Judy Ann Santos hopes her movie project with Coco Martin will push through

6/09/2011 8:36 AM

by: Napoleon Quintos

Fans of Judy Ann Santos continue to wait for her to become active again on television and in movies. The actress is preparing for her newest TV project, ABS-CBN’s reality show Junior Master Chef where she will serve, for the first time in her career, as host. However, in terms of other projects, Judy Ann said her comeback is still dependent upon discussion with different producers and the material to be offered to her.

As early as now there are talks that the Young Superstar is set to star in a movie opposite Coco Martin. Judy Ann clarified that the said project is still under discussion. Nevertheless, the actress expressed her admiration for Coco as an actor. “Hindi ko man siya kilala personally, wala man kaming direct connection, alam kong pinaghirapan niya kung ano man ‘yung narating niya ngayon. Nakikita ko ‘yung pagka-intense niya bilang aktor kaya gusto ko rin maranasang makatrabaho siya.”

Judy Ann was further flattered when told that Coco looks up to her as an actress. In return, she praised the actor for having achieved so much at a young age, one of which is being recently named as Aktor ng Dekada by the Gawad Urian. Judy Ann said, “Para sa akin naman kung talagang mahusay ang isang tao wala namang imposible. Nakikita ko kay Coco kung paano niya pinagbubuti ‘yung trabaho niya, magaganda ‘yung mga projects niya.”

She promised that once the movie with Coco is finalized, she will quickly fill everyone in on the details. For now, all that is in her mind is her first venture into hosting with JMC, produced but the same team that brought us Pinoy Big Brother and The Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition. How does the Filipino version of JMC differ from the other ones shown abroad? Judy Ann explained, “Siyempre may mga ginagawa sa abroad na hindi mo pwedeng gawin dito sa Pilipinas kasi we have a different culture. Itong version natin for sure makaka-relate ang maraming Pilipino habang nanonood sa mga bata.”

JMC Pinoy Edition is already in the process of trimming down 60 young hopefuls to the official contestants who will make it to the competition proper. The 60 kids from all over the Philippines were recently gathered together in general assembly held at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater last May 23. Judy Ann talked about how she is very much excited about meeting these kids and bonding with them over culinary activities. “Gusto kong makita ‘yung reaction nila kapag nakita na nila ‘yung kitchen. Masarap kasi sa pakiramdam ng isang bata na mahilig magluto tapos makakakita ng isang professional kitchen. Magandang experience ‘yun para sa mga bata. Feeling ko magiging super close ako sa mga bata kasi almost everyday kaming magkakasama sa taping.”

How Judy Ann Santos Has Warded Off Post-Wedding Weight Gain

The top actress, chef and Women's Health cover girl reveals the diet and fitness tips that work for her.

In the March 2010 issue of Women’s Health, Judy Ann Santos,almost a year after marrying Ryan Agoncillo, reveals some diet and fitness secrets that have helped her maintain her figure and buck the plus-poundage perils of wedded bliss.

For starters, she runs around her village with her adopted daughter Yohan regularly. “It’s bonding time for us,” she says, and it gives her “time to think. Kahit na 10 minutes lang, meron kang time for yourself.” Her body has been accustomed to her mini-workouts, no matter how tired she is. “Hinahanap ng katawan ko na lagi akong may ginagawa,” she says. This gym-hater prefers sweating it out in the outdoors. “Hindi ako puwedeng mag-jog in place,” she reveals, saying she needs to feel the sun, the wind and the environment. ”Gusto ko nakikita ko ang mga aso, ang mga tao, ang anak ko. Gusto ko may nararating ako pag tumatakbo ako.”

Pork and beef have also been scrapped off this culinary school graduate’s menu, and she sticks to chicken and fish. She also swears by the South Beach diet, which she says also gives her a sense of discipline and control, making it easier for her to ward off tempting treats around her. “Maymotivation ako na if I finish this 14-day plan, I know I will lose weight. Alam kong masusuot ko na ulit ang mga dresses kong size zero.” Some of the favorite South Beach-friendly fare that she likes to make for both her and Ryan: Egg-white omelettes with three cheeses and onions and grilled Kobe beef with string beansand garlic in sesame oil. More of her diet and fitness tips:

1. Drink eight glasses of water a day, a trick she learned from Ryan. “Bring a 1.5 liter bottle of mineral water with you and try to finish it. Kahit hanggang madaling araw, up ka kasi hydrated ka.”

2. Try to eat veggies as much as possible. “Kahit salad o pumapak ka ng pipino na may suka. Basta make it a point na may veggies ka sa diet mo kasi fiber ‘yon eh. ‘Yun ang magki-cleanse sa ‘yo.”

3. Find healthy substitutes. “Kunwari manonood ka ng sine. Imbes na soda at popcorn ang ngangatain mo, pick up a smoothie na nandu’n na lahat. May wheatgrass, may soy milk, kahit may kaunting sugar, okay lang. Busog ka na, alam mo pang healthy ang kinain mo.”

4. Take a walk. “Kung hindi kayo fan ng exercise, kahit walking na lang. Don’t take the elevator anymore.Kung second or third floor lang naman ang pupuntahan, take the stairs. Para kahit paano may gumagana sa katawan mo.”

5. Check the label. “Huwag masyado nagpapaniwala sa mga ‘no trans-fat.’ Basta processed, there is always something in it you don’t want. Basta kakayanin, always choose fresh.”

6. Reward yourself. “Once in a while, have a chocolate bar, a glass of wine, a bottle of beer. Basta hindi mo pakiramdam na parusa sa ‘yo ang kinakain mo.”