Judy Ann Santos, who, in the movie, plays Mia, a mother and wife who is the sole breadwinner of her family, is not touted young superstar for nothing. She has been in show business for 23 years now and has done about 70 movies, many of which have won awards for her from many prestigious award giving bodies. Her unmatched mettle is also celebrated on television, making her not only a multi-hyphenate celebrity but a bankable one across media.

In “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” Judy Ann delivers a performance that Director Joey Reyes lauds as realistic acting that no doubt stems from the fact that her leading man here is her real life husband, Ryan Agoncillo. Their first movie together since tying the knot, the two bring on the silver screen a chemistry that is based on a genuine, if not intuitive, understanding and essay of their roles. This early, many predict Judy Ann is shoo-in for Best Actress in the 2011 MMFF.

Although Ryan Agoncillo is better known as TV host, and one of the best ones in his generation too, he is a strong contender in the Best Actor category for playing Rod, a man who is bank manager one day then househusband the next. “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is certainly Ryan’s movie more than any one else’s as he has the most number of scenes among the cast members. But more than that, his delineation of provider turned circumstantial housekeeper will have people laughing, thinking, understanding and, perhaps, more accepting of the fact that there is no one formula or set-up that makes a family work.

Note that the last time Ryan worked with Direk Joey (in 2006’s “Kutob”), the former earned a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category of the FAP Awards.

Comedienne Eugene Domingo has been winning awards left and right for five years in a row now. More, she is one of few actresses—if not the only one—in the Philippine entertainment history to have participated in six films produced by eight different Filipino production companies within a year. To say that she is great at what she does and is one of the most in-demand actresses these days is an understatement.

In “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” Eugene plays Aida, a mistress who happens to be Rod and Mia’s neighbor. With Mia always away, Rod and Aida develop a friendship that even has the Mrs. jealous at one point. Although Eugene has done so many movies this year, she grabbed the opportunity to be cast in “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” in order to work anew with Ryan, Judy Ann and Direk Joey, and to portray a role that challenges her.

“I’ve never played a mistress before nor best friend to a straight guy. Even in real life, I have lots of girl and gay friends but very few straight guys so I am tackling my role here from a fresh point of view,” said she, who’s gusto in working on “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” surely brought out the best in her yet again.

Guiding the actors in giving their best in “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is Direk Joey, who, himself, is no stranger to awards. Many of his works have also become modern classics some of which also featured Ryan, Judy Ann and Eugene. He has said in recent interviews that his latest film is important in his career in that he plans to redirect his career should he win Best Director yet again.

With the stellar acting prowess of its talents and the very relatable story of “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!,” the film is expected to bring home multiple trophies come 2011 MMFF awards night.

OctoArts Films’“My Househusband: Ikaw Na” opens on Christmas Day, December 25, in theaters nationwide.

Judy Ann, Ryan and Eugene of ‘My Househusband: Ikaw Na!’ are Strong Contenders in 2011 MMFF originally appeared on Starmometer on December 22, 2011.

The campaign for the different in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival is in high gear and the word on the street as well as talk among industry insiders have it that “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is a shoo-in for the top awards as well as ruling the box office race.

Starring real life husband and wife Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, the film speaks volumes of success in so many aspects already. Joining the fray is undisputed comedy actress Eugene Domingo. All three premiere talents join outstanding chemistry with director par excellence Jose Javier Reyes.

The totality is undeniably a conglomeration of winners in so many levels that Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress are some of the much-predicted trophies that can probably be associated to this film by OctoArts come awards’ night.

Ryan and Juday’s roles become even more realistic in their hands since they can relate to their characters in many aspects. Like married couple Mia and Rod, the lead characters in the movie, Judy Ann and Ryan know exactly what it’s like to raise kids, to balance career and family life, to stay best friends with your significant other even after tying the knot, and to be clear on priorities and keep sense of humor especially through thin.

“Househusband” director Joey Reyes notes that the two kept it “real” and that aside from their well-polished skill in acting, their portrayals have that extra something, “an almost instinctive element”. Ryan is a revelation here, the awarded director adds– and the latter should know. Direk Joey, after all, also directed Ryan in “Kutob” in 2006 where the actor-TV host nabbed a nomination at the FAP Awards for Best Supporting Actor.

As if the winning tandem of Ryan and Judy Ann isn’t enough, ace comedienne Eugene Domingo thickens the plot as Aida, a mistress who lives next door and eventually ends up as Rod’s BFF. Eugene finds it refreshing that the comedic style she was made to bring into the film is neither over the top nor subdued but “just right”.

Though she has starred in one film after the other this year, Eugene is glad to have added “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” to her resume because it is the first time she plays a character who is best friends with a straight male. “Ibang iba ang point of view dahil dun and since I have very few straight male friends in real life, playing Aida was very refreshing and challenging.”

Indeed, given her track record and the way she speaks fondly of her role, her co-actors and the film “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” just might put another trophy on Eugene’s shelf.

tying it all together so masterfully is Direk Joey: he has won awards from the Gawad Urian, Filipino Star Awards and in past MMFF. Many of his works such as “Minamahal Kita”, “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal”, and “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” (which starred Judy and Ryan) are condsidered modern classics and going by gut feel, “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” could lengthen that list.

And why not? Among all in this year’s MMFF, the subject matter of “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is most timely: about a married couple who has a non-trditional set up in which the husband takes care of the kids and in manning the house while the wife looks after putting food on the table. Along the way, situations aries that test the arrangement and their relationship. “Many men today are ‘househusband’ either by choice or circumstance and in this film, we show the hilarious side of it,” said he whose vision for the filmwas so clear to him that shooting the scenes were often a swift and smooth affair.

Great actors fleshing out a timeless and relatable story under superb direction—”My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” has got the gold in the bag.

“My Househusband: Ikaw Na!” is OctoArts Films’ entry to the 2011 MMFF. It opens on Christmas Day, December 25, 2011.

(Press release from OctoArts Films)

Watch the full trailer here:

‘My Househusband: Ikaw Na!’ Poised for Major Wins in MMFF 2011 Awards’ Race originally appeared on Starmometer on December 12, 2011.

From indie films to mainstream showbiz, Coco Martin has surely come a long way. His primetime starrer “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” has been successful on its entire run with regards to TV ratings and reviews from critics.

Now that the drama series is about to air its final episode this Friday, Coco Martin is prepping up with a movie project that will star him with no less than the young superstar Judy Ann Santos.

However, this is not the first time that he will work with the Pinoy Junior MasterChef host. In 2001, Coco had a minor role in Judy Ann’s movie “Luv Txt” and he admired the actress ever since. Now he could not believe that he’s going to share topbilling with one of the most formidable stars of today.

“Bata pa lang ako pinapanood ko na si Ms Judy Ann… in ‘Esperanza,’ ‘Kristala,” he said.

The upcoming movie will also reunite Coco with his “Sebis” co-star Ms. Gina Pareño and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” co-star Maja Salvador.

Coco Martin will be the Leading Man of Judy Ann Santos in Upcoming Movie originally appeared on Starmometer on August 17, 2011.

Feel a massive dose of superstar power as “ASAP Rocks” takes you to a roller coaster ride of unbelievable highs led by Gary Valenciano, Zsazsa Padilla, Sarah Geronimo, KC Concepcion, John Lloyd Cruz, Coco Martin, Piolo Pascual and “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition” host Superstar Judy Ann Santos.

Exhilarating Kapamilya surprises begin with the hottest launch of the newest teleserye “Maria la del Barrio” topbilled by Erich Gonzales, Paw Diaz, Arron Villaflor and Enchong Dee; the excitement builds up with the return of the country’s ultimate Primetime Princess – Kim Chiu via “My Binondo Girl”; Boots Anson Roa, Ronaldo Valdez, Lorna Tolentino, Amy Austria, John Estrada, Tonton Guttierez, Martin del Rosario and Coco Martin of “Minsan lang kita Iibigin” bid a heartbreaking farewell to their supporters.

It’s a moving Sunday as ASAP Sessionistas reminisce the most requested poignant songs and memories plus sentimental favorites fill the air with special renditions from ASAP Pinoy Champs Jovit Baldivino, Marcelito Pomoy and Angeline Quinto.

Plus electrifying surprises from Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidecelli, Shaina Magdayao, Nikki Gil, Gab Valenciano, Jessy Mendiola, Zaijan Jaranilla, birthday celebrator Young JV with APOP, Starpower Four, Neilbeth, B4, Camper’s Champs, XB Gensan, Freestylers, Kiss, Laoag Gymnastics Group, G-Force and “Way Back Home” stars Julia Montes, Sam Concepcion, Enrique Gil and Kathryn Bernardo.

Experience all the drama and all the action only on “ASAP Rocks” feel na feel episode this Sunday, 12:15 high noon. For updates, photos and to hang out live with the stars at ASAP Chill-Out, visit http://asap.abs-cbn.com/.

Judy Ann Santos and Coco Martin Joins ASAP Rocks ‘Feel na Feel’ Episode this Sunday originally appeared on Starmometer on August 12, 2011.

Who among these beauteful leading ladies will win the coveted title of this year’s “Most Stylish Leading Lady” for Star Studio Magazine’s Celebrity Style Awards?

For details on how to vote, log on to http://starstudio.multiply.com. SSM, in its 10th year pays tribute to these “style ambassadors,” celebrities who never fail to stand out by making the most out of life and look good doing it.

To vote: Text CHOOSE (ex: CHOOSE STARSTUDIOKONTRA A) send to 2366 for Globe, TM, and Sun Cellular subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk N Text subscribers.

Most Stylish Leading Lady Category
Keyword: STARSTUDIOFLEAD

A.) Heart Evangelista

B.) Kim Chiu

C.) Judy Ann Santos

D.) Anne Curtis

E.) Rhian Ramos

StarStudio Celebrity Style Awards – Most Stylish Leading Ladies Nominees originally appeared on Starmometer on September 4, 2010.

For the weekend period of July 28 to August 1, 2010, Box Office Mojo reported that “Hating Kapatid” has raked in P15.28 million to add to its 2nd week total of P64.42 million. It’s the 3rd most-watched film that weekend.

Topping Philippine box office for the said period is Angelina Jolie’s action-packed film “Salt” which had an opening weekend gross of P56.81 million.

Following “Salt” is the second weekend of “The Last Airbender” which had an additional of P23.95 million to add to its 2 weeks total of P87.42 million.

Placing fourth and fifth are “Inception” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with box-office gross of P14.46M and P7.43M respectively.

The Star Cinema horror movie “Cinco” had an additional P3.41 million gross to add to its 3 weeks total of P56.52 million.

TOP GROSSING PINOY MOVIES FOR 2010
(As of August 1, 2010)

1. Miss You Like Crazy – P143.25 million
(Star Cinema)

2. Here Comes the Bride – P116 million
(Star Cinema, OctoArts Films, Quantum Films)

3. You to Me Are Everything – P102.42 million
(GMA Films, Regal Films)

4. Babe, I Love You – P96.34 million
(Star Cinema, Viva Films)

5. Paano Na Kaya – P82.25 million
(Star Cinema)

6. Hating Kapatid – P64.42 million *
(Viva Films)

7. Cinco – P56.52 million
(Star Cinema)

8. I’ll Be There – P42.2 million
(Star Cinema)

9. Working Girls – P32.32 million
(GMA Films, Viva Films)

10. Noy the Movie – P9.94
(CineMedia, Star Cinema)

11. Emir – P3.1 million
(FDCP, CCP and Viva Films)

* still running in selected theaters

‘Hating Kapatid’ Earns P64.42M in 2 Weeks originally appeared on Starmometer on August 8, 2010.

Images courtesy of Viva Films. Visit the official website of Hating Kapatid at www.hatingkapatidthemovie.com.

Hating Kapatid – Character Posters originally appeared on Starmometer on July 20, 2010.

“Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera” Judy Ann Santos and “Primera Kontrabida” Gladys Reyes visit Megastar Sharon Cuneta this Sunday, July 4, for a very special reunion—to celebrate friendship and motherhood. Together with Vice Ganda and Juris, don’t miss the surprises in store for the two expectant celebrity moms in the only musical variety Sunday night show “kung saan lagi kang kasama,” Sharon, after Rated K on ABS-CBN.

Judy Ann and Gladys Reunite on ‘Sharon’ this Sunday originally appeared on Starmometer on July 2, 2010.

Hating Kapatid is a story of love for one’s family; a story of sharing time with your love ones and adjusting lives with OFWs. Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo plays the role of two daughters who adjust upon the arrival of their OFW parents. Judy Ann Santos plays the role of Maria Rica, the big sister of Maria Cecilia, played by Sarah Geronimo. After their parents, starred by Cherrie Pie Picache and Al Tantay, left for abroad, the two then were left in the custody of their Lola Gerty lead by Gina Pareño. The two were inseparable as they grew older. Maria Rica looks after her younger sister, Maria Cecilia. She swore not to leave her when an accident happened in their firecracker business. After years of waiting, their parents finally returned home and moved to Manila. Everything changed. Maria Rica has to turn over what she had raised. Their parents has now the full-support to continue what they had left in the Philippines, especially, their obligation as parents.

Maria Rica has to accept the fact that she has to return the favor. But she is now in a deep crisis in accepting the fact that she cannot rule everything now. With Maria Cecilia on her hand, should she give up her love to her younger sister whom she had given her life all this time?

“Hating Kapatid” opens in theaters nationwide on July 21, 2010.

Watch the trailer here:

‘Hating Kapatid’ Trailer Released originally appeared on Starmometer on June 27, 2010.

Hating Kapatid is the first movie together of two Queens – Teleserye Queen Judy Ann Santos and Box-Office Queen Sarah Geronimo.

The movie also stars Luis Manzano, JC De Vera, Gina Pareño, Cherry Pie Picache, DJ Durano and Vice Ganda.

Hating Kapatid tells the story of sisters Rica and Cecilia who love each other so much that they are willing to sacrifice even their personal happiness to keep intact the bond that they share. A romance-comedy, the movie will make viewers laugh, cry, think, wish to fall and stay, in love and realize that family members should be friends, too. Both actresses will showcase their outstanding comedic talents as well as their abilities to make people cry in this unique movie.

Helmed by Wenn V. Deramas, “Hating Kapatid” opens on July 28, 2010.

Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo Topbill ‘Hating Kapatid’ originally appeared on Starmometer on June 5, 2010.

From the highly-watched Saturday series “Gimik,” 5 of its original cast members namely Diether Ocampo, Bojo Molina, G Toengi, Mylene Dizon, and Judy Ann Santos will reunite in “Gimik 2010: The Reunion” where twists and surprises are added to spice up the series even more.

While the original “Gimik” was directed by Laurenti Dyogi, the “reunion” series will be helmed by Erick Salud. It will air every sunday beginning April 25 taking the “Your Song” timeslot after ASAP XV.

Watch the trailer here:

Gimik 2010 ‘The Reunion’ Premieres on April 25 originally appeared on Starmometer on April 20, 2010.

“Ikaw ang Pag-ibig” is Judy Ann and Ryan’s first drama project together as their previous works were all comedies like the MMFF movies “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo” and their last sitcom on ABS-CBN “George and Cecil.”

The film is being helmed by award-winning director Marilou Diaz Abaya and it is co-produced by TV5. The camera started rolling last week.

Judy Ann is currently 3-months pregnant while filming this movie.

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo Topbill the TV5-Produced Movie ‘Ikaw ang Pag-ibig’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 12, 2010.