We all know it’s never easy being a momshie, tending to children but at the same time trying to make something of yourself. That’s why for today’s episode in Magandang Buhay, Melai Cantiveros, Jolina Magdangal and Karla Estrada welcomed Jodi Sta Maria, a very hands-on mother and a successful actress, who happens to be celebrating her birthday this month as well.
PHOTOS: Magandang Buhay with Jodi Sta Maria
In spite of her success in her television shows and movies, Jodi has also graduated as a Psychology student from Southville International School and Colleges. But it doesn’t stop there, the versatile artist plans to build a mental health clinic to help people struggling with mental health issues. She stressed that her goal is to make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Jodi shared she now has a passion for acupuncture, because it is through this procedure that she was able to discover its benefits such as treating those who suffer from anxiety and depression. She noted that she had gone through trainings under National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Philippines, and went to Dumaguete last year to hone her skills.
But despite her busy schedule, Jodi stressed that she still makes time for her son Thirdy. “May time naman ako kay Thirdy pa rin. Hindi pwedeng mawala ‘yun, siyempre”. However, she admitted that she cannot be with her son 24/7 because she is a single mother and that she has to work, a circumstance that her son is able to understand. She said her 13-year-old son declares that he is proud of her and writes her letters, which encourage her.
PHOTOS: Jodi Sta Maria with her adorable little man
Jodi’s close friend Gretchen Fullido made a surprise visit. TV Patrol Star Patrol anchor lauded her friend for being a hands-on mom, while juggling work with everything else in her life. “Paano ka nagde-detach? Para kang krung-krung... ‘Yun pala ang basehan ng magaling na actress,” Gretchen said proudly. Jodi couldn’t help but feel touched by Gretchen’s presence and continued on with an endearing message to her, “I just want to thank you for being there and for being you. Thank you for the love and support. I love you.” The Sino Ang Maysala? Mea Culpa star described Gretchen as one of her best friends who is always a phone call away.
Apart from friends, another blessing that Jodi has in her life is her latest movie “Clarita.” Jodi pointed out that she wasn’t really scared about starring in a horror film, but was excited, at the same time challenged, on how to execute this kind of material. But despite her reservations, she was able to follow through with the project. She emphasized that she is very overwhelmed and thankful that everything turned out the way it did, “Pero sa awa ng Diyos, napagtagumpayan si Clarita”.