MANILA – Julia Montes may have been evasive every time she is asked about Coco Martin, but this time, she had no hesitations in admitting that she considers the actor as someone special.

At the sidelines of her contract signing with ABS-CBN on Thursday, Montes said she and Martin remain in constant communication even if they rarely see each other.

“Okay po kami, super okay. 'Yun lang, sadyang busy lang talaga. Hindi kami parati nagkikita pero 'yung communication, sobrang okay pa rin po. Kahapon magkasama kami kaya lang hindi sa magandang place. Pero okay po kami,” she said.

Montes believes two people need not see each other regularly to keep a close bond.

“Sabi ko nga, kapag may best friend ka, even kami ni Kathryn (Bernardo), kahit hindi kami nagkikita lagi, 'yung closeness nandoon pa rin. Siguro ganun kami ni Coco, kahit hindi kami nagkikita parati or magkasama sa work, 'yung closeness and 'yung friendship, hindi pa rin nagbabago,” she said.

When informed that Martin has been vocal in saying he considers her as someone special, Montes shyly smiled and said: “Special din naman siya.”

Montes, however, was quick to add that she is more focused on her career as of the moment.

“Tignan muna natin kasi personally, mas gusto ko lang mag-focus muna. Ang tingin ko sa buhay, huwag mo lang madaliin lahat. Kapag mindali moa ng isang bagay, baka mas madaling mawala. Take it slow, relax. Tignan po natin kung saan [pupunta],” she said.

Still a Kapamilya

Meanwhile, Montes shared how happy she is to finally declare that she remains a Kapamilya.

“Ang sarap po sa pakiramdam kasi siyempre noong nakaraan, may lumabas na lilipat po ako. Now, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na I can say na Kapamilya pa rin po talaga ako,” she said.

Included in the three-year contract which Montes signed is another television series. While refusing to divulge, she hinted that her new role is physically demanding.

“Unti-unti nagsisimula na kami mag-training. Super exciting kasi kailangan mo talaga siyang tutukan. May kailangan akong gawin para doon sa soap na ‘yun. Sobrang exciting for me. I can say na new version of Julia,” she said.

If she would have it her way, Montes would love to do more projects in the future in the action genre.

“Gusto ko maiba. Ang hirap maging specific pero kung kailangan ng physical, game ako doon. Mas gusto ko action field 'yung mga gagawin. 'Yung drama, medyo nagawa naman na po natin,” she said.

Does this mean she is still open to appearing on “Ang Probinsyano,” which stars Martin?

“Hindi naman po sa akin manggagaling 'yun pero kung tatanungin po ako, gusto ko naman kasi ang ganda-ganda ng soap nila and talagang inspiring 'yung show. Ang sarap lang maging part nung show. Tignan natin, hindi naman po sa atin manggagaling 'yung decision,” she said.

Aside from an upcoming series, Montes will also do “Wansapanataym.”