Judy Ann Santos praises Coco Martin, sets condition before joining 'Batang Quiapo'

MANILA, Philippines — Judy Ann Santos knows a good actor when she sees one, and it is apparently even more so when she gets the chance to work with one.

The actress praised her "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" co-star Coco Martin. 

"He's a very passionate actor and director at the same time. Nakakabilib na parang hindi siya napapagod. Actually, ako 'yung napapagod para sa kanya," said the actress at the sidelines of her recent launch as the newest endorser for popular milk brand Alaska. 

She worked with Coco as his guest star in the longest-running "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" in 2019. She appeared in one of the seasons of the show, which aired from 2015 to 2022, on the nightly primetime slot of ABS-CBN. Judy Ann played the role of Jane in the show. 

"Pinagpapahinga ko na nga siya (Coco). Siya lang 'yung, 'Ate, sayang e.' Na-realize ko may ganyan din naman ako noong araw. 

"So ibigay ko sa kanya 'yun kasi he's on a roll. He deserves everything that he has right now and I'm so happy for him that everything is laid out for him. He deserves it. He deserves the respect. He deserves the honor kasi nakita naman natin, nakita ko kung paano siya mag-trabaho. Ibang klase mag-trabaho si Coco. Talagang literal na dugo, pawis at luha ang makikita mo sa kanya," the actress shared. 

She also revealed that she found the pairing of Coco with Bela Padilla on the show as the recent "most kilig" one she saw on TV. Bela played Carmen, wife to Coco's Ador. She was introduced in the earlier seasons of the show while Judy Ann came in the latter part of it.

"Naniwala ako sa tandem, sina Coco at Bela Padilla sa 'Probinsyano.' 'Yun lang kasi ang napanood ko pero nu'ng pinanood ko, 'Ay nakakakilig itong dalawang ito.' Naramdaman ko sila. After noon, ayoko lang kasi magsabi ng pangalan just to, para lang ma-happy ang mga tao, 'di ba? Wala kasi akong basehan. Hindi kasi ako nakatapos. Puro trailers lang 'yung napapanood ko. Pero 'yun 'yung hindi magka-love team na kinilig ako. So, para sa akin, nag-work 'yung tandem nila," Judy Ann said. 

After a short break, Coco returned to the same time slot that he left with another show inspired by the late Fernando Poe Jr.'s movie with the same name, "FPJ's Batang