Judy Ann Santos dreams of a different kind of star
“Now that’s a dream!” Judy Ann Santos says of the prospect of one day earning a Michelin Guide distinction. The prestigious culinary guide—which, for most of its history, focused on Western Europe and other developed countries—has expanded into emerging culinary markets over the past decade.
And with its anticipated debut in the Philippines last year, shooting for a star no longer feels like shooting for the moon.
“Dati para siyang suntok sa buwan because we used to hear about Michelin-starred restaurants only in developed countries,” says the actress-turned-chef-restaurateur, who has been running her restaurant, Angrydobo, since 2019.
A wealth of talent
Often overlooked for its perceived heaviness and typically rustic presentation, Filipino cuisine is finally turning heads on the international stage. Santos couldn’t be happier that some of the country’s most innovative chefs and restaurants—and even humble carinderias—have earned well-deserved and long-overdue accolades, whether in the form of Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand awards, or other selected distinctions.
“That only proves that there’s a great wealth of talent here in the Philippines. I’m sure the Michelin Guide will discover even more if they stay longer and venture into other places—Pampanga, Batangas, Bicol, and more,” she says. “Ang dami pa nating pwedeng i-showcase.”
“So I would say, hindi pa tapos ang laban,” Santos adds, laughing. “Wow, nakikipaglaban?”
Not quite there yet
Santos treats cooking the same way she treats acting—passion first, not glory. When she conceptualized and began creating recipes for Angrydobo, her goal was, of course, to think of new iterations of adobo and fresh twists on Filipino comfort food. The thought of the Michelin Guide landing on our shores couldn’t have been farther from her mind.
The restaurant has been a success. After gaining a following at its original location on Taft Avenue, its second branch in Alabang now offers multi-course dining experiences. Santos has also strengthened her credentials, completing the Professional Culinary Arts Program at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies with honors last year.
Still, she tends to downplay her achievements. “I know my capacity and talent in the kitchen, and I’m not there yet,” Santos tells Lifestyle Inquirer during the launch of her campaign partnership with the food brand UFC.
“Ang sarap isipin (earning a Michelin recognition)… but for now, I’m happy with the community of students and office workers we have built on Taft,” she adds. “Kung saan ako dalhin ng agos, that will be my path. Whatever comes after is just a bonus.”
And perhaps that path leads toward helping bring more people to the kitchen and making it feel a little less daunting. Her YouTube channel, “Judy Ann’s Kitchen,” for instance, became a massive hit online for her realistic—and oftentimes hilariously blooper-filled—portrayal of what goes on in the kitchen.
“When I started filming the first episode, I realized na ang dami kong mali. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was just winging it,” she recalls. “Pero sabi ko, ipasok natin lahat ng mali kasi ‘yan ang totoong nangyayari sa kusina. I wanted to show that it’s totally fine to make mistakes.”
“In fact, till now, may mga nasusunog pa rin ako… may mga dishes pa rin ako na maalat ang timpla,” she admits.
Passion with purpose
But because such mistakes are presented as natural inevitabilities of experimenting and actually trying, Santos has helped make cooking something anyone can do. During the pandemic, for instance, she received a lot of positive feedback from college students, who thanked her for the boost of confidence—and the dose of laughter.
“Students were messaging me about how they’re now better in the kitchen and that nawawala ang stress nila watching my vlogs,” she says. “That makes me happy because it makes me feel like my passion has a purpose.”
Little did she realize that doing something she loves could also be unintentionally instructive for others. A Michelin star would be nice, sure, but perhaps the real reward is making the most of the star she already is by helping reluctant cooks shine in their own kitchens.
“It makes me want to give myself a pat on the back,” Santos says. “Baka ‘yun ang gustong mangyari ni Lord sa culinary career ko. I want to make the kitchen a safe space for all.”
