Award-winning actress and celebrity chef Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo has a new dream — to build small kitchen schools where moms and young adults can learn to cook and gain confidence in the kitchen.
Speaking during her media launch as the newest brand ambassador for Kyowa Home Appliances held at Seda Vertis North, Judy Ann shared that despite her achievements as an actress, mother, wife, and chef, she continues to challenge herself to learn and grow.
“My work could be as a celebrity endorser, or it could be as a mom, a wife, or a chef. I take it as a challenge because I learn from it. In everything that I do, I really make it a point that I learn something from it,” she said.
When asked about her dream project as a chef, she revealed: “Suntok sa buwan, pero wala namang masamang mangarap. I really wanted to put up my own little schools in kitchen. Hopefully someday, because there are a lot of new moms who are scared of the kitchen.”
Judy Ann explained that her inspiration came from reading comments on her YouTube channel, Judy Ann’s Kitchen, where many followers—especially mothers and students—say that watching her videos has inspired them to try cooking.
“Why not create a community where I could actually teach people to not be scared of taking a risk inside the kitchen and actually learn a skill?” she added.
For her, cooking is not just a hobby—it’s a life essential.
“Cooking is a survival skill. It is something that you have to learn, be you a single mom or a single person. Kailangan kaya mong magpakulo ng tubig,” she said with a smile.
Despite her success, Judy Ann humbly admitted she still has a long way to go as a chef.
“I am still learning and I am being very honest when I say I have a long way to go. I’m just really grateful that people are trusting me with their brands and products,” she shared.
The Angrydobo owner also revealed that the kitchen has always been her place of peace—her way of coping with the noise and pressure of show business.
“Nasa kusina lang ako. Doon ako natutong magluto sa rice cooker. Doon ako natutong mag-explore ng kung anu-ano kasi gusto kong i-busy ‘yung utak ko, nang hindi show business ang iniisip ko,” she confessed.
Whenever she feels calm again, she said she’s ready to face the world.
“It would always make me happy at the end of the day na parang, ah okay, I can face them already. Because I’ve proven to myself na pwede akong hindi lang artista someday.”
Judy Ann added that she takes pride in knowing she can make a living doing something she loves outside acting.
“I can actually do something else when no one wants to get me anymore. I can still make something out of the living na pinag-aralan ko,” she said. “Everything that people eat from Angrydobo came from my heart.”
The event, themed “Tiwala Ako sa May K”, was attended by Kyowa executives Nathanael Ong (President), Eugene Go (COO), and Mary Jane Buencamino (Talent Manager). (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
