Why lockdown is ‘an answered prayer’ for Jodi Sta. Maria

For actress Jodi Sta. Maria, the ongoing lockdown that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic was actually an answered prayer.

“Most of us have prayed for more time with the family, for a moment of rest, or maybe a vacation. I believe that this is somehow God’s way of answering our prayers,” Jodi pointed out. “Probably just not in the way that we wanted Him to answer it.”

The star of the hit drama series “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin” shared with reporters recently that while on quarantine, “I started getting into aromatherapy; my exercise has become more intensive. I was happy to have spent more time with my son, Thirdy, and with my family.”

Jodi further said: “Everything that happened to us, especially during the first part of 2020, came as a shock. We didn’t see what was coming. We also didn’t expect that ABS-CBN’s franchise won’t be renewed at all. It’s normal to feel anxious. I also became a bit fearful back then, because everything seemed so uncertain. But when I started to sit down and ponder, I realized that you can turn tragedies into opportunities.”

She observed that “a lot of ideas have been birthed during quarantine.” In fact, it was during this period that she inked a deal with two of her friends, Nino Bautista and Red Gatus, and formed a company called Healthy Fix, a manufacturer of health supplements and cosmetics.

Jodi Sta. Maria with son Thirdy

Hands-on businesswoman

Asked what she learned from collaborating with them, Jodi replied: “When it comes to business, I’m a neophyte, but I’m a sucker for learning new things.”

Jodi, the businesswoman is actually very hands-on. “Even while the teleserye is in a lock-in set, we would hold Zoom meetings. We were in constant communication,” she explained. “I felt that I needed to be hands-on because we are new in the market. We really want this to work, not only for ourselves, but also for the people who will benefit from this later on.”

Jodi, who is assigned to PR and marketing, said she would really make time to visit their office and coordinate with her team. “For our media launch today, for example, we each have our designations. Since this is part of my responsibility, I took charge, but with the approval of everyone.”

‘Me’ time

When it comes to her emotional and psychological well-being, what’s Jodi’s healthy fix? The actress replied: “I take some time off when I feel overwhelmed with everything that’s going on. I make sure to have ‘me’ time. I read a good book. I do prayer and meditation. I exercise. I drink my favorite tea.

“For me, I’ve learned that saying ‘no’ is OK; that you don’t have to explain to anyone if ever ‘no’ is your answer. It’s also good to spend time with people who make you feel loved and appreciated; with people who nourish your soul with love. Body, soul and spirit: all three have to be well taken care of. You can’t just focus on one thing. Balance is important.”

With everything that she has accomplished as an actor, Jodi said her focus now is no longer on herself, but on how she could make a difference in the lives of people around her. “I would always ask, ‘What can I do to spread change? What can I do to make people’s lives better? It’s no longer about my achievements, money, or goals.”

Time with Thirdy

When it comes to being a mom to Thirdy, her son with ex-husband Pampi Lacson, Jodi said, “I always include him in everything I do. We exercise together. When it comes to the things he needs for school, I make sure I’m here to help and guide him.”

Jodi added: “I’m a mother first before I am an actor or a businesswoman. I can’t just neglect that part of me. When you start to have children, you have to be aware that what you’re entering into is a full-time responsibility. Your being a mom never stops, no matter how busy your life is with your other endeavors.”