Jodi Sta. Maria is considered one of the most talented actresses today. Whether it is for a movie, a morning drama or a Primetime series, her projects are bound to be a huge success. So, you might be surprised to find out that joining the entertainment industry was not initially in her plans.
“Hindi ko talaga unang-una pinangarap maging artista,” she admitted to DJ Jhai Ho on Showbiz Pa More. As a kid, she did enjoy performing in front of an audience. The Sino Ang Maysala? Mea Culpa star would participate in every school activity she could, from dance and singing contests to cheering competitions and declamations. Yet, the dream back then was to become a flight attendant like her mother.
Until, one random day, she and her friends were approached by a talent scout at a fast food chain in Buendia. They were asked if they were interested in auditioning for commercials. “Parang ang dating na-discover tayo,” they thought excitedly. She jumped on the opportunity and it came to a point where she became busy trying to balance her studies and go-sees. Eventually, however, she decided to give up on this path because she never booked a project.
The talent scout must have believed in her potential because he reached out to her again because ABS-CBN was looking for new talent. Jodi did not actually want to go through the process of auditions again. “Hindi naman ako natatanggap tapos ang layo-layo ng QC,” she reasoned. But she found motivation in possibly seeing Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa.
“Nagpabalik-balik ako sa ABS, siguro mga apat, limang beses,” she recounted. In the end, she became part of Star Circle 7 and continued to become part of shows like Gimik, Tabing Ilog, 2000’s Pangako Sa ‘Yo as well as its KathNiel remake, and who could forget one of her most loved projects Be Careful With My Heart.
Her journey might have been unexpected, but we are beyond glad that Jodi did not give up on this career path!