Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo rose to fame in 1992 in Mara Clara on ABS-CBN. For 27 years, the ABS-CBN’s ‘Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera has been rumored to be either having a rift with ABS-CBN management or transferring to the rival GMA Network every time her show is about to end.
In an exclusive interview with PEP, Judy Ann revealed her love-hate relationship with ABS-CBN.
She said, “Parang hindi naman ito yung napag-usapan, pero nirerespeto ko na things change and you can’t really do anything about it. Parang sabi ko, ah ganong oras, may gising pa naman niyan for sure. Hanggang sa ililipat na ako sa alas-diyes, doon na yung parang ang dating sa akin, bakit hindi niyo na lang tapusin?”
It was during Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala in 2013 when Judy Ann noticed sudden changes in the timeslot for her TV series, which was intended to air for about 13 weeks then, but it only had a 10-week run.
True enough, the 41-year-old Kapamilya actress has learned how it is to deal with management. In fact, she appreciates the ABS-CBN management team for taking some time to listen to her concerns.
She said, “They’re always good listeners naman. Siguro kasi ang lalim na ng relationship ko with them. Every time na may nararamdaman ako or may sama ako ng loob sa kanila, I’d set up a meeting and actually tell them kung ano yung nangyari. Gusto ko rin kasi marinig kung ano yung sa part nila.”
She said: “Love-hate talaga kami! Change is inevitable, if you resist change, maiiwan ka ng trend. So, you have to learn to adjust sa career, sa lahat. Basically, hindi lang naman sa pagiging artista, sa kabuuan ng buhay. Ang dating sa kin, hindi mundo ang mag-a-adjust sa’yo, ikaw ang mag-a-adjust.”
When asked if she’s happy to be working with ABS-CBN again, here’s what Judy Ann told PEP:
“Yeah, oo naman. Parang I’ve learned to accept na kung ano yung posisyon ko na may mga young stars ngayon na nasa kanila yung focus.”
Judy Ann proud to be on the set for her comeback TV series Starla, despite everything she went through in the industry.
“Kailangan kong patunayan na worth it yung pagkuha niyo sa akin, worth it yung pagbayad niyo sa akin. Lahat ito, negosyo. Kung pepersonalin mo ito, matagal na akong patay. Buti na lang hindi ako ganon, tignan mo buhay pa rin ako!”
