JUDY ANN SANTOS is dubbed as the Queen of Teleseryes at siya ang napiling mukha ng ABS-CBN para i-represent ang pagdiriwang ng 60 Years of Pinoy Soap Opera. Karapat-dapat si Juday sa karangalang ito because of her immense contributions to Philippine drama since she started as a child star. Hindi matatawaran ang husay ni Juday pagdating sa drama, comedy, action at fantaserye na pinatunayan niya sa kanyang mga pelikula at ABS-CBN shows gaya ng Mara Clara, Esperanza, Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka, Basta’t Kasama Kita, Krystala, Sa Piling Mo at Ysabella.
Speaking of Mara Clara, Juday revealed in her recent interview with SNN that the soap opera is one of the highlights in her career. Sino nga ba ang makalilimot sa Mara Clara na itinuturing na “The Longest Teleserye in Philippine Television” which ran from 1992 to 1997? It was also the first Philippine drama series na nagkaroon ng movie version titled Mara Clara: The Movie noong 1996 under Star Cinema.
Pinaluha tayo gabi-gabi ng Mara Clara which is about two girls na nagkapalit ng identity at tanging isang diary lamang ang susi sa kanilang kapalaran. Habang marami ang naawa kay Mara (Juday) ay marami naman ang nasuklam sa pagkamaldita ni Clara (Gladys Reyes). Mara Clara made the stars and their characters household names. The top-rating series established the name of Juday as one of the finest young actresses in local showbiz.
Now, Juday is back in an upcoming teleserye titled Habang May Buhay which is part of ABS-CBN’s 60 Years of Pinoy Soap Opera celebration. Habang May Buhay is the first-ever nurse-serye which revolves around the story of a nurse named Jane Alcantara. Joining Juday as her leading man is Derek Ramsay na nakasama niya sa Ysabella.
The series also brings back the arch-rivalry of Juday and Gladys. Although they are mortal enemies on-screen, bestfriends naman sila sa totoong buhay. Malayo na ang narating ng kanilang friendship na nasubok noong kasagsagan ng bagyong Ondoy sa bansa. Gladys and her two kids were rescued from their rooftop by Juday and Ryan Agoncillo. Glady’s husband, Christopher Roxas, was abroad at that time.
Maraming ipinagpapasalamat si Juday. “So far, I’m very busy. I’m very thankful kasi sunud-sunod ang mga blessings, movie projects, endorsements at teleserye. Very thankful ako kasi ang dami pa ring taong nagtitiwala sa akin.”
Aside from Habang May Buhay, napapanood din natin siya at si Ryan sa kanilang weekly show na George & Cecil na nakasentro ang bawat episode sa buhay mag-asawa.
Isang bukas na libro ang buhay ni Juday. We’ve seen her grow and bloom into a lovely lady. Kasama pa rin tayo when she fell in-love and got married and hopefully hanggang sa kanyang pagtanda ay maging kabahagi pa rin niya tayo sa kanyang makulay na buhay na parang isang teleserye – may saya, may luha, may pagkabigo pero sa bandang huli ay may happy ending.
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
