Even before bagging the Best Actress plum at the 45th edition of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), screen star Judy Ann Santos also says that bringing home the Best Actress trophy in the recently-concluded 41st Cairo International Film Festival for her outstanding performance in Mindanao was something unexpected.
The award, which makes her the second Filipina to bring home such honors after Nora Aunor in 1995 for The Flor Contemplacion Story, was just icing on the cake as her intention was to be part of an international film event.
“A part of me still couldn’t believe that I did it,” she avers. “This experience made me realize that dreams can indeed come true. Before, I just wished to be part of an international film fest but not to win an acting award. That’s too much! I thought that just to be a part of it is already a huge thing. Now, it was given to me. Wow! I’m simply grateful.”
It just so happened that the 41-year-old actress wasn’t able to receive the trophy personally. Her leading man Allen Dizon did on her behalf. She received the official word from their director Brillante Mendoza.
“I was scrubbing the floor when Direk Brillante broke the good news. Of course, I had some regret not having received my first international acting award personally but I’m also aware that things happen for a reason. Perhaps, if I was in attendance, I couldn’t have made it to the stage,” she says in jest.
“Maybe, I fainted upon hearing my name. But seriously, in that proud moment, when you’re a star, it’s your dream to come up the stage and receive the recognition yourself. It’s one thing that you’ll be very proud to show your children,” she adds.
Juday’s recent triumph made her realize the essence of waiting for the right project.
“ I won’t deny that with this positive development, I feel more inspired to work and hone my acting craft. Suddenly, I became choosy when it comes to the projects being offered to me. Imagine, my last big screen outing was Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes, which was shown in the early part of 2018. Now, I realized it’s worth the long wait,” she enthuses.
Judy Ann says that she had prayed for the opportunity to work with director Brillante whose caliber, according to the MMFF 2019 Best Actress, is top-notch.
“It came at the perfect time. Imagine, before Mindanao, we didn’t even know each other personally. We haven’t worked previously on any project. Then one day, he came up with what I can consider one of my landmark films ever. I guess that’s destiny!”
The critically-acclaimed actress is just so proud of bringing honor and prestige to the Philippines.
“It’s already enough for me that I was able to make my country proud through my craft. It’s truly a great accomplishment in any actor’s career. I’m really grateful.”
Definitely, Judy Ann is sitting on top of the world at present. All aspects of her life are doing okay.
“2019 has really been a fruitful year for me. Apart from the international acting plum, I also have a successful soap opera running (Starla), there are my business ventures and happy family life as well. Indeed, I’m blessed and thankful! I couldn’t ask for more at this point,” she ends.
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GMA recently released a teaser as to who will headline its latest weekly noontime variety show All-Out Sunday (AOS), which will start airing this January replacing Sunday Pinasaya.
Pambansang Bae Alden Richards leads the pack along with other popular Kapuso bets Julie Ann San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Ken Chan, Rita Daniela, Glaiza de Castro, Paolo Contis, Boobay and Super Tekla, Kyline Alcantara, Miguel Tanfelix, Gabbi Garcia, Migo Adecer, Derrick Monasterio, and Mavy and Cassy Legaspi.
They will be joined by music heavyweights Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Betong Sumaya, The Clash winners Golden Cañedo and Jeremiah Tiangco plus
StarStruck 7 grand winners Shayne Sava and Kim de Leon.
This early, many are already thrilled with the fresh combination of talents that the show will offer. After SOP, Party Pilipinas, Sunday All-Stars and Sunday Pinasaya, GMA came up with a new program that promises to add more spice to Sunday noontime viewing.
Seeing the heavy line-up of its mainstays, it can be said that AOS is ready to battle it out in the ratings game.
