In fairness to Judy Ann

Judy Ann Santos is being forcibly dragged into the marital imbroglio of Robin Padilla and wife Liezel Sycangco, now based in Queensland, Australia with their four children. This is grossly unfair for Juday, who to my mind is one of the most hardworking actors in showbiz.

She is also one of the most behaved. Amidst the noise and haste in showtown, she keeps to herself and her family. You don’t bump into her in everybody’s party. Neither does she hang around in bars where movie stars eat, drink and sleep. Juday is known to be devoted to her family while maintaining a small group of friends, and remaining friendly to everyone. It’s always a joy to have her on The Buzz when she promotes her movies or when we invite her to special occasions. I am extremely fond of her. I see her like a younger sister I don’t see often – but every time she comes to the show, it’s as if we’ve been together all our lives. The girl is warm, honest, vulnerable yet strong.

In the past, we’ve seen her cry and laugh; we’ve seen her movies, her TV shows and we’ve seen her grow up into a beautiful young woman. Showbiz is home to her. Juday is public as public can be. And she has learned to be strong. She has survived and has become inarguably the darling of the masses, another superstar, thanks to her formidable manager, Tito Alfie Lorenzo, who kept a watchful eye even on the young Judy Ann. Together, they waded through some of the roughest waters – and they prevailed. Juday is also blessed with a family which is constant in her life. And the fans are there, no matter what. And more than just being there, they fight her battles just as they celebrate her victories.

Having worked very hard and having been a dutiful daughter to her family and to the industry, she deserves some respect.

So when you talk about Juday falling in love – with anyone – and I’m not talking about Robin Padilla here – give it to her. In the past, she probably made good and bad choices in love – just like all of us. She has fallen and risen again – wiser, stronger, and still vulnerable but she has remained quiet, honest and dignified. Perception has it that she has been used wittingly or unwittingly by people with various agenda. The girl suffered in silence. She shed tears and kept her dignity intact. So one day, I wish that when she finds someone who truly loves her, then by God’s grace, she should fall in love. I wish Juday the best and I pray for strength that she be able to withstand the menacing stares of modern-day Pharisees who judge her like she has committed treason.

Basta, I love Juday!

Here’s a letter from a Judy Ann Santos fan. Read on.

Dear Mr. Abunda,

Good day to you and to all the readers of your column. I am Maritess Alagdan, 33 years old, living in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

I wrote this letter because I can’t help but comment on the issue linking Judy Ann Santos to Robin Padilla. I’m a fan of Judy Ann and I can’t help but come to her defense because the ugly rumors going around showbiz circles are simply disgusting. For one, I don’t think Judy Ann will put herself in such a situation and risk losing everything she’s worked hard for.

She’s a bright girl, SINGLE, and very pretty naman and can very well choose who to have a relationship with so bakit naman siya papatol sa isang tao na napakarami nang obligasyon sa buhay? Just because magkasama sila sa isang sitcom doesn’t necessarily mean na sila na di ba?

Coming from a broken family herself, siyempre ayaw rin naman ni Judy Ann na maging cause ng break-up ng isang family. So I feel it’s so unfair to point an accusing finger on Judy Ann, of all people, as being the cause of the break-up of Robin and Liezel’s marriage. There are many reasons why a husband and wife separate. But in this case, I don’t think Judy Ann IS the reason. Sana naman wag na nilang gamitin si Judy Ann kasi kawawa naman siya. I know that someone her stature, cannot avoid intrigues. But this is hitting below the belt and a direct assault on her dignity and credibility.

I know there is somebody out there who simply hates Judy Ann (or envies her). The person spreads all sorts of lies to destroy my idol. I don’t know what their agenda are pero isa lang ang sasabihin ko sa kanya, o kanila kung marami man sila. Judy Ann has proven time and again her integrity as an artist and as a person. Hindi siya ang tipo na papatol sa may asawa! And no matter what they say against her, I know she will still be up there and be the object of your envy!

To Judy Ann, I just want you to know we will be always here for you. Don’t worry because we don’t believe the rumor about you and Robin. I think you’re too good for him. Just pray hard na matapos na itong bagyong ito sa buhay mo. Your good name and your credibility will help you get through this. And I hope you’ll soon meet the right person for you, someone who deserves to be loved by you and someone who will not just use you!

Thank you very much po for taking the time out to read my letter. I hope you can publish this in your column para makarating kay Judy Ann ang message ko. Good luck and God bless!

Sincerely,

– Maritess Alagdan