Before plunging back to work this second quarter of 2016, Jodi Sta. Maria spent quality time with her son Thirdy during his summer break.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Jodi shared that traveling brings her closer to Thirdy.
“We love to travel. Si Thirdy is the type of kid na hindi na siya mahilig sa mga theme parks.
“Pero he enjoys the culture of the places that we go to.
"He enjoys going to museums.
“Nakakapag-bond kami 'tapos dalawa lang kami sa room so wala siyang choice—ako lang kausap niya, siya lang kausap ko.
“So super bonding talaga kami when we’re traveling.”
As a hands-on mom, Jodi believes that sharing enjoyable experiences together is the best way to instill good values in her son.
“More than the material things, it’s really those moments that we spend with our children.
“Tatak talaga sa kanila hanggang sa lumaki sila.
“Eventually, when they become parents, too, yun yung ipa-pass on nila sa mga magiging anak nila.”
PEP lists down five of Jodi’s ultimate bonding experiences with Thirdy this summer.
1. African safari adventure
In their first African safari adventure, Jodi and Thirdy got to meet a gentle giraffe named Jambo from Naobi, Kenya.
“Spent the afternoon with this gentle creature.
“It is our 6th day in this beautiful country. Their wildlife is just awesome,” Jodi wrote on Instagram.
Jodi also happily showed a snapshot of her holding a baby crocodile in Livingstone, Zimbabwe.
2. Nature-tripping in Mauritius
Jodi and Thirdy were both wearing happy faces as they set foot on the Seven Colored Earth in Chamarel, Mauritius.
Just like what its name suggests, the multicolored sand dunes is a natural phenomenon caused by the conversion of basaltic lava from volcanic eruptions to clay minerals.
3. Buwis-buhay parasailing
Despite her fear of heights, Jodi still went parasailing with Thirdy upon his insistence.
“Yung guide na nag-o-operate ng parasailing, ayoko naman i-entrust sa kanya yung son ko,” Jodi recalled.
“Parang inisip ko, 'O, sige na nga, at least for once in my life I get to try something adventurous.'
“Kasi lagi lang akong relax-relax lang, gusto ko ako lang manonood, nagchi-cheer.
"Pero this time, ako yung nag-try ng ride.”
In the video she posted on Instagram, the Kapamilya actress could be heard shrieking at the top of her lungs as soon as their parachute soared into the sky.
Jodi admitted, “I must say, grabe yung fear level ko dun! After the ride, I was so disoriented. I did not know where to go.”
Ready...
Get set...
Go!
4. Mom and son at work
Jodi related that she enjoyed shooting the Jolly Spaghetti TV commercial with Thirdy.
While it’s not their first TVC together, the 34-year-old Kapamilya actress noted that Thirdy has become a pro when it comes to facing the camera.
“He’s very cooperative. I believe whenever he does something, kahit na itong commercial shoot, he always strives for excellence.
“Minsan, I remember sasabihin niya, ‘Direk, puwedeng mag-take two?' kapag feeling niya may ibibigay pa siya.”
(Photo courtesy of Ripple)
5. Food trip
Growing up, she remembered how her mom used to take her to Landmark food court on weekends.
"Every Saturday, half day lang yung work. Isasama niya kami ng brother ko sa office..."
Come lunch time, they'd eat spaghetti.
Jodi resumed, "So every Saturday, yun ang treat namin."
Now it's Jodi's turn to share sweet sarap moments with Thirdy!