” the two’s rivalry has allegedly sparked the rift between sisters Marjorie and Gretchen Barretto, after the latter’s show of support to Liza.

Marjorie is Julia’s mom, while Gretchen is a fan of ABS-CBN’s primetime show “Forevermore” that stars Liza and Enrique Gil, whom she has worked before in “Princess and I.”

Julia said she doesn’t want to dwell on these controversies, especially since she’s busy preparing for her 18th birthday celebration.

Everything’s set for her debut, except for an escort.

“I still don’t have an escort and I’m really planning not to have an escort,” she said. “Iñigo [Pascual] kasi is definitely part of my eighteen roses and he’s actually gonna perform. So I’m so excited for that.”

Julia’s gown for her debut on March is designed by Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco.