Julio Diaz is firm at turning over a new leaf

Award-winning actor Julio Diaz isn’t turning his back from turning over a new leaf after his many years of being hooked on drugs.

During his drug dependence — although he was still very active and commendable in all his acting chores—he was nabbed by authorities not only once but twice and was put to jail.

In his freedom, July — his moniker — promises to continue his renewal. “Talagang nagbabago na ako hindi lang sa salita kundi sa gawa. Ayoko na ng bisyo. Hindi nakakatulong ‘yan sa isang tao. Mas problema ang ibibigay ng bisyo. Maniwala kayo sa akin (I am really changing my ways not only in words but in actions. I don’t like vices anymore. They don’t help a person. Problems still mount even when you’re having drugs. Believe you me),” said Julio in our exclusive conversation at the deferred bird watching, forest walking and sightseeing at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park.

Unlike other stars who are professionally taken aside or totally snubbed because of their drug habits, Julio continues to enjoy the patronage of his colleagues like Coco Martin, a longtime friend and fellow actor in most films of internationally acclaimed Brillante Ma. Mendoza.  

“Ngayon, nagpapasalamat ako at may mga nagtitiwala pa rin sa kakayahan ko (I thank there are still people who trust my talent),” smiled Diaz who is a regular cast of the ABS-CBN action caper “Batang Quiapo.”  

“Isa ako sa mga hindi matitinag sa ‘Batang Quiapo’ (I am one of the toughest in the show),” quipped the prizewinning actor. (Boy Villasanta)