Jodi admires resiliency, adaptability of co-workers on New Normal set

CEBU, Philippines — Jodi Sta. Maria’s role as Marissa in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” its pilot airing Monday night on Kapamilya Online Live and Kapamilya Channel, will be on a warpath to avenge a past where the moneyed and powerful caused her undue suffering – all too similar to her Amor Powers in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.”

But the 38-year-old actress said viewers shouldn’t be quick to compare the two since “there are many ways to tackle a character seeking revenge.”

In the drama series making history as ABS-CBN’s first to be fully launched digitally, Jodi will transform from humble lass to a sophisticated cunning woman as she battles with her former best friend (Iza Calzado) for love, family, and prestige.

Jodi assured interviewers in a recent video conference that the onscreen rivalry between her an Iza definitely doesn’t extend off camera. For one, with everything going on globally, she is not in that space of competing with co-stars, and is only of the mind to deliver what is needed of her, and hopefully, beyond. Secondly, she said collaborative effort is what they need now, more than ever.

Iza nodded in agreement, saying actors should know when a particular scene is a highlight for their character or there to lend support for someone else’s shining moment. If they try one-upping the other, she feels their performances won’t be effective.

The award-winning actresses first worked together in the horror film “Maria Leonora Teresa,” and Jodi shared that their communication has remained constant since.

“I believe our relationship is not just ‘working friends,’ we are really friends. Maybe because of the amount of time we’ve spent locked in, I would say I have a better appreciation of her as a person. She’s really beautiful not only on the outside, but most especially her heart. We are so thankful that we’re going through this together, doing this show amidst the pandemic,” Jodi said of Iza, a COVID-19 survivor who celebrated her 38th birthday last Wednesday.

Jodi said she understandably had misgivings leaving her home to tape the drama, especially since she not only has herself to consider.

“Bukod sa pagiging artista, nanay din naman ako, may kapatid ako, meron akong mga bagay at mga tao na iniisip, hindi lang ang sarili ko,” she said. “But then I would always tell myself, if God allowed us to carry on with this project, then He would provide us with everything we’ll need para mapagtagumpayan namin ito and kasama na diyan yung protection.”

She said among the adjustments on set were continuous takes in shorter working hours, doing away with friendly hugs and pecks on the cheek among colleagues, and the limited number of crew allowed. Jodi didn’t see the changes as restricting. She appreciates the safety measures, and admires everyone’s resiliency and willingness to adapt.

No stranger to releasing work digitally after producing and starring in iWant’s “My Single Lady” early this year, Jodi said her dedication to the craft remains the same, regardless of the platform.

“When it comes to my acting style, the learning should be continuous,” she said, “or else you’ll be stuck in a cycle.”