EXCLUSIVE: Child actress Zia Grace wants to work with CocoJul, Kathryn Bernardo

Following her first international recognition, child actress Zia Grace opened up about the artists she hopes to work with in her future projects.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Zia said she dreams of acting alongside Coco Martin, Kathryn Bernardo, and reuniting with her Saving Grace co-star Julia Montes.

Photo credit: jumigo_rafols / Instagram

“Honestly, marami po gaya nila Kuya Coco, Ate Kathryn B., at mga artista po na magagaling po sa drama. Si Kuya Coco, dahil sabi po nila magkamukha po kami. I think cute po kami magkasama.,” Zia said.

“Si Ate Kathryn po kasi ang galing nya po simula nung bata pa sya. Si Ate Julia din po ulit dahil mabait at magaling din po,” she added.

The young star also revealed her love for drama projects, expressing: “Mga drama actresses po dahil I love drama.”

Zia rose to fame after starring in the Kapamilya series Saving Grace: The Untold Story, the local adaptation of Yuji Sakamoto’s Japanese drama Mother. She worked closely with Julia Montes, who played her elementary school teacher, and Sharon Cuneta, who appeared as a television host.

During the series run, Zia earned praise for her heartfelt performance culminating in her Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme/Series Made in Asia win at the ContentAsia Awards 2025, held last September 4 in Taiwan.

She bested regional contenders including Emily Chan of Malaysia (The Best of Us), Wen Lin Fang of Taiwan (Though Dead, Still Alive), Pan Ling Ling of Singapore (Unforgivable), and Lei Tu of Taiwan (Illuminating Hearts).

Talking about her milestone, Zia shared how overjoyed she and her parents, Alex and Jen, felt.

“I can’t explain how happy I am. I now believe that I did a great job po,” she said. “Sa tingin ko po times two po ang saya (ng parents ko po) and sobrang proud po sila.”

In her acceptance speech, Zia expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of her role in spreading awareness.

“Thank you, Content Asia Awards for this award. Thank you, God and my family for their support. I am so proud that my role in Saving Grace let me be a voice for abused children and a symbol of healing and hope,” she said.

She also shared her appreciation on social media, writing: “Walang sawang pasasalamat po sa inyong lahat especially to my @abscbn Family and of course sa lahat ng supporters and followers ko.”

“Special thanks to my acting coach Tita Malou Crisologo, Direk FM Reyes, Direk @dolliefication and Direk Chu Dy! na grabe ang pagtutok po sa akin @dreamscapeph for the trust and unending support . love u all… Thank u so much from me and my family,” she continued.

Fellow celebrities, including Charo Santos, Bela Padilla, Alessandra De Rossi, and Thou Reyes, also extended their congratulations to the young actress.

Zia also received the Outstanding Performance by a Child Actress award at the Asian Pillars Awards for the same series earlier this year.

Zia is now gearing up for her next project under Dreamscape Entertainment titled ROJA, which stars Donny Pangilinan, Kyle Echarri, Maymay Entrata, Janice De Belen, Joel Torre, Raymond Bagatsing, Lorna Tolentino, and more. The airing date has yet to be announced.