Aside from being an esteemed, multi-faceted, and versatile actress, Judy Ann Santos is also admired for being a doting homemaker to her family with husband, Ryan Agoncillo, and a talented chef and great restaurateur.
And we’re able to see those three facets of her in the latest episode of The Filipino Channel’s online talk show “BRGY” hosted by Kapamilya showbiz correspondent MJ Felipe, in which she didn’t only give us a peek inside the restaurant that she co-owns and co-manages alongside Ryan and his brother and sister-in-law, but also enthusiastically shared some latest tidbits about her life in and out of showbiz.
Their juicy conversation commenced with the Queen of Philippine Teleseryes reminiscing on her wonderful experience of taking part in the cook-off hosted by world-renowned British celebrity chef during his Manila visit last January for the opening of the Manila branch of his restaurant.
“Looking back, watching all those videos and everything else, parang napaka-grateful ng puso ko. It could have been somebody else, somebody more experienced kasi takot talaga ako sa live audience,” she related, poking fun at how her accent sounded like while speaking to Chef Gordon in English.
She regarded him as “friendly,” contrary to the daunting image that he displays in the reality cooking competition that he hosts, as well as enthused about how he really took the time to commend her and her fellow chef for their jobs well done. She and Ryan were also proud parents to their youngest child, Luna, who was able to interact with Chef Gordon and have his autograph as she showed him a sketch of him that she drew.
MJ then mentioned a netizen’s comment on Juday about her being “a great example of a showbiz personality who has matured so gracefully” for not only being an illustrious actress but also a gracious mother and a chef, which left her initially speechless and thankful at the same time.
“Feeling ko kasi hindi naman ito mangyayari nang ako lang. Malaking factor dito ‘yong may malaking support ako from my husband, of course, especially here in ‘Angrydobo’,” she began, implying that he and his older brother, Dondi, who’s also one of their business partners, have provided her with the guidance and support that she needs in running their restaurant.
The Kapamilya actress added, “I am well guided when it comes to my culinary journey because they gave so much trust. When it comes to my career in show business, I think it’s very important that you have a team who listens to you and is also very honest. Kumbaga, hindi sila natatakot na magsabi rin sa’yo na, ‘Ay, parang dapat gawin natin ‘to kasi ganito ganyan.’ And you as an artist, kailangan open ka rin sa gano’n. Hindi ka pwedeng kabig lang ng kabig na dapat masunod ‘yong gusto [mo], eh hindi nga tama.”
Apart from her husband, partners, mentors, and colleagues, Juday also gave credit to her cherished Mommy Carol, who has always inspired her to work hard ever since she started in the industry when she was still a child. Before it became her passion, acting was just a means of earning money for her to be able to convince her mom to come home from Canada, where she worked as an overseas Filipino worker, for her to be able to provide for the needs of their family and send her and her siblings to school.
Their conversation then veered to the notable stint in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Espantaho”, which brought her the “Best Actress in a Leading Role” award. Even though many were already expecting her to take home the coveted trophy, Juday confessed that she actually didn’t have any expectations.
“Sa sampung pelikula, na bawat isang pelikula may mahuhusay na actress, sabihin na nilang nagpapaka-humble ako or whatever, pero ‘pag may awards night, hindi naman talaga ako nag-e-expect because it’s anyone’s ball game. Anything can happen,” she stated, adding that it was already “more than enough” for her and everyone part of the film that they already made it to the 50th year of the film festival. Besides, she imparted that the moment she was called as the winner during the event continues to resonate in her head until now.
As she and MJ mentioned that “Espantaho” is more than just a horror flick but a story of forgiveness, Juday believes that many can relate to it due to its timely theme and reminded everyone of the value of compassion.
“We go through that part of our lives na since matatanda na tayo, I’m pretty sure na marami na tayong nakasakitan ng loob noong araw. Since we’ve all moved forward and grown, kung bukal na sa puso ninyo na magpatawad, go and give that forgiveness already kasi it’s not for that person naman e. It’s really for you,” she said.
She elaborated that despite the fact that we get hurt in our daily lives, our hearts do not deserve at least a pinch of pain or hatred. We must also not let the seed of pride to grow in it because it is us who are going to suffer in the long run.
“I forgive. I really do. I just don’t forget. Parang I will forgive you, but for me to work with you again, hindi ko na isasangkalan ang sarili ko sa gano’ng klaseng proseso. Pero papatawarin kita, gano’n lang naman ako,” she said.
Before the episode concluded, MJ put Juday’s fears to the test by having her play the “Mystery Box Challenge,” in which she had to guess each object placed inside the box by simply touching them. He also quizzed her about the things that she’s scared of, which she revealed are having to face live audiences, flying cockroaches, and ghosts.
*Photo credit to Judy Ann Santos IG