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Best of both worlds

WITH THE growing popularity of digital films has come a rise in the demand for actresses who can prove themselves equal to the challenges of both mediums. One of them is Jodi Sta. Maria, last seen on television playing the manic-depressive sister-in-law ...

of Claudine Barretto in the primetime teledrama Walang Kapalit.

Jodi is one of the latest mainstream stars who’ve jumped on the digital film bandwagon. She’s since made two: Nars, which is about five nursing students who learn the true meaning of their profession when faced with the decision to stay or leave the country for greener pastures, and Maling Akala, a romantic comedy about deception and false pretenses. Maling Akala, in which Jodi plays the female lead, is directed by the team of Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-Awa, who were behind the acclaimed indie movie Inang Yaya, starring Maricel Soriano.

Jodi’s co-star in Maling Akala is fellow Star Magic talent Victor Basa. She plays Tetta, a salesgirl in a department store who gets pregnant by her boyfriend, who abandons her. On her way home to the province, she sits besides Victor on the bus. The two strike a deal: Victor, whose character is gay, will pose as Jodi’s husband and the father of her child. Unknown to Tetta, Victor’s character is hiding more than just his sexuality.

“This is my first indie film, and it’s a dream come true for me,” says Jodi, who’s married to Pampi Lacson, son of Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson. The couple have a son, Thirdie. “I’ve wanted to do indie films ever since, so when this offer came along, I grabbed it. I didn’t have any second thoughts.”

Doing independent films and working in mainstream entertainment each present their own particular challenges, says Jodi. It goes without saying, of course, that mainstream entertainment projects like Walang Kapalit pay much more and play to a much bigger audience. But doing independent films is its own reward. “They’re different, especially because independent or digital films face a lot of constraints,” explains Jodi. “But inspite of that, you can really see their passion and dedication to the craft [of filmmaking], and as an artist, that inspires you and makes you want to do your best.”