Rewatch Judy Ann Santos' most memorable movies in the latest edition of Sagip Pelikula Spotlight

Whether she's crying her heart out in a tense dramatic moment or channeling her girlboss energy with her fierce roles, it's no secret why Judy Ann Santos had been crowned as the "Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera".

Known for her portrayals of oppressed and impoverished characters, Santos had been in the showbiz industry since she was a child and quickly rose to prominence because of her illustrious skill in acting. 

To celebrate her legacy, ABS-CBN Film Restoration will stream the digitally restored version of her 1998 romantic film Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, as part of its latest installment of its Sagip Pelikula Spotlight series.

Also starring Rico Yan, Jennifer Sevilla, and Dante Rivero, the film follows an advertising secretary who meets a businessman wishing to open his own restaurant. While their first meeting ended on a sour note, they eventually warm up to each other until they fall in love. But ambitions and personal responsibilities hinder their way in their blossoming relationship.

As Sagip Pelikula brings back the nostalgic film for new viewers to watch, let's relive Santos' most memorable movie roles during her extensive career as an actress.

Mara Clara: The Movie

It would be a crime not to include the film adaptation of the 1992 series Mara Clara in this list, as the drama show gave Santos her big break and launched her career in the industry. 

Santos plays the good-natured Mara in the story, while veteran actress Gladys Reyes plays the antagonistic Clara. Like the series, the film revolves around the intertwined lives of the two women who were switch at birth, with Mara growing up in a poverty-sticken family while the spoiled Clara lived a life of luxury and comfort.

Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko

Showing how far she's gotten in her career, Santos got to work with the one and only "Da King" Fernando Poe Jr. in the 1999 action comedy film Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko.

The film has Santos channeling the tough-nosed and tomboyish energy of Joey, the only daughter of her repairman father Badong, who was forced to raise her by himself after his wife passed away at an early age. Despite this, the two of them live a happy and content life.

That is until conflict arises when a beautiful woman captures the attention of Badong, threatening Joey's place in his life.

Paano ang Puso Ko

In this 1997 romantic film, Santos gets entangled in a love triangle between two heartthrobs: her childhood friend Ruben, played by Wowie de Guzman, and his cousin Jason, portrayed by Rico Yan.

The story revolves around Santos' character Cecile who, after meeting her childhood friend's cousin from the United States, develops a romantic connection with him. This sparks the jealousy of Ruben, who had realized too late that he also has feelings for Cecile.

This leads to a conflict between them, leaving Cecile in a dilemma on who she wants to be her one and only.

Bakit 'Di Totohanin

Santos has formed a love team with a lot of swoon-worthy men in her career, but none so iconic as her pairing with the ultimate heartthrob Piolo Pascual in the early 2000s. Among their notable projects together was the 2001 hit film Bakit 'Di Totohanin.

Santos plays another fierce woman in the character of Katong. After her mother lost their family boxing gym in a gambling bet, Katong is determined to win it back by challenging the very man who won the bet in a boxing match. However, she's all bark and no bite as she actually has no training experience when it comes to the combat sport.

To resolve this, she recruits Paul to train her to be in her best fighting shape, only for him to later get knocked out in love with her.

Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo

This list wouldn't be complete without citing the films where Santos starred with her real-life partner Ryan Agoncillo. The big winner of the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo and its sequel shows how much Santos and Agoncillo were made for each other, both on screen and in real life.

The films revolve around Angie and Jed, a young couple who face many trials and tribulations in their relationship, from planning their wedding to starting their own family.

You can watch the digitally restored version of Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay on the digital events platform KTX on Sept. 22 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM. Tickets are now available on their website  for P150. 

You can also watch the above-mentioned films by Santos on-demand via KTX starting Sept. 23.