MANILA – While Julia Montes is usually tight-lipped when it comes to her “love life,” the “Asintado” star has admitted that she already has someone in mind as a partner.

“Meron nang dapat asintahin,” the 22-year-old actress quipped, when asked whether she already knows who to “target” romantically.

But Montes, who is constantly linked with Coco Martin, was quick to clarify: “Masyado pang maaga. Medyo relax muna tayo. Masaya naman sa kung anong meron po ngayon.”

Montes, who will make her teleserye return via “Asintado” starting January 15, stressed that work remains a priority, second to her family whom she identified as her primary motivation.

“Sa family ko po talaga, para sa kanila, lahat ng meron ako, lahat ng pinupundar ko,” Montes told ABS-CBN News’ Jeff Fernando in a sit-down interview Monday.

In fact, during her break between starring roles, Montes said she dedicated most of her time to her family.

“Talagang tumutok ako sa family — namasyal, nag-out-of-the-country, nag-out-of-town, quality time talaga. Iyong health ng kapatid ko, tapos iyong pag-su-school, tinututukan ko iyon sa kanya. Naging talagang ate,” she shared.

As in real life, Montes’ latest TV role will focus on being a sibling, although with more dramatic turns. In “Asintado,” she will star opposite Shaina Magayao both her sister and rival.

Also starring Paulo Avelino and Aljur Abrenica, the action-drama series will join ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold lineup starting next week.