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The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines is a milestone for Filipino cuisine—but for Judy Ann Santos, it's also a moment of reflection, pride, and perspective.

“Suntok sa buwan dati kasi marinig na may Manchelin restaurant sa Pilipinas. Kasi dati yan sa mga first world countries, di ba? Then, may mga Bangkok na, may Hong Kong and on. So, when we heard that Michelin is coming here to the Pilipinas to try out restaurants, masaya ako for the restaurants na nabisita nila. Because I'm proud of all the chefs that's been, you know, putting up their own restaurants and their own spin on it,” the actress-celebrity chef said,

GMANetwork.com and other lifestyle media interviewed Judy Ann after she was named as the new celebrity ambassador of food brand UFC.

While the idea of Michelin recognition is undeniably exciting, Judy Ann is quick to admit that it was never part of her original plan.

'Wow, that's a dream. Definitely, a dream, 'no?” she said. “Angrydobo having a Michelin star or a Michelin Bib Gourmand, of course, mas napakasarap isipin, di ba? But when we were putting up Angrydobo, wala talaga sa utak ko 'yan.”

For her, cooking has always been rooted in freedom, not pressure.

Judy Ann said, “When I was creating recipes for Angrydobo, hindi ko nilagay sa utak ko na, 'Okay, one day, kapag bumisita ang Michelin company dito, dapat makapasok ko.Kasi, hindi na ako makakagawa ng pagkain, nape-pressure na ako.”

She acknowledges that recognition is a dream, just not one she chased deliberately.

“It is a dream,” she admitted. “But then again, probably baka hindi din yun ang tinatahak ng karera ko when it comes to me being a chef.”

Grounded and self-aware, Judy Ann speaks honestly about where she stands.

“I know naman my capacity. I know my talent in the kitchen. I'm probably not yet there,” she said without hesitation.

Related gallery: Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo open new branch of Angrydobo

Nevertheless, her joy lies in seeing others succeed, especially those who have long deserved the spotlight.

“I'm very happy for all the chefs and all the restaurants, especially yung mga karinderia—kailangang-kailangan nila yun. Deserve na deserve nila yun,” she emphasized.

She also believes that the country's culinary depth cannot be captured in a single sweep.

“Actually, marami pa silang puwedeng mabigyan ng stars, e,” Judy Ann noted.

From Cebu to Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, and Bicol, Judy Ann feels there is still so much Filipino food waiting to be discovered.

“Sa dami ng mahuhusay na magluto rito sa Pilipinas, baka dapat yung Michelin tour nila, isang taon,” she said.

Related gallery: PH restaurants that earned Michelin Stars

As for her own journey, Judy Ann finds fulfillment in where Angrydobo is now.

“But happy ako where Angrydobo is. Kumbaga, we have somehow created our own community,” she said fondly.

That community includes celebrity colleagues, college students, office workers, and loyal diners who return not just for the food, but for the familiarity.

“I'm happy with my Angry Doggo family. Kung saan man kami dalhin ng agos in the future, probably yun talaga yung path ko as a chef.”

If Michelin recognition ever comes, she sees it simply as an extra. “Bonus na talaga yun kung sakali naman,” she concluded.