Judy Ann Santos shares life lesson from Alfie Lorenzo; managing kids’ showbiz career

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Judy Ann Santos revealed she took to heart one life lesson she learned from her former manager, the late Alfie Lorenzo.

The chef-actress opened up about her relationship as the talent of the talent manager who passed away in 2017.

Judy Ann started the conversation with the press at the sidelines of her recent launch as the newest ambassador of popular milk brand Alaska.

The actress beamed with pride on how she is managing to raise her children and take care of her family.

She and her husband, host Ryan Agoncillo, are busy parents. Ryan is one of the hosts of the daily noontime show "E.A.T." while she just finished 10 months of filming for her upcoming series "Call My Manager."

In between, Judy Ann fulfills her role as a homemaker who makes time to prepare the "baon" or meals for her husband and her kids. As both of them are in the limelight, their children soon find their own fame by starring in several commercials or ads.

As such, Judy Ann is asked if she would like to manage her kids. She and Ryan are parents to Yohan, Lucho and Luna. All three have appeared in ads with her.

"I don't think I would want to step in that part kasi baka maging iba. At this point, it's safe to say, I still allow them to decide whenever we endorse a product. The last decision should still come from them. Ayoko silang pilitin, ayoko silang pagsinungalingin. So, if you see the kids endorsing the product, it's because they really like it," she said.

Luna, for instance, is seen with Judy Ann in an Alaska ad. She said Luna enjoys dressing up and doing these things with her.

The actress looked back at her experience growing up as a child actress in the 1980s. She has been in the limelight all throughout her younger years until today that she has her own family. And while she may have established a name for herself, Judy Ann turned introspective when it came to the lesson her former manager taught her.

"Isa sa mga bagay na natutunan ko with Tito Alfie is it's important na marinig 'yung opinion ng taong involved because I never had that freedom with Tito Alfie. But then again I realized na it is something na… so okay, ang kinuha ko doon 'yung positive lesson.

"Na-enjoy ko naman 'yung mga nangyari sa akin. Malaki din naman ang naitulong ni Tito Alfie sa akin. Hindi ko naman ipagkakaila 'yun. If it weren't for Tito Alfie, siguro hindi naman din ako ganito ka layo. Pero kesa mag-focus ako sa mga negatibong nangyari, mag-focus ako sa kung ano ba 'yung natutunan ko. Ano ba 'yung pwede kong i-instill sa mga anak namin? Ano 'yung pwede kong ipasa sa younger generations who look up to us na medyo mas senior sa kanila?" Judy Ann said.

She said when she started showbiz, she did not have any option because she had to help with the bills. But since she is in a better position now, it is not exactly going to be the same with her and Ryan's children.

"Kasi noong time na 'yun wala naman akong option. I didn't have a choice because I had to, you know, I had to earn money, pay rent. But ang sinasabi namin sa mga anak namin, which Ryan put it so lightly and so positively, was your option now, your choice now is to do good and study abroad and do whatever sports you like," the actress shared.

RELATED: Judy Ann Santos explains new series about real 'artista' life