TWO SUPERSTARS



I consider myself an extremely lucky person. It was fate that led me to Young Superstar Judy Ann Santos. She was in town over the weekend to headline this years' Philippine Fiesta at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Seacaucus, New Jersey. A week ago Judai was one of the featured performers at the US-Philippine Expo in Pomona, California with no less than Superstar Nora Aunor. It was sort of a reunion for the two stars. They were last seen on the big screen in the 1997 Metro Manila Film Fest entry Babae (GEM Communications) directed by Lupita A. Kashiwahara. Judy Ann Santos has been described as the next Nora Aunor. After spending the weekend with her, I can honestly say that she is the only young actress deserving to be the next Superstar. I've always liked Judai even more than Claudine Barreto whose career is being patterned after Ate Guy's archrival Vilma Santos. Come to think of it, Nora Aunor won her very first major acting award from the Gawad URIAN at age 23 for Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos in 1976 while Judy Ann Santos was adjudged Best Actress by the group in 2004 for Sabel at 26. The time I spent with her is reminiscent of my experiences with Ate Guy. Like the Superstar, Judai takes care of her family and attends to all their needs. The Young Superstar also had her share of ups and downs, maybe not the same level as Ate Guy's but Judai nevertheless surpassed all the trials she went throughout her career. I asked her if she still remembers playing the young Lotlot de Leon in Sana Mahalin Mo Ako (Regal Films, 1987) and Judai said she does. She told me that her role was cut short because she was growing up very fast for a nine year old and expanding her role would ruin the films' continuity. How was that possible? Even I was as confused as she is. I read in an article where Judai was asked Sino ka sa dalawa, si Nora o si Vilma? Bakit? and she answered Ang hirap naman sagutin kasi... Siguro kung pagbasehan na lang natin sa pelikula, si Claudine nakasama na si Ate Vi, ako nakasama ko na si Ate Guy, so doon na lang. Siguro ako si Ate Guy. One thing's for sure, Judai loves Ate Guy and most especially the Noranians.