Jodi Sta. Maria admits that her son Thirdy Lacson, 20, is now showing signs of asserting his independence.
The ABS-CBN actress reveals this in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Jodi leads the unveiling of PAWS' (Philippine Animal Welfare Society) "homeless not worthless" campaign for stray animals.
This event coincides with International Homeless Animal Day, which is celebrated that same day.
Read: Jodi Sta. Maria recounts the day she took in a stray dog
JODI STA. MARIA ON SON THIRDY
On December 23, 2025, Jodi posted throwback pictures of her with Thirdy when he was still a young boy.
She expressed her amazement over the transition of her once "small and fragile" infant son to being a young man stepping into adulthood on his 20th birthday.
What changes has Jodi observed about Thirdy now that he is a young man?
"Mas mahiyain siya ngayon," says Jodi about her first-born son.
"Unlike before kasi he's very mabibo. Kung ano man yung sabihin mo sa kanya, magpe-perform siya. But now, makikita mo na may pagka-introvert pala yung anak ko."
She reminisces about his transition by saying: "From being a toddler...he's basically a grown-up man.
"Kung merong mga bagay na nananatiling pareho, ito yung pagiging malambing niya, yung pagiging maaalalahanin niya.
"And he's not the type of kid na kahit parang binata na siya, iki-kiss pa rin ako niyan and iha-hug pa rin ako niyan regardless kung nasaan kami.
"Siguro kung merong mga pagbabago, ngayon na may mas edad na siya, nakikita mo yung nag-a-assert na siya ng kanyang independence and autonomy which is normal for a person his age."
How does Jodi handle the tampuhan between her and Thirdy?
"Usually naman ang nangyayari...communication. Yun talaga yung key namin.
"Hindi naman mawawala yung tampuhan between parents and child pero lahat naman nakukuha sa maayos na usapan."
Read: Advocacy film director arrested in Laguna over child abuse cases