What Judy Ann Santos learned from ‘I Do’

JUDY Ann Santos

Actress-TV host Judy Ann Santos says money was never an issue between her and Ryan Agoncillo, her husband of five years.

“We respect each other’s [indulgences] and needs. We buy things for ourselves only after we’ve paid the bills and set aside money for the children’s tuition,” Santos told reporters on Tuesday at a lunch hosted by ABS-CBN for her weekend reality program, “I Do.”

“What we spend for hobbies and interests—his cars, my bags and shoes—should be extra cash. We each deposit a certain amount to our joint account monthly. We have another account for travel expenses. We’re very organized that way,” Santos said. The Agoncillos have two kids, adopted daughter Yohan and biological son Lucho.

Santos said she learned a lot from hosting “I Do,” which concluded Saturday. (The top two couples were Chad Fontanilla and Sheela Beterbo, and Yong Jin Kim or “Jimmy” and Kring Elenzano.)

JIMMY (right) and Kring

“Through the show, I realized the importance of always being honest with your partner,” said Santos. “It’s important to verbalize, and not hide, what you feel. You don’t want to suddenly explode later.”

She added: “It’s also important to have quality time together—continue to go out on dates! At the same time, give each other ‘me’ time.”

Do you think all the couples who joined the show will eventually get married?

I really hope so. If not, I am sure they learned many things inside the “I Do” village, lessons they can apply to their relationships. I’m very happy that ABS-CBN came up with this show.

Couples of this generation are more aggressive than their counterparts in the past. They think a month of togetherness is enough basis to get married. Few consider, for instance, that they should be financially stable before they can start a family. They should prepare for tuition, health insurance, etc. Maybe in the 1960s, when the economy wasn’t this uncertain, it was okay to sing “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Not anymore.

Why did the producers let the public choose the winner?

It was originally 60 percent viewers’ votes and 40 percent council (judges) votes but the management didn’t want [the public to say] that it was playing favorites. Hence, the 100-percent public voting rule.

Who did you want to win?

I would have picked Emil (Bautista) and Honey (Avelino) but they were eliminated. They’ve been together for nine years. They changed a lot during their short stay in the village: Honey

CHAD and Sheela

became independent and outspoken; Emil became more affectionate.

Christian (Busby) and Chelsea (Robato) have known each other for less than a year. It’s too early for them to get married. The same can be said about Kaiser (Boado) and Jaja (Pantonial). They are both still emotionally immature. Also, I don’t think having a child is a reason to get married, as in the case of Miko (Trinidad) and Marie (Reyes). They can be good parents even if they’re not married.

Did Ryan watch “I Do?”

Maybe 10 minutes, tops. I’m still uncomfortable with him watching me host a show. He’s my biggest critic. I tried to follow all his instructions, like making sure to focus my attention on my subjects and not include stuff about myself in the conversation. He says he’s pleased that I’ve become more comfortable, talking to people. ’Wag ko lang daw paglaruan ang English ko. (Laughs.)

You seem to have enjoyed it. Would you consider doing a teleserye again?

I hope to start a new one next year. ABS-CBN recently pitched a story that I thought was very exciting. If ever, it would be the first of its kind in local television. It’s all about “third parties” but not about mistresses.

(The “I Do” grand wedding ceremony will be held Nov. 12 and will be aired on the Kapamilya network on Nov. 15, after “The Voice of the Philippines.”)

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