Julie Anne stays positive & productive during lockdown

Julie Anne San Jose celebrated her 26th birthday last May 16 by mounting an online mini-concert dubbed Jam with Julie. Via Facebook Live, she treated fans to a collection of songs from Original Pilipino Music (OPM) bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Eraserheads, Hale and Rivermaya.

The Kapuso star shared via Zoom that organizing a concert at home was challenging but she managed to pull it off, thanks to her supportive family.

“The challenging part, for me, was setting up (the instruments) because I didn’t know anything about the technical (side), so for a day, naging technician ako, hahaha!” said Julie Anne, adding, “Kailangan maganda yung quality ng music, the Internet connection should be stable… You have to see to it that everything runs smoothly. You need to be hands-on with it so that the next time you do another online show, you know what to do already. Meantime, online muna because of social distancing. This is more convenient for everyone kasi lahat may access sa cell phones and laptops, etc.”

Despite the situation these days, Julie Anne makes sure to keep a positive vibe by spending quality time with her family, writing songs, doing Tiktok covers and revisiting old hobbies like sketching and baking.

“Let’s just be optimistic. We have to continue praying and trust in the Lord. What we need now is magtulong-tulungan. Let’s pray for all the frontliners, for those who lost their jobs and the sick people affected by the virus. Let’s help in our own way,” she said, adding that she has friends who are having anxiety attacks.

“I told them to keep themselves busy and productive. Think of the things that inspire them. Try to innovate themselves and discover the things that they like doing.”

Speaking of being productive, Julie Anne has finished writing three songs so far. She has plans to make more online content and shows, and use her voice to “inspire more people through my craft, through my music and remind everyone to stay healthy, eat well.”

Her latest original single Better, which debuted at the top of the iTunes Philippines All-Genre Chart upon its release last month, has also been featured on Spotify New Music Friday playlists across Asia, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan and Malaysia. Better is available in all digital platforms.

“We may not have achieved some of our plans this year but it doesn’t mean we have to give up. There are other ways para makagawa ng bago. For me, medyo nag-slow down nga po but I’ve been productive at home. Mas nakilala ko din yung sarili ko. I was able to discover and explore other things na pwede kong pasukin and I have more time to do the things that I love.

“This pandemic has helped me realized that every day is a blessing so we have to value our life. Be mindful of your health, take plenty of rest, sleep as much as you can and bond with your family.”

(Catch Julie Anne via the online concert titled Huntahan-Musikahan with Ryan Cayabyab on May 29 on GMA Network’s Facebook page. Meanwhile, The Clash’s online auditions are ongoing until June 28.)