Two days ago, April 25, PEP (Philippine Entertainment
Portal) reported that ABS-CBN offered a multi-million promo plug to its
contract artist Judy Ann Santos for her movie Ploning. However, the young superstar reportedly
declined the offer. (Click here to read related article)
In order to clarify things, Judy Ann explained the issue for the first time yesterday, April 26, during her live guesting on StarTalk.
"It's true," confirmed Judy Ann. "This is the first time that I'm really gonna answer the question para rin po hindi ko na sasagutin sa iba pang magtatanong sa akin.
"Yes, they offered five million worth of teaser or trailer sa station nila, but I said no because in respect of GMA-7. Kumbaga, media partner ng Panoramanila Pictures ang GMA-7. But I appreciate the thought na gusto nilang [ABS-CBN] tumulong.
"Pero sana po, noon pa nang in-offer namin sa kanila, hindi kung kailan nakapagsalita na kami na GMA-7 ang katulong namin. May paninindigan ako, ayokong isipin ng mga tao na wala akong isang salita."
Judy Ann also stated that despite this, she still hasn't forgotten ABS-CBN which has been her home network for a long time.
"Malaki ang utang ng loob ko sa ABS-CBN, kung utang ng loob ang pag-uusapan. Nagsimula ako sa kanila. Pero sa panahon ngayon, hindi naman nila ako puwedeng sisihin kasi in-offer naman po namin sa kanila, e," said Judy Ann.
BUSINESS IS BUSINESS. It has been written many times that Judy Ann was disappointed because her movie Ploning would be competing with her mother station's movie titled When Love Begins. Both movies are scheduled to open on April 30.
Judy Ann also said in another interview that ABS-CBN even asked her to move Ploning's playdate to give way to When Love Begins.
She said, "They told me nga, dapat daw ay iurong na lang namin sa May 14 ang opening day namin 'cause When Love Begins will be opening on April 30 rin daw.
"Ganoon yung condition. Kaso lang, 30th birthday offering ko ito for my fans. May 11 ang birthday ko, at late na kung sa May 14 pa ito mag-o-open. Talagang wala naman akong magagawa roon." (Click here to read full article)
In StarTalk yesterday, the young superstar said that she understands how everything is just part of the business.
"Para lang po sa mga hindi nakakaalam, bilang negosyante at bago lang sa pagpro-produce ng pelikula, wala naman po talagang issue sa playdate kasi alam naman namin na negosyo 'to, parte talaga na magkakaroon ng mga tapatan ng mga playdates sa pelikula."
While explaining, Judy Ann could not help expressing disappointment.
"Pero sa parte ko lang po bilang talent din nila at contract artist din nila, espesyal sa akin yung April 30 kasi month-long celebration po ito. But I'm not asking them to move naman the playdate. We just asked, we offered them to promote our movie. But since ang sinabi sa amin, they can't help us because they have a movie, they have to promote When Love Begins. Naintindihan din naman namin yun that's why we offered it to GMA-7."
StarTalk then asked Judy Ann about the reaction of her manager, Alfie Lorenzo, with regards to this issue.
"Si Tito Alfie naman laging naka-back-up sa akin 'yan, wala naman akong masasabi and nakasuporta naman siya. Since unang beses ko nag-produce and alam naman niya na itong pelikulang ito, e, regalo sa akin ng best friend kong si Dante Garcia at ni Ryan [Agoncillo, her boyfriend], para sa libro. Kumbaga, malaki yung importansiya nito sa akin. Lahat ng buong buhay ko, nakasugal dito sa pelikulang ito."
Despite this issue, Judy Ann is still thrilled about her new movie.
"Excited kasi first movie ng best friend kong si Ga [Dante Garcia], siya rin yung sumulat ng pelikula. At the same time, first time din akong nag-produce ng pelikula so all-out din naman kami sa ng nagsuporta. Lahat ng mga kaibigan kasama na sa pelikula kaya espesyal na espesyal siya, nataon pa sa birthday ko na month ng May."