Long live the Soap Queen!

(Editor’s Note: While Bibsy Carballo is on her month-long annual vacation abroad, representatives from the three networks will alternate in writing Live Feed: Butch Raquel for Kapuso, Peachy Guioguio for Kapatid and Kane Choa for Kapamilya. Every now and then, Bibsy will email a story from wherever in Europe she is.)

Philippine television’s Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera Judy Ann Santos returns to primetime via  ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala, which is set to premiere on June 17.

From her remarkable portrayals in her numerous top-rating drama series such as Mara Clara (1992), Esperanza (1996), Basta’t Kasama Kita (2003), Ysabella (2007) and Habang May Buhay (2010), Judy Ann breathes life to the character of Anessa Panaligan in Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala, a fierce woman and a loving daughter whose faith in love and fairy tales will be challenged when she falls in love with the “monster” Eros Diomedes (Sam Milby).

In an interview during her pictorial for the drama series that was previously known as Against All Odds, Judy Ann shared her reactions, fears and excitement for her upcoming comeback, her marriage with Ryan Agoncillo, and her take on her title as the Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera.

How does it feel to be doing a soap opera again after three years?

“I am very nervous and overwhelmed at the same time. More than being pressured, I feel really anxious because it has been two to three years since I last did a teleserye. We don’t know how the people will react to this new project, considering that the story is new and it is not a typical love story. But overall, I am just so overwhelmed with the attention that everyone has been giving me. This is too much, but I’m very thankful.”

What made you accept Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala as your comeback drama series?

“What made me choose Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala is its beautiful story. It’s about women empowerment. It aims to show that women should not be harmed, and that we should learn to fight back, especially if we’re doing it for a good reason.”

What is the most challenging part of your role in the show?

“It’s not really the role, but the preparation for the role. Studying my character was the hardest thing I did for this project. I have not done this for a long time. In fact, I was very nervous when we had our first taping day. I had a hard time doing the breakdown scenes because I was personally, too, happy with my life that I did not know where to get the emotion needed for the scene.”

Did you have to meet a victim of battery to help you with your portrayal?

“Actually, no. I have read and watched many materials about physical abuse, and it also helped that I personally know some people who went through the same thing. It is sad to realize that many women are involved in unfair situations. Women should know that we should not be too passive to men.”

You just celebrated your wedding anniversary and Ryan’s birthday last April. How did you celebrate it?

“We just had breakfast in Tagaytay and heard a Mass officiated by Fr. Tito Caluag. Then we came home to my mom and our kids. We just had a simple dinner with our family.”

How do you keep the fire burning in your marriage?

“I guess it’s important for a couple to retain the friendship and to learn to adjust to each other’s interests and ways of doing things. Our marriage is not a bed of roses, but whatever issues we go through, we manage to fix them at home. We never allow it to be publicized because it is just between him and me. That is what keeps our relationship stronger and it is what makes us better people.”

What is the secret of Judy Ann Santos’ success?

“I believe that there is no real secret for an artist to maintain his/her status in the industry. I guess, if you love what you’re doing, if you respect the people you’re working with, and if you give importance to every character that you’re playing, people will never forget you.”

What is your reaction when people say that you are the Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera?

“Honestly, I don’t know how to describe what I’m feeling. Of course, I feel flattered, but there are times when I ask myself if I really deserve it since I know a lot of people may not agree. But I’m really flattered and thankful to ABS-CBN because they have been protecting and giving me good projects for the longest time.”

You have been in the industry for more than 20 years. What advice can you give to newcomers who want to stay long in the industry?

“I always say during interviews that in this job, everyone is equal; no one is bigger than the other. We should respect everyone for us to earn other’s respect as well.”