Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo brings her culinary expertise and passion for food to the partnership, complementing UFC’s reputation for quality and innovation. Her credentials as a chef and her influence as a trusted personality mirror UFC’s own legacy, making this collaboration a powerful statement about Filipino pride and global competitiveness. “Food is my passion, and I believe in bringing the same level of care and quality to every meal,” Judy Ann shares.
Just in time for the holidays, actress-restaurateur Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is serving Christmas inspiration with a curated list of 12 festive meals that Filipino families can prepare for the upcoming holiday season — proof that a show-stopping Noche Buena doesn’t have to be intimidating.
From classic crowd-pleasers to elevated Filipino favorites, Judy Ann’s holiday spread reflects her signature cooking style: comforting, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Filipino flavors.
•Christmas Ham
A timeless Noche Buena centerpiece, Christmas ham brings sweet-savory comfort and instantly signals that the holidays have arrived.
•Truffle Galantina
A dressed-up version of the classic galantina, infused with truffle for a rich, indulgent touch perfect for special occasions.
•Crispy Pork Belly
Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, this dish is a guaranteed crowd favorite and a staple at Filipino celebrations.
•Ensaladang Talong
A refreshing eggplant salad that balances heavier dishes, offering smoky flavors and a light, tangy contrast.
•Pinoy Spaghetti
Sweet-style spaghetti remains a holiday essential, especially loved by kids and a nostalgic favorite for many Filipino families.
•Lumpiang Shanghai
Bite-sized and crispy, lumpiang shanghai is a must-have party dish that’s easy to serve and impossible to resist.
•Baked Oysters with Laing and Cream Cheese
A creative fusion dish that combines coastal flavors with creamy richness, elevating oysters with a distinctly Filipino twist.
•Macaroni Salad
A classic holiday side dish that adds creaminess and sweetness, often signaling the festive season in Filipino homes.
•Potato Salad with Longganisa Crumble
A savory upgrade to the usual potato salad, made more flavorful with the addition of sweet and garlicky Filipino sausage.
•Relyenong Bangus
A traditional stuffed milkfish dish that showcases Filipino culinary craftsmanship and is often reserved for special occasions.
•Leche Flan
A silky, caramel-topped dessert that remains a non-negotiable finish to any Filipino Christmas feast.
•Buko Lychee
A light and refreshing dessert drink that cleanses the palate, offering a cool and fruity end to a hearty meal.
The menu strikes a balance between nostalgic staples and modern twists. Dishes such as baked oysters with laing and cream cheese and potato salad topped with longganisa crumble highlight how Filipino ingredients can be elevated while staying true to tradition.
Beyond the holiday table, Judy Ann continues to champion Filipino food culture in its most accessible form. Ever humble, the actress-restaurateur shared that a Michelin star is not currently part of her career goals.
“Maybe that’s not really the path my career is taking when it comes to being a chef. I know my capacity, and I know my talent in the kitchen. I’m probably not there yet, but I’m very happy for all the chefs and all the restaurants — especially the carinderias,” she said.
She emphasized that grassroots eateries deserve greater recognition, adding, “They truly need that kind of recognition. They absolutely deserve it. In fact, there are still so many who could be given stars, considering how many talented cooks we have here in the Philippines.”
Judy Ann also quipped that Michelin inspectors would have to tour the entire Philippines for at least a year to fully appreciate the country’s culinary depth, pointing to food-rich regions and provinces such as Cebu, Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas and Bicol.