These are some of the words which have been used to describe Judy Ann Santos’ magnificent portrayal as Sabel in the Regal Entertainment production of the same name. Will Juday soon join the ranks of the country’s legendary, award-winning actresses like Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta?
Sabel has already been seen by selected members of the media, and everyone agrees that Judy Ann who plays the lead in the provocative drama, has turned in her best performance ever. This is no mean feat in the phenomenal career of the film and TV superstar, who has received all the blessings associated with a successful career in showbiz, except a trophy as Best Actress.
Sabel may change all that. Reviewers are still gushing about Judy Ann’s multi-layered portrayal of one of the most complex female characters ever created for a Philippine film. As written by Ricky Lee and directed by Joel Lamangan, Sabel is a cheerful nun, a vindictive daughter, and even a nymphomaniac.
Who and what is Sabel? Bits of the puzzle are provided by other characters in the movie, played by Wendell Ramos, Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Rio Locsin. But Sabel’s many facets (some of which seem to contradict one another) are unified by Judy Ann’s commanding characterization which is revealed to the audience from multiple points of view.
In spite of the praises she has already received, Judy Ann prefers to remain humble and to give credit to director Lamangan and her co-actors. "Kahit wala kaming oras na mag-acting workshop para sa Sabel, nagtiwala na lang ako kay direk Joel. Hindi niya ako pinabayaan. Magagaling ang mga kasama ko. Nakaka-inspire makatrabaho sila Wendell, Iza, Jeffrey, Tita Rio at Sunshine."
Reviwers are predicting that the acclaimed soap opera and box-office princess will win a trophy not only from the 2004 Manila Film Festival, but from other award-giving bodies as well. Sabel might just give Judy Ann Santos her first Best Actress grand slam victory.