She may now be a household name, a respected actress and a successful entrepreneur — but for Judy Ann Santos, the road was built on grit, gratitude and groundedness.

During the press launch of her newest endorsement for Tala Philippines, a mobile lending app geared toward financial empowerment for underserved Filipinos, Judy Ann opened up about her past struggles and how they continue to shape her values today.

From extras to excellence

“Trabaho lang talaga (It’s just really work),” Judy Ann shared. “Hindi ko inisip ang sarili ko noon bilang ‘artista.’ Alam ko lang na isa akong talent (I never thought of myself then as a celebrity. What I know is that I’m just a talent).”

Before she became a lead star, Judy Ann started out in the industry as an extra — often cast as a daughter or sibling in background scenes.

“Pangpadami ako sa mga batang extras sa pelikula ng Regal Films. Pero masaya ako (I was just among the child extras in movies of Regal Films. But I was happy.) I was just enjoying,” she recalled with a smile.

She fondly remembered earning P100 a day when she was just starting out in the industry. By the time she starred in the iconic teleserye Mara Clara, her daily talent fee rose to P1,500 — a significant increase, but still modest by today’s standards.

No illusions, just passion

Now a beloved industry veteran, Judy Ann credits her longevity to her work ethic and realistic mindset.

“I never expected to go this far,” she admitted. “Kaya noong kumikita na ako, iniipon ko talaga. Hindi ako ‘yung tipo na umasa (So when I started working, I really saved up. I’m not the type who is dependent.) I just kept working.”

She emphasized that while fame eventually came, it was not her focus. “Wala akong itinago sa industriyang kinalakihan ko (I never hid anything from the industry where I grew up.) I’ve always just been passionate about what I do. Hindi ako (I’m not) entitled. Alam kong kailangan ko magtrabaho nang doble para makilala (I knew I had to work hard to be known).”

An empowerment advocate

It’s this same humility and sense of purpose that made her the ideal face for Tala Philippines, a brand that supports financial inclusion for Filipinos in need. As someone who understands what it means to start from scratch, Judy Ann believes in the power of accessible financial tools to uplift families and small businesses.

“Alam ko kung gaano kahirap ang wala (I know how it is to start from nothing). Kaya kung may paraan para makatulong sa iba (So if there is a chance to help others), why not? We all start (from) somewhere,” she said.

From her days as a wide-eyed extra in Regal Films, to becoming one of the most respected women in showbiz, Judy Ann remains an enduring example of success built on hard work — not shortcuts.

And in every new chapter she enters — whether as an actress, entrepreneur, wife or advocate — she carries with her the same lesson: working hard, staying grounded and never forgetting where you came from.