Judy Ann learns life lessons from hosting Junior Master Chef

Judy Ann Santos is both happy and sad that Junior Master Chef, her first hosting job on ABS-CBN since giving birth to her firstborn Lucho, is holding its grand finals this Saturday.

"I am happy kasi matatapos na rin siya and we see na nag-excel talaga ang mga bata. And I know in my heart that I have been a part of that experience. It’s a good experience for me and the kids as well. Sad kasi after Saturday, kailan ko uli sila makikita? Baka naman sa susunod na makita ko sila, ninang na ako sa kasal, di ba? Iniisip ko na lang na hanggang sa pagtanda ng mga batang ito, parte ako ng kabataan nila. At naging malaking part ako sa pag-aaral nila ng pagluluto.

"Ngayon lang naman tayo nagkaroon ng ganitong klaseng show, di ba where we showcased the talents of the kids? If there was a show like this before, siguro mas marami pa tayong na-inspire na mga bata and mas siguro ang naging interested sa pagluluto kaysa sa computer or panonood ng TV," Juday said at the presscon of Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition Finale: The Live Cook-Off held the other day at the ABS-CBN ELJ Building.

What impact did this show have on you? "It had a big impact. I was affected by the kids. I was able to practice my emotions when it comes to eliminating the kids. Masyado kasi akong emotional sa ganyan, especially during the first week when I was eliminating the kids. Ang hirap magsalita. It was hard to control the tears kasi it was very raw. The kids don’t know what it is going to happen. Ang hirap pero malaking bagay ang naitulong sa akin ng show with the way how I raise my children. Kung paano ko nakakausap ang mga batang ito na hindi sumasama ang loob nila sa akin, I am able to apply this to my kids, especially Yohan. Si Lucho, hindi pa puwede," said Juday.

After hurdling the intense weekly culinary battles and impressing the Filipino public with their creations, the Final Four kiddie cooks Jobim, Kyle, Mika, and Philip will rise to their final cooking challenge in the "Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition Finale: The Live Cook-off" this Saturday (Feb 18) at 6 p.m.

Armed with months of training in the competitive arena of "Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition," the four talented kids will be preparing their dishes live at the Treston International College in a bid to become the first ever Junior MasterChef who will bring home P1 million and a culinary scholarship. Meanwhile, P500,000 will be awarded to the competition’s second placer, and P250,000 each to the third and fourth placers.

Host Judy Ann-Santos and judges Chef Ferns, Chef Lau, and Chef Jayps will be sampling and criticizing the kiddie cooks’ dishes, which will represent the skills and knowledge they have gained in the MasterChef kitchen. Don’t miss the final face-off of Jobim, Kyle, Mika, and Philip in the "Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition Finale: The Live Cook-off" this Saturday (Feb 18), 6 p.m. on ABS-CBN.

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If it’s true that you reap what you sow, then Cesar Montano’s "Hitman" is the big movie to watch out for this season. His first action flick in years after the international film "The Great Raid" in 2005 where he was cast alongside Hollywood A-listers Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes, James Franco, "Hitman" sees Cesar wearing many hats as lead star, director, producer and writer that enabled him to stay true to his vision.

But it is all worth it, as Cesar himself proudly states. "Hitman" is a fast-paced, action-driven film which revolves around a man seeking revenge for the brutal death of his family committed by the very people who hired him to kill people. The story happens in just 48 hours with editing so thoughtfully done that viewers can’t afford to miss out on a single scene in the vein of hit international movies "Collateral" and "Unknown." The scope and quality of the film is such that Cesar plans to field in it festivals abroad.

Multi-awarded that he is, Cesar does not hog the credit but points out that team effort played a huge part in realizing his ambition for "Hitman." He lauds co-star Phillip Salvador’s unselfishness in giving valuable suggestions on how to "embellish" certain scenes. Cesar also praised Mark Herras for going out of his comfort zone to deliver an unforgettable performance that the former said could very well position the latter to become the next action star. Then there’s newbie Sam Pinto, whom Cesar said went the extra mile to perfect her scenes.

"Hitman" brings back action films to the public. It is produced by CM Productions and is being distributed by Viva Films. It will open on theaters nationwide on Feb. 22 preceded by several promotional mall tours and a premiere night.

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The new GMA shows that premiered this week all made a good showing, ratings-wise.

Alice Bungisngis, My Beloved, Biritera and Legacy won the ratings war in its pilot episode against the opposition. That’s why congratulations are in order for the Kapuso stars - Bea Binene and Jhake Vargas for Alice Bungisngis, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes for My Beloved, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe and Geoff Eigenmann for Legacy and Dennis Trillo and cast of Legacy.

Even the afternoon show The Good Daughter starring Kylie Padilla and Rocco Nacino, plus Broken Vow featuring Gabby Eigenmann, Bianca King, Luis Alandy and Rochelle Pangilinan also rated well.