But what’s even more heartwarming for Juday is that coming alongside this ‘big blessing’ is the unwavering support of the public to her top-rating primetime soap Habang May Buhay.

According to the latest TNS National TV Ratings, the program continues to lead in the ratings with 28.5% as compared to its competition, Diva (topbilled by Regine Velasquez, which only got 24.1%

This week, loyal HMB followers are in for a bunch of drama- and tension-filled episodes in the life of lead character Nurse Jane Alcantara (Judy Ann Santos) and all the people involved in her quest for justice for her sick mother Rose (Gina Alajar).

In the story, Jane files a case against David’s (Derek Ramsay) mother, Ellen Corpuz (Tetchie Agbayani) for keeping mum about the whereabouts of her sons Sam and Nathan, Jane’s childhood friends whom she blames to be the reason for her mom’s illness.

As Nurse Jane’s legal battle continues, all sorts of misgivings and revelations are set to be unraveled. Will Ellen finally confess that her son Sam and Jane’s boyfriend David is the same person? What new devious schemes will Clarissa (Gladys Reyes) come up to further get Jane out of her way and win David’s love. Will David find the courage to tell the truth to Jane or will he just choose to backslide and escape from the hurtful possibility of loosing Jane because of a sad accident of the past?

In Habang May Buhay, witness how the characters reveal the different facets of truth – a mother’s unconditional love to her child; a relentless desire to win an unrequited love; and living up to the promise of rising up after a major downfall.

With all its heart stopping scenes, you’ll never want to miss Habang May Buhay, weeknights after Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

ABS-CBN hailed Judy Ann Santos as the face of Philippine Soap Opera. She is currently seen on the primetime series “Habang May Buhay” with Derek Ramsay as her leading man.

A young superstar herself, Judy Ann shares with Women’s Health readers how she is living her best life.

There’s no doubt that the Queen of Teleserye is every Pinoy’s favorite as her teleserye Habang May Buhay’s ratings continue to soar high every night.

According to the TNS Ratings survey last week, the star-studded series boasts of a 34.7 ratings compared to the 25.7 of its competing program in the National Survey and 34.0 vs 29.9 in Metro Manila. In Visayas and Mindanao, the program obtained ratings of 42.0 vs 20.6 and 45.4 vs. 6.0, respectively.

The series also received positive comments and feedback as in the popular forum website, Pinoy Exchange. One of the users, babytard commented, “Ang isa sa pinaka-naappreciate ko sa soap na ‘to eh ‘yung camera movements. Pansin niyo laging nag-i-slide ‘yung camera. Gumagalaw palagi ‘yung shots. Tsaka it’s a breath of fresh air na hindi na puro kidnapan na lang ang nangyayari. Kung baga grounded on reality talaga ‘yung soap.”

Asian_cincere added, “Kinikilabutan ako sa ganda ng Habang May Buhay. Sana talaga tuloy tuloy lang ito.” While vingo wrote, “Walang katapusang congratulations Juday. Mas pinapahanga mo ako gabi gabi. May hangover pa ako sa awayan vs the magtiya kagabi.”

In another website pinoychannel.com, username eight 8 wrote, “HANEP sa acting si Juday dito..unbeatable talaga wlang kakupas kupas….nakaupo ako sa sofa at napapaangat ako sa sa pagkakaupo tuwing may dialog si Juday..gustong kong sumigaw ng BRAVOOOOO,…ang galing galing…nakakabuhay ng dugo kahit gabing gabi na…yan ang acting…Yan ang gusto ng viewers ang wag magpaapi..sa totoong buhay naman normal talaga pag ganyan na lalaban talaga…eh si Juday pa umarte e di totoong totoo talaga dating..SUPERBBBBBB.”

Plus, in the starmometer.com website, loyalme stated “Juday really is the queen of all teleserye. Thanks ABS-CBN for the long wait is over. Talagang hinihintay ito sa lahat. ABS-CBN, you’re the best station.” Azanara also adds, “Iba tlaga ang galing ni Juday kahit saan ikumpara, siya talaga ang kaabang-abang pag dating sa teleserye o mapa-movie man. Kaya hindi magtataka ang madami kung bakt madami siyang nagiging award. Dahil sa kanyang galling, saludo ako sayo idol. Salamat sa ABS-CBN at muling nagbalik ang tunay na BIDA sa telebisyon. Wala akong masabi sa husay ng idol ko na si Juday. Humanda na ang gustong tumapat na teleserye, tiyak ko na lalangawin ka lang.”

As Habang May Buhay continues, will Jane and her mother finally meet? What will now happen after Jane has already achieved her dream of becoming a nurse?

Find out as Habang May Buhay becomes even more exciting with the introduction of its characters in ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida, after Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo.

A baby boy and a baby girl will soon enter the life of Judy Ann Santos’ character George in ABS-CBN’s romantic comedy program “George and Cecil” which will take its final bow this Sunday (Feb 7).

The Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera confirmed that after the long wait and struggles as newlyweds, George and Cecil (played by real-life hubby Ryan Agoncillo) can finally call themselves a family with the birth of their fraternal twins.

Reality then suddenly sets in with the odd couple as the two start to doubt if they are really ready to become parents.

Just as George and Cecil are having personal dilemmas they have to resolve, this milestone in their life also stirred emotions on the people around them—Ronnie (Archie Alemania) is thinking of having a baby with Grace (Dionne Monsanto) while Oscar (Christopher Roxas) is asking Miriam (Gladys Reyes) for an additional member to their family.

What awaits George and Cecil as they embark on this new chapter in their life? Are they really ready to become mom and dad?

Don’t miss the last episode of “George and Cecil” this Sunday (Feb 7) after “Sharon” on ABS-CBN.

According to the TNS National TV Ratings, the program’s pilot episode led in the ratings when it reached 30.4 % as compared to its competition, Full House, which got 24.6%. After the first day, it went up to 31.5 % and the Richard Gutierrez-starrer went down to 23.4%. The newest Primetime Bida offering’s viewership continues to increase as the story progresses and as the Queen of Teleserye’s leading men – Derek Ramsay and Joem Bascon are about to appear in the story .

In Habang May Buhay, witness how Jane Alcantara (Judy Ann) faces trials and challenges that come her way. Added to her struggles is her mother who is very ill. Her experiences will shape her character that we will get to know in the coming episodes.

Catch Habang May Buhay weeknights in ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida , right after Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo.

Comparative National Ratings Data
(February 2, 2010; ABS-CBN vs. GMA-7)

Gising Pilipinas (1.5%) / Todo Balita (2.7%) vs I-Witness (Replay) “Matansero” (2.0%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (5.7%) / Mr. Bean Live! (6.4%) vs Unang Hirit (5.2%)
Gintama (6.6%) vs Hunter X Hunter (6.1%) / Pok’emon (7.6%)
Naruto Shipuuden (Season 2) (7.6%) vs Kekkaishi (8.4%)
Miss No Good The Bonggacious Comeback (7.6%) vs Knock Out (9.8%)
Showtime (18.1%) vs Kapuso Movie Festival “Katas ng Saudi” (14.9%)
Wowowee (25.8%) vs Eat… Bulaga! (17.4%) / Daisy Siete (12.0%)
Gilda Olividado’s Magkano ang Iyong Dangal (18.1%) vs Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (12.5%)
Maria De Jesus Ang Anghel sa Lansangan (15.1%) / Banana Split Daily Servings (13.6%) vs Ina Kasusuklaman Ba Kita (12.4%)
Pinoy Big Brother Double Up Uber (14.6%) vs Laf en Roll Gugulong Ka sa Tawa! (7.2%)
Love is only in the Movie (15.4%) vs Family Feud (9.5%)
Tanging Yaman (26.7%) vs Ikaw Sana (15.7%)
TV Patrol World (33.5%) vs 24 Oras (24.4%)
May Bukas Pa (38.7%) vs Mars Ravelo’s Darna (27.7%)
Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (34.8%) vs The Last Prince (26.5%)
Habang May Buhay (31.5%) / Pinoy Big Brother Double Up (27.8%) vs Full House (23.4%)
SNN Showbiz News Ngayon (13.9%) vs Queen Seon Deok (17.6%)
Bandila (7.6%) vs Saksi Liga ng Katotohanan (8.5%)
The Correspondents “Ma Bigatin sa Timbang” (5.9%) vs Reporter’s Notebook “Pait ng Asukal” (3.9%)
Pinoy Big Brother Double Up Late (1.5%)

Source: Taylor Nelson Sofres

In an interview, the two admitted that they were very sad especially during their last day of taping where they, together with co-actors and show staff and crew, were having dinner for the last time.

“We’ve been working together for more than a year and we will definitely miss our moments on the set. They’re like family to us so it’s really hard to let go,” said Judy Ann.

Judy Ann added that the show is indeed a special and memorable one for Ryan and her as it is the first time they teamed up on television after their surprise wedding held in April of last year.

Other cast members also showed the importance of “George and Cecil” to them by turning the last taping day dinner into a mini-celebration, happily sharing memories of the show with the whole staff and crew.

“George and Cecil” first aired in June 2009. The program featured the story of unconventional partners George, a police woman, and Cecil, a high school teacher, who happened to find love true love in each other despite their extreme personal and professional differences.

Together, they faced the problems that come with the newly married life, from the difficulties of adjusting when starting to live together, up to the challenges of balancing their role as spouse and individual, even the tricks in dealing with in-laws.

Every episode truly shared valuable lessons with the viewers, especially those who, just like the characters they portray, have recently tied the knot and are adjusting with their new life.

As the show ends this coming Sunday, George and Cecil will face their biggest challenge yet as husband and wife — starting their very own family.

What awaits the couple? How will they welcome the challenge of parenthood?

George and Cecil also features the hilarious ensemble cast of Tessie Tomas, Al Tantay, Malou De Guzman, Gladys Reyes, Dimples Romana, Christopher Roxas, Archie Alemania, Dionne Monsanto, Dino Imperial, Cherry Lou, Kakai Bautista, Jommy Teotico, Manuel Chua and Marion Dela Cruz.

Don’t miss the last episode of “George and Cecil” this Sunday (Feb 7) after “Sharon” in ABS-CBN.

Meet the powerhouse cast of the much-awaited teleserye “Habang May Buhay.”

Click image to enlarge

Habang May Buhay is set to premiere on February 1, 2010 under the primetime bida block of ABS-CBN.

As the Queen of Soap Opera returns to television, this also marks the comeback of director Wenn Deramas to Primetime. The certified blockbuster actress and director will work together in a project for the very first time. This is also the reunion of Juday’s Ysabella leading man Derek Ramsay as well as her ultimate Mara Clara kontrabida Gladys Reyes. This generation’s newest leading man Joem Bascom will also partner with Juday for the first time. The series boasts of a star-studded cast including respected artists Gina Alajar, Rio Locsin, Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla plus hunk actor Will Devaughn.

Juday gives life to the character of Jane Alcantara, a simple woman who dreams of becoming a nurse just like her mother Rose (Gina Alajar). But fate will test her courage as her mother meets an accident caused by her two best friends Sam (Derek Ramsay) and Nathan (Joem Bascon). Because of the hardships and sufferings she faced, she vows to have a better life and seeks justice she and her mother deserve. Her aunt Cora (Rio Locsin) will be her adviser and close friend who only has the best intentions for her.

As time passes, Jane fulfills her dream and as she enters the world of medicine, she will meet the people who will give color to her life – David, the arrogant heir of the hospital she works in, Raon, the man from the streets who becomes her rescuer and Nonoy (Will Devaughn), her childhood friend and protector. She will also meet Dr. Manuel Corpuz (John Arcilla), a general physician and husband of Ellen Corpuz (Tetchie Agbayani) and the woman who secretly pines for the love of David, Dra. Clarissa Briones (Gladys Reyes).

Who are these people in Jane’s life? Will love rule over the search for truth and healing?

Patuloy ang pintig ng puso…Habang May Buhay.

Also starring Melanie Marquez, Jeffrey Santos, Marc Abaya, Dominic Roque, RJ Ledesma, Jaymee Joaquin, Kian Kazemi, GeeAnn Abrahan, Rubi Rubi, Carizza Cortez, Ejay Falcon, Jobelle Salvador, Kathleen Hermosa, Mariel Pamintuan, John Manalo, Joshua Dionisio, Makisig Morales and with the special participation of Sid Lucero, Matet de leon, Ina Feleo, Bangs Garcia and Lloyd Samartino, don’t miss Habang May Buhay starting February 1 (Monday) on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

Juday has been in the industry for more than two decades, starting in Ula, Ang batang Gubat in the year 1988 until she became popular in the phenomenal series Mara Clara. From then on, the Soap Opera Queen of Philippine TV has done successive and numerous teleserye and films. With all of the projects under her belt – from drama, fantasy and even comedy, as well as countless awards, there is no doubt why Judy Ann is the ‘face’ of the 60 Years of Soap Opera celebration.

As the Queen of Soap Opera returns to Primetime Bida, Juday or Judy Ann Santos breathes life into Jane Alcantara’s character, a caring and loving friend and daughter. Jane has dreamed of becoming a nurse just like her mother Rose (Gina Alajar) ever since she was a child. But her world will fall apart when her mother and two close friends, Sam (Derek Ramsay) and Nathan (Joem Bascon), face a drastic tragedy. Jane then lives in misery and suffering. She vows to rise from her situation and seek justice that was never given to them.

As time passes, Jane will fulfill her ultimate dream of being a nurse. She will then meet David, the heir of the hospital where she works and the man whom she falls in love with. And Raon, her friend and rescuer.

What connection do the two have with Jane’s past? Will love rule over the search for truth and healing?

Also starring Rio Locsin, Tetchie Agbayani, Gladys Reyes, Will Devaughn, John Arcilla and with the very special participation of Sid Lucero, helmed by blockbuster director Wenn Deramas. Don’t miss Habang May Buhay on February 1, 2010 on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

TOP 10 NEWSMAKERS OF 2009

1. HAYDEN KHO – Earlier this year, Dr. Hayden Kho was the topic of all headlines after his sex videos leaked on the internet. The news lingered as his controversial sex videos with Katrina Halili, Maricar Reyes and a Brazilian model circulated one by one from various porn sites to pirated DVD vendors. His saga continued the whole year round from revocation of his medical license, from getting splashed with water by an ex-cop during the Senate hearing to rumors that he committed suicide. There is no doubt that Hayden is our no. 1 newsmaker of 2009!

2. MANNY PACQUIAO – Our Pambansang Kamao made history after he became the first boxer in world to win 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions. His winning bouts against Hatton last May and against Cotto last November were sensational. Pacquiao has been included by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people. Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for the year 2009. Pacquiao had also won the 2009 ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category. And to cap a great year for Pacman was the controversy about his alleged love affair with Wapakman co-star Krista Ranillo.

3. FORMER PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO – After the former president succumbed to colon cancer last August 1, 2009, the whole country mourned and other nations commemorated her contribution in democracy. There were even petitions to elevate her as national hero and even a saint. Her son Noynoy was then urged to run for President to continue the “people power” legacy.

4. KATRINA HALILI and MARICAR REYES (tie) – Katrina and Maricar were the two identified women involved in the Hayden Kho Sex Video scandal. The two had different ways in dealing with the controversy. As Katrina was all out to fight Hayden, Vicki Belo and the distributors of the DVD, Maricar chose to be silent and concentrated more on her flourishing showbiz career. Nevertheless, both Katrina and Maricar made various headlines and their names were prominent in the search engine “Google” for the whole year.

5. KORINA SANCHEZ AND MAR ROXAS – Their wedding last October 27, 2009 was dubbed as the marriage of politics and media. Even the tiniest detail of this event has been captured by the press as people are following the political plans of Mar and the transformation of Korina from a fierce broadcaster to a submissive wife.

6. EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA – His winning CNN Hero of the Year was a pleasant gift for the country who just suffered the Ondoy blow. Filipinos around the world celebrated this notable achievement and many were inspired to do advocacy works.

7. CARLO J. CAPARAS – To be or not to be a national artist became a dilemma to this film director whose graphic novels are being adapted on television and movies. Among the national artists awardee this year, Caparas received the most objections from critics. Even former national artist awardees staged a “necrological service” for the death of such honor because of him.

8. BRILLIANTE MENDOZA – He made everyone proud after winning Best Director in the most prestigious international film festival in the world – the Cannes International Film Festival. His work for the film Kinatay earned him accolades in the international film industry most specially when he bested Oscar winners like Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) and Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility, Brokeback Mountain).

9. JUDY ANN SANTOS AND RYAN AGONCILLO – Their “secret wedding” in San Juan Batangas last April 28 surprised everyone. Media catched up afterwards on the how’s and the why’s in what supposed to be the wedding of the year.

10. WILLIE REVILLAME – This list will not be complete without the controversy-magnet noontime show host. Dubbed as the most powerful local celebrity and perhaps the richest (even richer than Manny Pacquiao?), Willie made it to the headlines once again as expected when he ordered his staff on noontime show Wowowee to remove the video clips of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s funeral cortege playing on the screen while he’s hosting his show. He took an indefinite leave after that and returned. There were also speculations about him running for public office but later announced that he won’t pursue the plan for now. The latest incident concerning the Megastar re-sparked the boycott petition against him and there were even rumors that it could lead to ABS-CBN’s drastic move to replace him with Vhong Navarro.

We picked 14 finalists in our 2009 edition of “Covergirl of the Year.” And you, our avid readers, have the power to select the winner.

The finalists for Starmometer’s 2009 Covergirl of the Year are:

Angel Locsin Metro October 2009	Anne Curtis Marie Claire April 2009
Bea Alonzo Cosmopolitan October 2009	Carla Abellana Cosmopolitan September 2009
Cristine Reyes Cosmopolitan August 2009	Jennylyn Mercado FHM November 2009
Judy Ann Santos Preview October 2009	Katrina Halili MEGA August 2009
KC Concepcion Chalk August 2009	Kim Chiu Preview September 2009
Maja Salvador Cosmopolitan December 2009	Marian Rivera Women’s Health September 2009
Maricar Reyes Metro August 2009	Rhian Ramos MEGA January 2009

A true blue Kapamilya style celebration, don’t miss the special ‘May Bukas Pa’ production number plus the launching of ABS-CBN’s face of 60 years of soap opera – Judy Ann Santos for her newest series ‘Habang May Buhay’ – followed by sneak peeks of the newest teleseryes to look forward to in 2010. Various stars carol the night away with Pinoy Christmas songs while the Kanto Boys bring the house down with their never ending quirkiness. Expect more surprise treats plus an inspirational message by the one and only King of Comedy, Dolphy.

ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos Concio as well as other network executives grace the night.

The Christmas special is part of the Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko campaign which started last November with a lighting ceremony at ABS-CBN building, followed by the launch of the Christmas station ID and the Bayanijuan sa Calauan and the ongoing Win sa Bituin promo.

It’s going to be a night of pure fun and entertainment! Catch the ABS-CBN Christmas Special Part 2 on December 20, 10pm on Sunday’s Best.