Judy Ann Santos reveals reason why Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala was cut short

http://www.thechicka.com/judy-ann-santos-speaks-up/

Teleserye Queen Judy Ann Santos finally spoke up regarding the abrupt ending of her top rating drama series Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (HKLM) during a press conference held on Thursday. According to the actress, it was her decision to end the show earlier than its planned airing because she wants it to remain on top of the ratings game when it airs its finale. The series is set to end on August 23.

“It was my decision to end the show earlier. Gusto kong mamaalam sa teleserye nang taas-noo,”Santos said.

She also confirmed earlier reports that the Kapamilya management’s plan to move HKLM to a later timeslot was one of the reasons why she requested to end the series rather than be transferred to the 4th time slot of the network’s primetime teleserye block and suffer ratings-wise. The management reportedly want to move Santos’ show to give way to the upcoming Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo starrer Got To Believe.

The actress also apologized to fans who supported the show since it premiered on June 17. The series, which tackles domestic abuse and women empowerment, is Santos’ comeback vehicle to acting after a self imposed hiatus to take care of her young family.

“Humihingi ako ng patawad, humihingi ako ng pasensiya na kailangan kong magdesisyon na tapusin ang isang napakagandang istorya para na rin sa kabutihan ng lahat, na mag-ending tayo nang nakangiti at lahat nakangiti dahil mataas ang rating,” an emotional Santos said.

She also denied reports that her decision to end the show was influenced by the bashing of the fans of Padilla and Bernardo who are allegedly spreading rumors that HKLM will be cancelled because it is not rating well.

“Yung ‘Got To Believe,’ sa totoo lang, ayaw kong mag-react sa isyu, sa kanila, kasi it’s a totally different thing. Pero sa tunay na salita, ‘yung ‘Got To Believe’ na teleserye has nothing to do with my decision. It was me and the management and pagbigyan natin ang mga bata, this is their moment to shine. Ang sa akin lang I was gone for two years and gusto kong mamaalam sa teleserye ng taas noo,” Santos explained.

Regarding rumors that she is leaving ABS-CBN after HKLM, Santos said that she has not decided on her next career move yet. She admitted that her contract with the Kapamilya network has already expired and that she can work with other TV stations.  However, she added that she needs time to mull things over before deciding to renew or take offers from other networks.

“Yung paglipat o pag-renew ng kontrata, hindi ko pa masagot kasi gusto ko munang magpahinga. Siguro a couple of weeks,” the actress said.

“Gusto ko munang ibigay itong peace sa akin kasi medyo nawindang din ako for the past few weeks. I think I deserve to just relax and spend some time with my kids and my husband. Siguro, kailangan ko lang mag-isip nang klaro kung ano ang susunod kong gagawing mga projects in the near future,” she added.

Santos also said that that she’s grateful to ABS-CBN and that the network will be her priority when she makes her decision. The actress has been a prized talent of ABS-CBN since starring in the hit 1992 drama series Mara Clara which catapulted her to fame.

“Offers from other networks, yes, nandiyan sila. But at the end of the day, ako pa rin naman ang magdedesisyon. You know, doors for ABS-CBN will always, always be open. I will never deny the fact na ABS-CBN is my mother network,” the actress said.

“Ayaw kong magdesisyon na masama ang loob, baka mali ang desisyon ko. Ayaw kong magdesisyon nang masaya kasi baka mali rin ang maging desisyon ko. Gusto kong magdesisyon nang nasa practical ang desisyon ko. Kasi lahat naman tayo nagiging praktikal sa buhay pagdating sa pamilya natin. Tao lang ako, nasasaktan din naman ako. Kailangan ko lang magpahinga,” she added.

The Kapamilya network has already offered new projects for Santos in the event that she decides to renew her contract. These include another drama series and Bet On Your Baby, a newly-franchised television game show featuring kids and their families. Both shows will be under Dreamscape Entertainment, the same production behind HKLM.