Juday supports ‘depressed’ friend Sharon

MANILA, Philippines - Judy Ann Santos has thrown her full support behind her “ate” Sharon Cuneta who, early this week, publicly admitted that she’s going through “one of the lowest points of my life and career.”

The actress, together with her husband Ryan Agoncillo, visited Sharon on the day the Megastar posted an emotional and lengthy open letter addressed to her fans on Facebook wherein she wrote: “I have let you down. I let myself go, I allowed myself to get fat and stay fat. I became complacent... and I never lost faith in God, and in you, but I ignored the fact that I had lost faith in myself.”

Juday told The STAR and other reporters on the sidelines of the launch of her new reality TV show, I Do, which debuts on ABS-CBN come Aug. 30, that she is happy that Sharon has acknowledged her personal “challenges” and is facing them head-on. “She’s (Sharon) doing okay, she’s coping, she’s trying to work things out. She said in her post that she somewhat underwent a state of depression and state of loneliness.” 

“Ang sinabi ko lang naman kay Ate ay hindi naman siya kahit kailan nawala, hindi naman siya kahit kailan makakalimutan ng tao. She will not be forgotten by the people at all! She has given so much to the industry,” Juday said, recalling her advice to Sharon, with whom she became close after working with her on the movie Magkapatid in 2002. “Also, I told her, let’s face the challenges, don’t shut yourself out of the world. Let’s prepare for that. Tama na ’yon, okay na ’yon. Umiyak ka na, okay na ’yan. Time to act and enjoy life.”

In her post, the 48-year-old Sharon shared that what she’s going through right now is part of the effects of hitting the midlife a few years ago and not knowing how to deal with it, and of worrying over her loved ones, especially her mom Elaine Cuneta, who reportedly has a health condition.

Juday reflected, “Iba-iba rin talaga manakit ang sitwasyon ’no? You can never tell in what form (challenges) will come to you. Parang test sa ’yo kung hanggang saan mo kayang i-push ang sarili mo para harapin ang mga problema.”

While agreeing to media observation that Sharon can be emotional and sentimental, Juday stressed that Sharon is also a strong woman. She added, “Wake-up call din naman ’yan sa kanya... that no one is spared from problems. Iba-iba nga lang ang pagkakataon. Nagkataon lang na ang problema ko, puwede munang ilagay sa cabinet. ’Yung problema niya, kailangan aksyunan.”

She also asked people not to pass judgment on Sharon’s personal problems. “Let’s be kind naman. We do not have any right to judge any person because we’re not perfect. No actor is perfect. Pero kung perfect sila at kaya nilang mambatikos ng tao, eh, magpakita muna sila bago sila mambatikos ng tao, because words can hurt.”

Juday further stressed, “She’s doing good, she’s doing well. Ang hinihingi niya lang siguro ngayon sa mga tao is understanding and prayers that she will overcome the struggles that she’s experiencing.”

She also revealed that Sharon has already lost weight and is presently very disciplined with her diet. She’s also ready to be part of Sharon’s weight-loss goals in every step of the way. She believes that exercise is an excellent diversion and way to relieve stress.

“I’m happy for her because it came to a point that she has realized and accepted many things. She’s on the road to showing everyone that she’s okay,” Juday said. 

Meanwhile, in one of her most recent Facebook posts, Sharon has expressed her gratitude for the words of encouragement from fans and friends in the business. “I am feeling much better now and just wanted you all to know. Because your kind and loving and encouraging messages have filled my heart with joy…Again, thank you so much for your love and support, your patience and understanding. A loved one told me many, many years ago that as long as the people who love you and whom you love know and understand you, that is all that matters.”