Jodi Sta. Maria straddles mainstream and indies

JODI Sta. Maria and Richard Yap in “Be Careful with my Heart”

Jodi Sta. Maria is one of today’s artists who can easily shuffle between the mainstream and indie sides of show biz. For the 30-year-old actress, straddling both worlds allows her to tap the many facets of her craft, and reach different kinds of audiences.

This year, aside from having a hit late-morning TV series “Be Careful With My Heart,” Jodi also starred in two indie films: Joel Lamangan’s “Migrante,” and Vincent Sandoval’s dramatic thriller “Aparisyon,” which was recently showcased on Cinemalaya Film Festival’s New Breed category.

“I enjoy indie films because I get to tackle meaty and complex characters, and explore edgier plots and concepts,” Jodi told the

Inquirer during the grand opening of the Eastwood branch of Rue Bourbon Bar and Restaurant, which she co-owns with her friends and partners.

Jodi considers doing indie films a breather from the grind of formulaic TV programs. “When you do something over and over, you get burned out and (try to) find a creative outlet,” Jodi said.

“I get in tune with the deeper, and sometimes, darker side of myself.”

But the one thing Jodi loves most about doing indie films is that it challenges her, and forces her to do things or express emotions that she never knew was in her.

Rated ‘X’

In Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s controversial film “Chassis,” for instance, Jodi played a prostitute named Nora, who castrated one of her clients as an act of retribution on the men who had used her.

“It’s very daring on my part. I’ve never done anything like that before,” said Jodi, who vowed to accept at least one or two indie projects every year.

The scene was daring and explicit, so much so that in 2011, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave “Chassis” an “X” rating (Not Fit for Public Exhibition) in two separate reviews.

The film was then reviewed by an appeals committee under the Office of the President, which initially gave the film an “R” rating (Strictly for Adults). However, despite the recommendation of the committee to allow the screening of “Chassis” for moviegoers aged 18 and above, the Palace earlier this year banned the film from public exhibition.

“It was a bittersweet situation. I’m happy that the film was appreciated by other nationalities in film festivals abroad. But on the other hand, it’s so disappointing that we can’t even show it in our own country,” she lamented.

“Chassis” was exhibited at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea and at the Vancouver International Film Festival, among many others.

“I’ve realized that we’re not culturally ready for something as bold as ‘Chassis,’” she said.

Asked if she’s still hoping for the film to be released in the country, Jodi said: “Yes, of course. But if we can’t show the film in its entirety, then we’re better off not showing it at all. I don’t want portions of the film edited out because it will lose its essence.”

Good vibes

Meanwhile, Jodi said that she enjoyed doing mainstream projects as much as indie films. The lighthearted nature of her current show on ABS-CBN’s “Be Careful with My Heart” gives Jodi an instant dose of good vibes.

“It’s a feel-good show, and there’s a kilig factor. The show’s just full of positivity. It uplifts me when I’m having a bad day,” she said. “I get in touch with my fun side, and just play around or be silly.”

“It challenges me as well because I’m more used to doing drama,” she added.

Surprisingly, “Be Careful” gave Jodi her first lead role in a TV series after 14 years in the biz.

There was a time, she admitted, when she thought that she’d be stuck to doing supporting roles.

“But I never really felt bad about it,” she said. “I’ve realized that there’s no such thing as a big or small role. I enjoy my job whether I’m playing a lead or supporting role.”

Jodi’s heart will always be in show biz—be it indie or mainstream. “It’s the one thing I can’t leave, and can’t get out of my system,” she stressed.

And as for her rumored romance with actor Jolo Revilla, Jodi politely declined to elaborate. “Right now, I just want to have a quiet life with my son Thirdy,” she said.