Judy Ann Santos on response to ‘Espantaho’: ‘We respect everyone’s opinion’
Judy Ann Santos (center) with “Espantaho” co-stars Chanda Romero (left) and Kian Co (right). Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Judy Ann Santos has no problem with the feedback on the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Espantaho,” saying she welcomes the “good and not-so-good reviews” of the film.
In a brief interview with reporters, Santos said she’s “very, very happy” with the response of the public toward the film as she acknowledged the “honesty” of moviegoers toward the film.
“We’re so happy. We’re very, very happy [sa] lahat ng magagandang reviews ng ‘Espantaho.’ Even the not-so-good ones. We welcome and respect everyone’s opinion. It’s life. Gan’un talaga. ‘Yung mapabilang ka sa 10 pelikula sa Metro Manila Film Festival is a gift on its own,” she said on the Gabi ng Parangal red carpet moments before the ceremony.
“Ang opinion ng mga moviegoers ay very honest. That alone is an award,” she continued.
(We’re so happy. We’re very, very happy with all the good reviews of “Espantaho.” Even the not-so-good ones. We welcome and respect everyone’s opinion. It’s life. To be part of the 10 film entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival is a gift on its own. The opinions of moviegoers are very honest, and that alone is an award.)
Article continues after this advertisement“Espantaho” stars Judy Ann Santos and Chanda Romero were an elegant sight on the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal red carpet, with both actresses expressing their joy to be part of the 50th edition of the MMFF. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/JuMM3mcEFz
— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) December 27, 2024
On her Best Actress win
During the ceremony, Santos was emotional as she accepted her plum for Best Actress while thanking the efforts of her co-stars in the film.
“Acting is reacting. Naniniwala akong hindi ko magagawa ang trabaho ko kung hindi dahil sa inyo (I believe that I won’t do my job well if it wasn’t for you),” she said in her acceptance speech while dedicating her award to her husband, children, loved ones, and God.
MMFF 2024’s BEST ACTRESS
WATCH: A teary-eyed Judy Ann Santos dedicated her #MMFF50 Best Actress win to her husband Ryan Agoncillo, her children, “Espantaho’s” co-stars and production team, and her fellow nominees during her acceptance speech. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/jvz5mg8ONg
— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) December 27, 2024
The actress also dedicated her win to her fellow nominees Aicelle Santos, Francine Diaz, Jane De Leon, Vilma Santos and Julia Montes.
“Sa lahat po ng kasama sa MMFF, sa sampung napakagagandang pelikula, du’n pa lang, panalo na tayong lahat… Hindi ko naisip na makakarating ako dito. Sa lahat po ng kapwa ko nominado, para sa ating lahat ito. To God be the glory. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino. Merry Christmas, everyone,” she said.
(To all the 10 beautiful films that are part of the MMFF, being so in itself is a win for all of us. I didn’t expect to come this far. To my fellow nominees, this is dedicated to us. To God be the glory. Long live Filipino films. Merry Christmas, everyone.)
This marks Santos’ third Best Actress win at the MMFF after “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” in 2006 and “Mindanao” in 2019.
