MANILA, Philippines?Frustrating was how actress Judy Ann Santos described her ongoing problem with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, when she met the press this week.

In 2005, the BIR filed with the Department of Justice tax evasion charges against Judy Ann for allegedly under-declaring her 2002 income by P6.7 million.

"Three years- hindi pa rin matapos-tapos. Am I going to jail or what?" Juday wondered. "I pray about it a lot, but I'm also prepared for the worst."

Juday insisted she had never been remiss in her tax obligations. "I pay my taxes quarterly, or as soon as I get paid for my endorsements." Speaking of which, the media exchange took place during her endorsement contract signing with Lactacyd.

Juday said she is also praying hard for the release of her daughter Yohan's adoption papers. "If God should grant me one birthday wish, I hope it's this one."

You're turning 30 this month.

I'm excited about [that]. Iba na ang level mo 'pag 30 ka na. I'd like to work on new things. I recently began my 100-hour OJT at Café Ysabel in Manila. And I just finished the movie "Ploning," which I co-produced.

How will you celebrate?

I can't say yet. I'm saving for a bigger house. I want it to be in a really secluded subdivision, and spacious enough for the kids. Dumarami na rin kasi ang mga pamangkin ko.

I didn't expect to last 20 years in this business. I've come to realize that ... to be happy, I just need to please myself. I've also learned that if you love someone, [you should] share him with the world .

There are rumors that you and Ryan are tying the knot this year.

Ryan and I are OK the way we are. Every day, we just try to have fun with Yohan, slowly introducing ourselves to family life.

How do you stay on top of your game?

I just make sure that whatever I do comes from my heart. Being honest with my fans is also important.

How are things with "Ploning"?

We're almost done with the editing. We've worked on this for eight years. It has an April 30 playdate, through the whole month of May, in SM theaters. It's directed by my best friend, Dante Nico Garcia.

Did you adjust your talent fee for this?

Same rate... but I decided to co-produce the movie. I'm trying new things, so I'll have a back-up career.

Are you aware that the "indie film" tag does not translate well at the box office?

"Ploning is indie only in the sense that it's made by independent producers. It's shot in 35mm. It's really special. Ryan is even doing a coffee-table book about it.

Juday will soon be seen with Derek Ramsey in ABS-CBN's "Narserye," directed by Mark Meily and Andoy Ranay.

(Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)