Not even an excess baggage charge can dim the happiness of Judy Ann Santos who bagged the Best Actress award at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal for her performance in “Espantaho.”

On her Instagram account on Monday, March 10, Santos described her Best Actress plum as a “beautiful souvenir” from the film festival, as she shared a picture of herself while holding her trophy.

“Napakaganda ng souvenir na maiuuwi ko mula dito sa Porto, sa Fantasporto,” she said. “Ang lamig tapos ang bigat-bigat ng award. Iniisip ko gaano [kalaki] babayaran ko sa excess baggage ko pauwi pero masayang-masaya akong babayaran, maiuwi lang ‘to.”

(This is such a beautiful souvenir to bring home from Porto, at the Fantasporto Film Festival. It’s so cold and the award is so heavy. I’m thinking how much excess baggage I’ll shoulder going home. But I don’t mind paying for it as long as I can take it back with me.)

Santos also expressed her gratitude to Chito Roño, Chris Martinez, and Atty. Joji Alonso, who served as the director, writer, and producer of “Espantaho,” respectively, as well as her castmates and crew.

“Of course, congrats kay Direk Chito, Chris, Atty. Joji, and to all the cast and crew of ‘Espantaho.’ Siyempre, para sa atin ‘to. Hindi naman ako makakarating dito kung hindi kayo ang kasama ko. To God be the glory. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she said.

(Of course, congratulations to Direk Chito, Chris, Atty. Joji, and to all the cast and crew of “Espantaho.” Of course, this is for us. I wouldn’t be able to reach this stage without you. To God be the glory. Long live the Philippines.)

Sisterly friendship

Following Santos’ win, Sharon Cuneta took to her Instagram page to congratulate her close friend for her recent milestone.

“Just a few days ago, my sister @officialjuday and I were texting while she was in Barcelona. Now she is in Porto, Portugal — and she just won Best Actress in the 45th Fantasporto Festival there for ‘Espantaho!!!’” she wrote.

“CONGRATS AGAIN SIS KO (my sister). More pride for the Philippines (and for your Ate who LOOOOVES YOU!!!)!!! See you soon! I love you very much,” she continued.

The “Espantaho” star thanked Cuneta in the comments section, saying winning the award gave her a unique sense of fulfillment.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta

Santos is the fourth Filipino to receive an acting plum from the Portugal-based film festival after Barbie Forteza, Ian Veneracion, and Cristine Reyes.

Her performance in the Chito Roño-helmed horror film also earned her a Best Actress win at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last December.