After studying for four months under Chef Gene Gonzales of Café Ysabel, Judy Ann Santos graduated with honors from her course— Basic and Advanced Cooking Skills.
Last December 13, Judy Ann was awarded a silver medal for Basic Skills in Cooking and a gold medal for Advanced Skills at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in San Juan, Metro Manila.
In an interview with The Buzz on December 17, Juday (Judy Ann's nickname) shares: "I really want to experience kung paano mag-OJT (on-the-job training). Kung gaano kahirap at kung gaano kahaba talaga yung pasensiya ko pag nag-OJT ako."
In her Sunday afternoon chat with The Buzz, Juday shares her feelings about cooking in the kitchen. "Kasi wala kang ibang iisipin kung hindi yung ingredients lang. Hindi ka mag-iisip ng problema, hindi mo kailangan i-motivate yung sarili mo—kung kailangan mong maging masaya dito or kailangan mong maging malungkot. Pag nagluluto ka, ang kalan at ingredients lang ang iisipin mo."
When asked to confirm reports that Ryan has given her a brand-new kitchen as a gift, she reacts with a hearty laugh before saying, "Wala pa! Kina-kantyawan ko pa." She continues: "Pinaghahanap pa ako [ni Ryan] ng brochures na pwede kong ipakita sa kanya sa Pasko."