Judy Ann to host Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition

A new Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo returns to television through the much-awaited kiddie cooking reality show “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition.” For the very first time in her career, the Philippines’ Queen of Soap Opera will dabble in hosting as she leads the search for the finest young amateur chef in the country.

Joining Judy Ann, or Juday to her family and fans, are world-renowned Filipino chefs Fernando “Ferns” Aracama, Rolando “Lau” Laudico, and JP “Jayps” Anglo in the newest reality franchise from the group that brought you phenomenal hits “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Pinoy Dream Academy,” and “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition.”

They will be the ones to guide the kiddie chefs and judge the dishes they will cook up on their way to becoming the first Pinoy Junior MasterChef who will win a culinary scholarship and P1 million.

Juday shared that she was almost in tears during their first taping because she has been a fan of Junior MasterChef editions in the United Kingdom and Australia. (The Philippines is the third country in the world to produce its own Junior MasterChef.)

Aside from being awed by their set, which is a larger and arguably better version of the original MasterChef kitchen, she also felt nervous as she was embarking on a new field in her career.

“I really need to give my best in this program to make sure that the overwhelming support and trust ABS-CBN is giving me for this project won’t be put to waste. Hosting is not my forte but I’m willing to learn,” she said.

But if you ask ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Laurenti Dyogi, Juday has already exceeded their expectations as she can instantly connect with the kids and the chefs.

“She’s the perfect choice as host for Junior MasterChef. Her passion for cooking and love for children come out naturally in the show. At first, she was still adjusting but eventually you can already see she’s enjoying and how she’s able to become an inspiration to the kids,” he explained.

The award-winning actress, who is a mother of two, said unlike her previous work, her job as host doesn’t require any acting at all. She said whenever she’s in front of the kids, the mom in her takes charge.

“This show is all heart. The kids are really cute and smart so it’s hard not to have a connection with them. But as a host and their mom in the program, I’m the one to balance their emotions. We don’t want to hurt their feelings but we also need to be honest when it comes to the taste of their dishes. When they’re about to cry, I have to be strong and raise their spirits. You have to be ready with words of encouragement for them,” she shared.

With the help of Chef Ferns, Lau, and Jayps, all accomplished chefs and restauranteurs, Juday said kids will surely learn from every challenge or task they face in the program.

Dyogi expects viewers to enjoy the unique flavor of “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition,” just like how the rest of the world has received the other editions of MasterChef.

“Most of reality shows in the Philippines are looking for singers or performers. This time we’ll showcase cooking of kids and how magnificent and awesome they are in creating dishes out of passion and love for their families. We’ll join them as they try to reach for their dreams and we will be there to ensure they are equipped for their dream career,” he said.

Don’t miss the first taste on the reality show that will make you smile, cry, and be inspired to cook, whether you are young or old, an aspiring chef or simply a food lover in “Appetizer: The Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition Primer” on August 20, Saturday on ABS-CBN. Meet the 60 young kitchen stars and find out who will advance to the Top 20 on the premier of “Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition” on August 27, Saturday also on ABS-CBN. Be updated on the program, like the official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jrmasterchef or follow @jrmasterchef_ph.

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It’s a big honor for Cinemalaya Best Actor Edgar Allan Guzman to be paired with Kim Chiu in a special episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya under direction of Cathy Garcia Molina, which will be aired tomorrow night on ABS-CBN.

Edgar Allan and Kim play nursing students who became best of friends and later fell in love with each other. Will they be able to continue with their friendship even if there are people and circumstances that would test their bond for each other?

“I would like to thank Direk Cathy and Kim Chiu for accepting me to be a part of MMK. This is one of the projects that I won’t forget. It has a simple story that would drive anyone to tears. I would also like to express my thanks to the staff of MMK for taking good care of us during the taping. Thanks for this chance to work with and am looking forward to working with them again in the future,” said Edgar.

Although he is not an exclusive contract star of TV5, Edgar recognizes the concern and trust given him by the Kapatid Network where he has three shows. He’s lucky to have been recognized not only for his dancing and singing skills but for his acting prowess as well.

His award-winning performance in the movie “Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me” will finally be seen by many as it would be released by Regal Entertainment on September 7. It got a rating of R-13 and was approved without cuts by the MTRCB.

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We had great fun talking to Aki Torio, one of the mainstays of Viva and TV 5’s youth oriented program Bagets (Just Got Lucky) aired every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on TV5.

He’s very honest and answers all questions thrown at him very candidly. Aki says he’s happy that their show Bagets (Just Got Lucky) is entering its second season and is very thankful for audience support.

Come Sunday, the new season of Bagets starts with the addition of Imee Hart as the new cast member.

This Saturday, they will start the BagetsNation Mall Tour at SM Fairview in Quezon City and on Sunday, the Bagets mainstays would be at SM Pampanga.

Also to be launched during the mall tour is the Official Bagets Nation Fans Club. Those who would register would get exclusive Bagets poster and membership card. Those who want to register may log on at www.bagetsnation.com and at www.facebook.com/TV5bagets