Judy Ann Santos

Judy Ann Santos (Mrs. Ryan Agoncillo in real life), dubbed the “Queen of Teleserye” is slated to make a grand comeback and this is via the much awaited soap “Habang May Buhay” which will premiere on Feb. 1 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. This is right in time for the 60 years of soap opera celebration of the Kapamilya Network.

Juday has been in the industry for more than two decades. She started out in “Ula, Ang Batang Gubat” in l988, and went on to star in the series “Mara Clara” which became a phenomal hit, making her a young superstar in her own right. From then on, the “Soap Opera Queen of Philippine TV” did successive teleseryes and movies. With all the projects under her belt – from drama to fantasy and even comedy, as well as her countless awards, there is no reason to doubt that Judy Ann is indeed the “face” of the 60 Years of Soap Opera celebration of ABS-CBN.

And after many years, Juday is returning to drama acting.“Finally, the soap I was promoting since three years ago, ay maipapalabas na rin,” said a blooming and glowing Juday during the recent press conference for “Habang May Buhay.” She added: “Maganda naman ang feedback ng ABS-CBN management sa soap naming…” She also said the soap comes with fresh materials, good story and a very good cast (that includes her good friend Gladys Reyes who used to be her kontrabida in “Mara Clara” and who is also with her in her sitcom “George and Cecille”).

Juday also expressed excitement that she is being directed for the first time by Wenn Deramas. But what she is uncomfortable with, she said, was being called the “Queen of Teleserye.” She said this adds to the pressure, “kasi di ko alam kung karapat-dapat ako sa titulong ito. But I’m really very excited with ‘Habang May Buhay,’ and I could say pinaghirapan namin ng husto itong soap na ito.”

In “Habang May Buhay,” Juday plays the character Jane Alcantara, 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), got into a tragic incident. Jane then lives in misery and suffering. She vows to rise from her situation and seek justice that was never given to her mother and her friends.

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 will fall in love with. She will also meet Raon, her friend and rescuer.

Also in the cast of “Habang May Muhay” are Rio Locsin, Techie Agbayani, Will Devaughn, John Arcilla and with the special participation of Sid Lucero.

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Fil-Am’s new independent spirit

In this day and age of digital downloads and laptop studios, Fil-American artist, media master and 10-time Billboard Magazine honoree Craig Abaya embodies the spirit of the independent musical artist.

A native of San Francisco’s diverse Bernal Heights neighborhood, Craig grew up with a strong attraction to various art forms. Today he draws from all of them as a musical artist, filmmaker, photographer and designer. Says Craig, “Growing up, it was mostly I who got my friends into music and filmmaking. As for all the other artists in the neighborhood… well, there must be something in the air.

As an artist/songwriter, Craig is highly recognized for his leadership in the San Francisco Bay Area music, film and multimedia communities. He’s been the topic of several stories on Apple.com where he’s been called “the media master.” Recording Magazine editor-in-chief, Michael Laskow wrote, “Here’s one that I love” and “This guy has all his ducks in a row.” Dave Sholin, American radio personality and the last person to interview John Lennon commented, “That singer has a lot on the ball.”

What sets Craig apart from most other artists is his skill at all levels of the creative process. He produced and engineered his debut album, “The Fine Arts Of Politics.” In addition to singing and playing several instruments, Craig is joined by well-known musical artists. These include Myron Dove (Santana), Kenney Dale Johnson (Chris Isaak), Eric McCann (Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers), and our very own now Bay-area-based Jo Anne Lorenzana.

Following the tradition of The Beatles, The Who, and Queen, Craig favors musical versatility over genre. Songs on the album have won awards in rock, alternative, pop, country and more.

Also a professional video director who has worked with music legends such as Neil Young and Bruce Hornsby, Craig directed his own music video for the track “Silly Sentimental Fool.” He is already in the planning stages for several more.

In his recent interview with video director, Jarid Johnson, Craig explained, “Being an independent artist means having a self-contained vision of my creative path.” Craig embodies this spirit, directing his videos, playing multiple instruments, writing and producing his own CD, and even designing his own graphics. “I don’t see this as anything new. Indie bands have been designing their own graphics for decades. Kurt Cobain designed Nirvana’s album covers and storyboarded their music videos. I’m just lucky enough to have the technical skills to take it to the next level. But it’s still about teamwork and collaboration in the end. The film crew and the other musicians all share in the independent spirit; recording in basements and filming in apartments. Independence is not isolation. Independence is about artists creating their art without unnecessary meddling from those who don’t share in their vision.”

Craig’s album, “The Fine Arts Of Politics” CD includes 14 self-composed songs, vocally performed and arranged by Craig himself, with major instrumentation he himself played with some of the best American musicians in the Bay Area: “Living The Lie,” “Anesthesized,” “Making Other People Rich,” “Chameleon,” “Luv Is A Pain,” “Ulterior Motives,” “Touch Me,” “Something That I’m Not,” “If It Could Be You,” “Saint In Babylon,” “Little Boy Blues,” “Person Within Your Soul,” and two songs currently being played and promoted in several Philippine radio stations, “When Change Comes” on 107 NU Rock and Internet Radio, and “Silly Sentimental Fool” on Star FM.

Craig’s album “The Fine Arts Of Politics” is currently in exclusive release at PinoyTunes.net (download) and Amazon.com (CD).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 17 go to Sen. John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, Hilda Koronel, Minnie Osmena, popular hairdresser Tony Galvez, Lilet, Lito Relos, Mrs. Letty Jorman, Nick Diaz, Tonee Corraza and Hannah Trinity J. Dumaual of GMA Corporate Communications.