Julie Anne goes on a healing journey in Siquijor

CEBU, Philippines —  Majestic was the word that came to mind for Julie Anne San Jose as she explored for the first time the island of Siquijor – a destination that was enjoying a tourist boom pre-pandemic but had for years kept visitors away with its myths and superstitions.

Its mystical sights and the singer’s musical surprises are what await viewers of the second leg of Julie’s three-part musical journey as it continues today in “Limitless Part 2: Heal.”

Showing her vulnerable side in the September first leg dubbed “Breathe” where she took a much needed respite after months of pandemic-induced confinement, a stronger Julie Anne is what audiences are set to witness this time in part two.

“In the first part, I was finally able to ‘breathe’ as I took a trip to unexplored Mindanao,” said the Kapuso talent. “I learned so much about the place, the people there, and about myself. The beautiful scenery and the warmth of the South was overwhelming.”

That was the first step. “We pause. But after that comes the difficult part. We confront our inner battles. We acknowledge. Because this is how we heal,” she added.

“Limitless” is produced by GMA Synergy, the same team behind the country’s first virtual reality concert “Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert,” the TV airing of which earned a finalist certificate at the 2021 New York Festivals.

It is said to be a story of Julie’s journey of knowing more about the people around her, the country and the world, and more importantly, herself. Her next journey takes her to Siquijor, where Julie unwraps the mystery surrounding the island and its locals.

GMA First Vice President and Head for Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso said in a Zoom conference that in conceptualizing “Limitless”, they wanted Julie to embark on a journey of a lifetime. For many, that would instinctively mean overseas destinations.

“But the Philippines is so beautiful and still has so many unexplored areas,” said Amoroso. “It was Julie’s first time in Siquijor so her amazement was captured on camera. It really is a mystical island.”

Amoroso further shared that they’ve always wanted to produce world-class material, something that will be a source of pride for Filipinos since they badly need one these days. They also envisioned the content to resonate deeply with audiences. Above all, the goal was to highlight the talent of Julie Anne San Jose.

“We felt overwhelmed with the positive reviews for Part 1. Like we’ve always said – crazy, risky concept. But a lot were able to relate which is very important when you’re producing material,” he said. “And goosebumps. From Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato up until Siquijor, there was always a goosebumps moment.”

For “Heal,” Amoroso teased that the hair-raising moment would have to be Julie playing the piano on a sandbar as she sings her own composition.

Julie agrees, calling it her favorite performance in her music career. With water symbolizing healing, Julie right smack by the beach crooning her own words and playing her favorite musical instrument is a fitting highlight of the show.

Musical director Myke Salomon noted that while “Breathe” was more organic and intimate, “Heal” is more of a celebration, more energetic, with a happier vibe, and with more inclusive songs since the music is meant to be enjoyed with friends.

In this Visayas leg, “The Clash” champion Jessica Villarubin of Cebu and an artist from Dumaguete joins Julie Anne in her performances. Her good friend and “The Clash” co-host Rayver Cruz also came along for the ride.

Creative director Paolo Valenciano, who admitted to being a fan of the JulieVer tandem since their “Studio 7” days, of course cited their duet as his bias for “Heal.”

Apart from the awe-inspiring sceneries, Julie said that their Siquijor adventure was also an eye-opener as they got to debunk firsthand the misconceptions about the island. She hopes audiences will be enticed to visit too.

After “Limitless” wraps up in February with its Luzon leg, where to next? “Maybe an overseas ‘Limitless’ version. Who knows?” Amoroso said. “And as the alert levels change, maybe a physical concert.”

Tickets for “Limitless Part 2: Heal”, available at gmanetwork.com/synergy, are priced at P599 (General Admission); P999 (Synergy Pass GA); P1,199 (VIP); P2,199 (Synergy Pass VIP); and P2,799 (Synergy Pass Premium). A special merchandise awaits ticket buyers who will purchase the VIP, Synergy Pass VIP, and Synergy Pass Premium. Ticket buyers can avail of the ticket bundle for both the Nov. 20 and February 19 legs.