Judy Ann Santos open to collaborate with Claudine Barretto

Fame has not changed Judy Ann Santos at all.

I have proven it true to myself when, in just one phone call, she made a touching gesture of guesting on the 100th episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. Had she not made it to the show, it would have been okay knowing that GMA Network is quite a distance from her place of residence. That’s why I became emotional when I saw her in the studio because even without any show or movie to promote, she came — all dolled up and ready for the cameras.

The 45-year-old actress is now a legend of her own. She has appeared in over 30 films, won numerous awards and generated millions in box-office revenues. Today, Judy Ann, or Juday as everyone fondly calls her, remains one of the local entertainment industry’s top actresses.

When she began her acting career at age eight, Judy Ann said it was the result of her tagging along with her brother Jeffrey Santos who, at that time, was already appearing in films and TV commercials.

“It all started with commercials. Si Kuya talaga ‘yung kinukuha, sumasabit lang ako. Siya talaga ‘yung kinuha ng Regal Films. Ako, sumasama lang at nakasabit ako lagi sa kanya,” she began ruminating before adding, “And then, it came to a point that I was participating in commercials as one of the kids in the background but never as the lead.”

Judy Ann didn’t grow up thinking she would even become a big star or an award-winning actress. All she wanted was to buy a pair of Mighty Kid rubber shoes and to have a bank account.

“It’s true, Tito Boy, that I wanted to see myself on TV but there was never a plan to become famous. I had never really dreamt of becoming a popular actress,” she added.

When she formally got into showbiz, she aimed to get a house of her own and a car. “Gusto ko makabili ng bahay, gusto kong makabili ng sasakyan, at gusto kong makapag-aral. ‘Yun lang ang alam kong gusto ko. Apart from that, there was nothing I could ask for and that, I think, was the reason why I enjoyed the experience of working in front of the cameras and meeting different people. I also became friends with other child stars and we would play on the set.”

The TV drama series Mara Clara propelled her to stardom after it became a hit and eventually became a movie.

“It came to a point that I was doing three movies and two TV shows in one year, all at the same time. There was even a time when I would come to the set, but I couldn’t remember what my character was or who was directing. Nawawala na ako sa sarili ko.”

I told Judy Ann that her biggest rival then was Claudine Barretto, who equally expressed admiration for her during her guesting on Fast Talk.

“We never really had the chance to be close when we were both younger because she was with Star Magic and I had Tito Alfie (Lorenzo) with me.”

“Palagi kaming nakatapat sa isa’t-isa and I guess, it was a very healthy competition back then. I believe there’s always a need for you to have a competition in order for you to find out what more you can do to improve yourself,” said she.

Judy Ann emphasized that she and Claudine are good friends. “We’re okay. We never just had the chance to go out and be really close.”

She equally expressed willingness to do a possible acting project with Claudine saying, “Of course, why not? I think it would be an interesting project.”

“It could be something that is fitting to happen at this time when both of us already have children of our own. Iba na ang ihip ng hangin, kumbaga,” she added.

Is she open to working with GMA 7?

“Oh yeah. I’ve always had a good relationship with GMA 7. I made Ouija under GMA Films. I would guest on SOP, I’d be their co-host. I mean, my relationship with GMA is very open,” she answered.

A TV series is a good idea, especially when the schedule is aligned to her timetable.

“I would love to do a series, but I cannot commit my time to a long-term series. Limited series is okay because I still want to have control over my schedule and have time with my family,” she said.

“I mean, I would always go back to the fact that I’ve been working for the past decades of my life – na buong buhay ko dito (showbiz) – and now that God has given me a very beautiful family that I prayed and wished for, I want to be there with them in every important moment of their lives,” explained Judy Ann, the wife of Ryan Agoncillo and mother to their children Yohan, Lucho and Luna.

Having been around showbiz for 37 years now, Judy Ann is being admired for keeping her feet on the ground.

“Sadyang pinalaki kami ng ganito. I remember how my mom (Carol), when she was still in Canada, would always tell me, ‘Anak, sa lahat ng taong makakasalamuha mo sa tinatahak mo ngayon, sila rin ‘yung makakasalubong mo pabalik. Kaya, huwag na huwag mong kakalimutan ‘yung pinanggalingan mo,’” she concluded.