RAISE your hand if you have been a fan of Jodi Sta. Maria prior to Tabing Ilog days! Although that statement practically revealed how old I am, let’s just say that Jodi Sta. Maria has been in the business for quite some time – growing in front of her audience all this time.
From teen roles, to kontrabida roles, to defender of the api roles, Jodi could do it all, and so flawlessly well at that! As one of the most versatile and talented actresses in the industry, any project that Jodi commits to will surely be a big hit.
She is turning a year older this June 16, who could have known that she is almost forty when she looks like she is just in her late twenties? Talented, young looking and a well -rounded character, what else could she be? Find out below with the things you may not know about Jodi Sta. Maria.
EARLY LIFE
Jodi was born as Jodi Chrissie Garcia Santamaria on born June 16, 1982 in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. Together with her brother, Jodi was raised by a single mother. She attended the Pasay Chung Hua Academy and became an honor student. For her past time, she joined the debate team and the volleyball varsity team.
Jodi pursued her education at the De La Salle University Dasmarinas and had studied Medical Biology. But due to the success and demands from her showbusiness career, she left college. She is now enrolled at the Southville International School and Colleges taking Psychology.
CAREER BEGINNINGS
While in a fast food chain, Jodi was approached by a talent scout to audition for commercials. After non-stop failures from auditions, she decided to stop. As fate have it, she was again approached by a scout and encouraged her to join Star Magic, which she successfully did when she was 15.
Jodi started her career in minor roles at teen -oriented television series such as Gimik, Flames and Jologs.
BREAKTHROUGH
In 1999, she landed the role of Georgina Fuentabella in the iconic show Tabing Ilog. Taking advantage of this rise to stardom, Jodi continuously landed iconic roles including being a part of the original Pangako Sa ‘Yo in 2000. Her versatility was shown when she took on antagonistic characters in prime time television series such as Walang Kapalit (2007) and Kampanerang Kuba (2005).
In 2011, she landed a role in the fantasy comedy drama series 100 Days to Heaven, playing the multiple roles of Sophia Delgado/Trisha Manalastas/Sophia Mendoza. She acted besides Coney Reyes and Xyriel Manabat. But it was in 2012 when she landed the leading lady role in the family oriented television series, Be Careful With My Heart that she reached superstar fame. Her relatable character, Maya had made her, yet again, a mainstream nationally recognized actress.
Jodi’s adaptability in various roles was probably one of the reasons why she portrayed perfectly well the iconic character of Amor De Jesus Powers/ Buenavista in the remake of the equally legendary television series- Pangako Sa ‘yo.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Jodi recently finished the drama revenge series Ang sa Iyo as Akin opposite Sam Milby, Iza Calzado, Maricel Soriano and Joseph Marco.
She is set to appear in another television drama series The Broken Marriage Vow. The series is based on the popular British drama Doctor Foster. She will be working alongside Zanjoe Marudo, Sue Ramirez and Zaijian Jaranilla.
PERSONAL LIFE
Jodi married Panfilo Lacson Jr, the son of Senator Panfilo Lacson last 2005. Although the couple is now separated, they share a son – Panfilo “Thirdy” Lacson.
Jodi also has her personal Youtube channel – Jodi Sta. Maria PH which currently has more than three hundred thousand subscribers. In her channel, she shares snippets of her personal life, from their personal travels, workout routine, food and cooking vlogs and various tips and tricks.
Just reading through her filmography in television and big screen is awfully and honestly impressive! To our dear Jodi, who deserves all the great things in life, many happy returns!
