For someone who has witnessed the evolution the entertainment industry firsthand, Judy Ann Santos knows that beyond talent, what truly makes a career last is respect—not just for the craft but for everyone you work with.
She says their time before was incomparable. They had no tents or glam teams. Actors would do their own makeup, find random spots to wait, and move as needed when a scene was ready. This simplicity, Judy Ann shares, naturally instilled a sense of professionalism in everyone. "Kumbaga, ‘yung professionalism, hindi mo kailangan ipilit, kusa siyang mangyayari kasi everybody is doing the same.”
Back in the day, Judy Ann and her contemporaries were trained to always be punctual and come to the set prepared. “Make sure na alam mo ‘yung lines mo, alam mo ‘yung continuity ng costumes mo,” she emphasizes. These practices have become second nature to her, and which she still carries to this day. “Dapat responsible ka sa character mo, eh. Kasi hindi mo naman pwedeng iasa lahat ‘yan sa script continuity or sa production kasi madami rin silang iniisip. The least you can do is be responsible for your own character. Know your lines and be professional.”
In this edition of Kapamilya Chat’s “Spill The Tea-Ta” Challenge, the superstar describes the work dynamic of the past as fast-paced yet collaborative. There was little division between artists and the production crew, as they shared the same space and even ate together. In contrast, she observes how today’s setup, with actors having their own tents, has created a more segmented environment. Another major shift she highlights is the impact of new technology, especially the rise of mobile phones.
"Dati ang hawak mo script. Kami ang nagha-highlight ng lines namin, nagco-cross out ng sequences namin kasi we found joy in that. At saka we talk to each other kasi walang phone," she reminisces. Today, however, things have changed. “May panaka-nakang pagkakataon na hindi na tayo nag-uusap-usap kasi lagi tayong nagce-cellphone."
The dominance of mobile phones has undeniably reshaped the world of filmmaking. Judy Ann, who top-bills the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 entry “Espantaho,” points out how this shift has led to less connection—not just off-camera, but also during scenes. She shares how this sometimes affects the connection between actors and their performances. "May mga pagkakataon na may mga dumarating sa set na hindi nila memorized ang linya nila kasi mas busy sila chumika. So, parang hindi masyadong nagiging mindful na.”
Still, she’s quick to clarify that she’s not trying to preach or paint herself as perfect. She admits to being guilty of phone distractions too, whether it’s playing games or keeping in touch with friends and family. She also acknowledges that there are valid moments when you do need to check your phone, even during takes. But her advice is to be humble enough to apologize when it happens.
She sums up the rule: “Huwag kang bastos.”
Meanwhile, when talking about longevity, the Queen of Philippine Soap Opera believes that, like in any other industry, loving what you do is what keeps you around for the long haul. Being passionate and wanting to grow is key. “Anyone can be a star and we welcome that kasi meron ka naman talagang matitisod na, 'Ay! Mukhang pang-artista talaga 'to kasi may skills siya at deserve niya!' So, I would say that anyone is welcome to be a celebrity,” she reflects about how showbiz has become more accessible with the existence of social media and other platforms.
But she adds, “It takes a very good person, in my opinion, to stay in this industry because you need to have compassion, you have to have patience, and a lot of it. You need to learn to listen. Kailangan marunong kang mag-compromise. And you have to learn to communicate respectfully and properly.”
You have to embody all these qualities, although, Judy Ann points out, no one masters them overnight. But the essence of it all, for her, can be summed up in one simple reminder: “Huwag kang diva.” Whether you're a newbie or a veteran, it’s important to always be considerate of others.
There were no laws setting work hours on movie and teleserye sets in their time, so Judy Ann and her contemporaries often worked for up to three days straight without complaining. They would remind themselves back then that if the actors were tired, the crew was even more exhausted.
"Ang palagi kong sinasabi, as actors, wala tayong karapatang magreklamo. You are being paid to wait... Maging makatao ka. So, kung gusto mong mag-artista, tapos mareklamo ka sa buhay, alisin mo muna 'yung part na 'yun ng ugali mo." The Kapamilya actress emphasizes that there’s no room for complainers in showbiz, but she also believes it’s important to speak up if you’re being disrespected.
While the entertainment world can seem all glitz and glamour, Judy Ann doesn't shy away from sharing its more challenging facets. "This industry is very giving, but it is also very terrifying to be here because anyone can just stab you in the back and say, 'Huwag n'yo nang kunin 'yan. Hindi maayos katrabaho 'yan,' and kakalat na 'yun."
Showbiz may have its shine, but Judy Ann’s words remind us that navigating this world requires not just talent but resilience and the ability to stay grounded.