A big gamble for Judy Ann

MANILA, Philippines - It was probably the right decision when Judy Ann Santos prematurely ended her late-night soap series on ABS-CBN, Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (with KC Concepcion and Sam Milby). The series gave way to a new show for Judy Ann, Bet On Your Baby, which took over from the weekend time slot of Deal or No Deal (hosted by Luis Manzano).

Bet on Your Baby is the Philippine version of an international reality game show, which premiered in the US early this year. To date, the show also airs in Turkey, China and soon in Mexico (to premiere early next year).

Bet on Your Baby is a big gamble for Judy Ann since it marks the first time that she is hosting a game show. Two years ago, she hosted the cooking competition, Junior Masterchef, with grade school kids as participants. In Bet On Your Baby, she is dealing for the first time with toddlers.

On the first three weeks, celebrities and their kids graced the program. The toddlers were seen on TV for the first time. Ai-Ai de las Alas and her son Sancho with baby Seth, cager-turned-actor Benjie Paras and wife Lyxen with son Sam, Anthony Taberna and wife Rossel with daughter Helga played on the first week.

On the second episode, YouTube sensation Dello Gatmaitan and wife Erika with their baby Ciana played and won the P1M jackpot in Basagin ang Baboy. Also in the same episode were Ogie Diaz and wife Georgette with daughter Cory, beauty queen Nina Ricci Alagao and husband Michael Flores with their son Pablo.

On the third week, featured celebrity parents and their kids were Nino Muhlach and wife Abby Tupas with son Alonzo (who is his dad’s spitting image), Petron Blaze Boosters cager Arwind Santos and wife Ivette with baby Iona, Teddy Corpuz and wife Jasmine with son Theodore John. Nino’s family got to play in the jackpot round.

The program starts with the upbeat Ang Galing ni Baby dance featuring child stars. Then Judy Ann enters the set doing her dance steps, which sets the tone for the game show.

Three couples with their kids respectively play in the initial round. One parent enters the play area or Baby Dome, with the toddler who will be made to do simple challenges. Meanwhile, the other parent locks in his/her bet with Judy Ann on the set.

The second is the puzzle round. Inside the Baby Dome, the kids are made to remove a pile of toys that cover a picture puzzle and guess it. The one who guesses correctly plays in the jackpot round, where the couple gets to smash piggy banks which contain corresponding cash amounts.

The jackpot prize is P1M and it was won in the second episode of the show. Ordinary couples with their kid can now join Bet On Your Baby where they can win as much as P1M in the jackpot round.

Judy Ann was initially hesitant to do her latest TV assignment, but Bet On Your Baby turned out to be a big challenge for her. Her first time to host a game show, Judy Ann is now at ease in doing Bet On Your Baby.

The show airs Saturday nights at 6, after TV Patrol Weekend.