JUDY ANN SANTOS
Being a mother has given Judy Ann Santos great joys and fulfillment in life. Amid all the success in her showbiz career and numerous projects, family always comes first for her.
“Kahit na isang araw lang ako mawala sa mga anak ko, I never leave the house na hindi ko alam ’yung kakainin nila. Kahit wala ako sa bahay, I want them to feel na ako pa din ang nagprepare ng food nila, ako nag-aasikaso sa kanila,” Judy Ann said at the press conference of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on Thursday, May 8.
Motherhood has taught Judy Ann to become a better version of herself, especially because she always sets a good example to her kids.
“I think it made me a better person kasi may anak akong babae, kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya kung paano maging isang mabuting babae. Basic things like hygiene, taking care of yourself, how to deal with boys. So, kailangan wide na ’yung kapasidad ng utak mo para sa mga anak mo,” she said.
Judy Ann added, “Siguro sa pagiging ina, walang katapusan ang pagmamahal mo kasi hindi mo masasabi kung kailan ka magiging perfect sa paningin ng mga anak mo. I’m just so lucky kasi hindi mahirap alagaan at paligayahin ang pamilya ko.”
She learned the value of “patience and compassion” as she and her husband Ryan Agoncillo raise their family. Judy Ann also feels blessed having Ryan as a supportive partner and “disciplinarian” of the kids.
“Iba ’yung patience ng mother eh. Kahit gaano ka kapagod, pagdating sa anak mo, hindi mo na pwede isipin iyon. At nagkakaroon ka ng extra energy basta para sa mga bata. Minsan dinadaan ko na lang sa humor and pagiging nanay,” she said.
Do mothers really know best? Judy Ann thinks so. She now values more all the things her mother Carol taught her. Judy Ann is now going through what her mother did with her before, especially when it comes to discipline.
“Nu’ng maliit ako laging sinasabi sa akin ni mommy, ‘Kapag nagka-anak ka, sasabihin mo na tama ako.’ Like matulog sa tanghali, maligo, mag-toothbrush. Lahat ng iyon nararanasan ko sa mga anak ko ngayon. So kapag nag susumbong ako kay mommy, sabi niya, “’Di ba tama ako? Lahat ng ginawa mo sa akin, gagawin ng mga anak mo.’ So sabihin mo kay Yohan, ‘Huwag niya gagawin sa iyo ’yung mga ayaw niyang gawin sa kanya ng magiging anak niya.’ Totoo pala iyon,” she said.
Judy Ann realizes she should have listened and followed her mother more back then.
“Doon ko na-realize na dapat pala naniwala ako sa kay mommy. Dapat hindi ako nagmarunong. Dapat naniwala ako sa kanya nu’ng sinabi niya na dapat magtapos ako ng pag-aaral,” she said.
She is now instilling the same things in her daughter Yohan, who has expressed desire to be an actress. Judy Ann advises her to finish her studies first.
“She wants to go with me sa tapings. Basically, she wants to be an actress. Andoon siya so sabi ko sa kanya, ‘You have to finish your studies first.’ Sabi niya, ‘Why? You didn’t finish your studies naman?’ So, it’s really hard. At the end of the day, tatawanan mo na lang. All you have to do is face the music and challenge yourself to be a better person for your children,” she said.
While Judy Ann believes “there’s no such thing as a perfect mother,” she thinks she is a good mom because her children are raised respectful and behaved. Judy Ann treasures every quality time she spends with her family. All her hard work pays off, especially when her children show how much they love and appreciate her.
“The appreciation alone at ’yung pagpapalaki na binibigay namin sa mga anak namin, siguro naman mabuting ina ako kasi marunong rumespeto at gumalang ang mga anak ko sa mga tao,” she said.
Judy Ann turns 37 years old on May 11. For her birthday wish, Judy Ann hopes to have another baby or twins.
“Siguro ’yung pregnancy na maayos ulit, na parang halos hindi ako buntis, lumaki lang ako. A healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and siguro it’s every mother’s wish ’yung good health for her children,” she said.
The Kapamilya actress will pay a special tribute to mothers on the Mother’s Day special of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” on May 9. She portrayed the role of Belen, whose children were sold by her husband. Judy Ann said she learned a lot from her character, who makes all sacrifices just to be with her children.
“Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko sa mga pinagdaanan niya, wala sa katiting ’yung mga napagdaaanan ko. Siguro mahihiya ako sa kanya sa maliit na pinagdaaanan ko ay gi-give up compared sa mga pinagdaanan niya. Talagang hats off kay Belen kasi siya ’yung epitome ng isang dakilang ina. Hindi ako makapaniwala na may isang taong kasing-tibay niya,” she said.