Jodi Sta. Maria-Lacson could be considered one of the lucky actors in local showbiz this year. She has been very visible in television, not only in soap operas but also in TV commercials.
In the press conference of her newest endorsement, Hype Ardent's Gluta-C Skin Care products, yesterday, December 12, at the Cav Wine Bar and Restaurant, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City, the 26-year-old actress expressed happiness for having a lot of projects this year. These include Kung Fu Kids, Sineserye Presents: Patayin Sindak si Barbara, Palos, and Ligaw na Bulaklak.
"Napaka-blessed ko talaga! Masasabi ko na 2008 is my year talaga—ang daming nangyari, ang daming shows na pumasok, ang daming endorsements ko nagawa," said Jodi.
Aside from these TV shows, Jodi's acting skill was also recognized by the Cinemanila when she played the title role in her first independent film Sisa.
"Actually, 'yon 'yong first acting award ko and I'm so happy," related Jodi. "Kumbaga, nag-pay off 'yong paghihintay ko and 'yong hard work na maipakita ko kung ano talaga 'yong kaya kong ibigay at kaya kong gawin. Nakakatuwa lang."
She also told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that even though it took so many years before receiving that distinction, she never thought of leaving the passion that she loves.
The former Tabing Ilog teen actress explained, "Acting talaga will always be my first love. Kumbaga, dito ko talaga nakikita 'yong sarili ko. Siyempre, happy nga ako dahil kahit papaano nag-pay off talaga lahat ng hard work ko. Sulit naman 'yong paghihintay ko kasi dumating din siya."
Did she ever think of transferring to other network?
Jodi simply said, "Actually, bago naman kasi nagsunud-sunod ang projects, wala rin naman ako dito sa Philippines noong time na 'yon. 'Tapos pag-uwi ko, doon na nagdire-diretso ang projects."
She maintains that in her 10 years in showbiz, her mother network and Star Magic have taken good care of her career.
"Ako naman, kahit may baby na ako, kahit may asawa na ako, I still get the same support na nakukuha ko sa kanila dati."
GOING INDIE. This year, Jodi played a character in two different independent films. The most recent was Cul de Sac with Sam Milby.
"Well, nagkataon lang din siguro na puro indie ang ino-offer sa akin. Kung may offer din naman na commercial, why not, di ba? Nagkataon lang talaga," said Jodi.
Jodi sees independent films as a venue to show more of one's acting skill.
"I think, ang nakikita ko lang siguro na difference is kapag mainstream kasi, you know, laging may formula. Kumbaga, 'yon at 'yon, iba-ibahin lang ang sitwasyon. Pero kapag tiningnan mo, 'yon pa rin ang formula ng istorya.
"Pero sa independent films kasi you play the roles na talagang hindi pa naio-offer sa 'yo ng iba. 'Tapos sabihin na nating mas kakaiba, mas challenging. Pero hindi ko sinasabi na hindi ganun sa commercial, parang mas out of the box lang ang mga istorya na napupunta sa 'yo when you make independent films."
TABING ILOG BARKADA. During the interview, PEP also asked about her former Tabing Ilog friends, with some of whom she still keeps in touch.
"Sina Des [Desiree del Valle] naman are still active. Si Kaye [Abad], alam ko may ginagawa siya ngayon na film, abangan n'yo na lang ang pa-presscon niya. Si Paula [Peralejo] naman, mas inuna lang niya ang studies niya and I'm very proud of her kasi she graduated with honor sa U.P. Si Paolo [Contis] naman is still active kasi napunta lang siya sa kabilang bakod [GMA-7], pero very much active pa rin siya doon."
She said that the friendship that she has with her co-actors during that time has become more than being a colleague.
"Alam mo 'yong Tabing Ilog barkada ko na mako-consider ko na barkada ko sa showbiz. No'ng nag-start kasi kami, parang lahat kami 16, 17 noong time na 'yon. 'Tapos halos sabay-sabay kami, you know, nagdalaga.
"Sila 'yong mga kaibigan ko na kahit walang trabaho, hanggang ngayon may communication pa rin. Once in a while, we get together, nagkakamustahan. So, I'm really happy na, kumbaga, hindi lang kami hanggang trabaho, magkakaibigan din talaga kami."
How does she feel about being one of the most active Tabing Ilog stars, along with John Lloyd Cruz and Paolo Contis, in showbiz today?
"I think, siguro it's a matter of priority lang. Siguro kasi kami mas priority lang namin 'yong show business," she ended.