Why Judy Ann likens herself to a diesel-powered car

Judy Ann Santos in “Bet On Your Baby”

Actress Judy Ann Santos, who took a leave of absence for almost two years when she gave birth to daughter Luna, said getting back to work wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be.

She began taping for the third season of her game show, “Bet On Your Baby” (BOYB), on April 25. It begins its telecast this month.

“I was so nervous I thought I was going to pass out. I couldn’t understand myself. I took several trips to the toilet. I buckled so many times while delivering my lines. I hadn’t worn high heels for a long time that they felt so weird on my feet,” she shared with reporters. “I’ve managed to pull it off, eventually. I feel grateful to be able to say that I am back.”

Juday admitted that, while she was on maternity leave, she would often feel the fear of being forgotten or ignored. “I think it’s normal for someone who grew up in this industry. It’s a healthy feeling, because it keeps me from being complacent,” she stressed.

Whenever that would happen, Juday said she would remind herself that “I have gotten more than what I aspired for in this business; that there’s only one like me in show biz, in the same way that there is only one Nora (Aunor), Bea (Alonzo) or Kathryn (Bernardo). I’m more than happy that I’ve reached this point in my career when I can finally say that I’ve gone through everything.”

Juday added: “I’ve had my fair share of hits and flops. I’ve worked hard to be where I am now. I’m happy that a lot of talented people want to join the industry that I love so much. I just hope that they will all be professional at work, and that they remain humble, kind and generous.”

The 38-year-old actress said that if there was one good thing that could be said about her, “it’s that I never behaved like a star. I used my position to inspire people.” This was why she picked the kiddie show to be her comeback vehicle.

“When ABS-CBN management asked me if I was ready to work again, I requested to do this show because I wanted to start with a happy mood. It’s uplifting to just be with a bunch of kids on the set,” she explained.

Juday gets hosting tips from one of the country’s best, her husband Ryan Agoncillo.

“I confide my fears in him. He tells me to just focus on the kids and enjoy my moment with them,” she said. “You see, I’m like a diesel-powered car. My machine takes time to heat up. Being nervous works for me, because it pushes me to make that extra effort to do well. As a host, I’m more confident now compared to the show’s previous seasons,” she said.

Aside from working on perfecting her hosting skills, Juday said she also strived to be the perfect mom to her three children—Yohan, Lucho and Luna. “I’m far from perfect. I know I’m ‘just right,’” she pointed out. “As parents, Ryan and I try to be present in every important occasion in our children’s lives. I want to be involved in their growing-up years. I want to accompany them in their journey as individuals, up to the time when they will have families of their own.”

The Agoncillos went to the United States for a vacation. Juday said the trip taught her a lot about her kids.

“Every child is different. I’ve discovered this during our US trip, because we went there without their nannies. I learned about their specific needs,” she related. “The trip also taught the kids how to be independent. As for Luna, it was really a test of patience. We got used to Lucho being so obedient and relaxed. Luna, who’s active and pesky, was the opposite,” she shared.

Juday and Ryan recently went on a trip again to celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary, this time, to Italy. “We will attend the wedding of my stylist, so we decided to extend our stay. It’s been a while since we went on a vacation as a couple… Don’t worry, guys, I’ll be really careful,” quipped Juday, hinting that she wasn’t ready to make another baby.

She intimated, “We’re more than OK with three kids, but if we’d be blessed with another child, I hope it would be a boy. Baby boys are so malambing to their moms—although Lucho already fills me with so much love.

“I like my kids to be at least five years apart. That way, Ryan and I are able to give them the proper attention. Five years from now, I’ll be 44. I’m not sure if I’d still be fit enough to take care of another baby by then.”