Judy Ann Santos: Savoring life

She grew up amidst the intriguing, chaotic and colorful world of showbizlandia. Anyone else could have crumbled under the pressure of being under the constant spotlight — not Judy Ann Santos, though.

In fact, she has continuously surprised her audience and the entertainment industry with her growth as a performer. Judy Ann has also taken on to challenging herself not only with her acting but also in other areas as well.

One goal that she wants to pursue in the near future is to study culinary arts abroad.

“Actually, one reason why I’m working so hard is because I’m saving up for my studies abroad,” shares the award-winning actress.

One of her frustrations, she adds, is that she wasn’t able to go to college because she chose to work first to be able to help her family.

“I don’t regret that I didn’t go to college but it seems sad to think that yes, I’m successful in my career as an artist but am I really successful deep inside? That’s why I promised myself that when the time comes, when I already know what course I’m going to take, then that will be the time for me to take it, whatever status I’m in at that time.”

Judy Ann also dreams of experiencing a life away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. “Like, I want to stay in a convent for three to four days, stay with the nuns, taste their food, really heartfelt. I just want to do this for myself. It’s really an experience. Like Jamie Oliver’s Great Escape,” reveals the 29-year-old actress, referring to the famous British chef and his cooking-cum-lifestyle show.

At present though, her concentration remains on her career, which obviously has given her so much: acting awards, box-office hit movies, numerous television projects and endorsements for various products, her face gracing huge billboard ads.

Strange as it may seem, Judy Ann seems to have found the perfect balance between her public and private life. It is quite rare really to find a public figure who is so accessible to her fans yet still maintains a semblance of privacy in her life. Judy Ann herself is quite at a loss on how she does it so well.

“For some reason, I don’t understand it myself. But maybe that’s just me. I think it’s because my fans already knew me for so long that they already know my moods. I’m honest with them and as much as possible, I really want them to see who I really am,” says Judy Ann.

Her reputation as one of the most down-to-earth personalities in local tinseltown may be one of the reasons why fans gravitate toward this young actress. It’s not often that you can see your favorite actress serving guests in her restaurant, which is what Judy Ann does whenever she’s in Kaffe Carabana, a casual restaurant that she owns. And whenever she’s free, her friends, fans and whoever wants to see her often go to that place just to have a chat with the actress.

“The fans ask me if it’s okay for them to visit me,” tells Judy Ann, adding “but there are times also that I’m the one who invites them to go with me because they often visit me on the set and it breaks my heart, knowing that they have to walk just to get there. I can see their effort that’s why I try to give back.”

And in giving back to the people who really care for her, Judy Ann has found not just fans but lifelong friends as well.  “I guess I’m just lucky because my fans accept me just as I am,” she concludes with a smile.