No longer a restless spirit

MANILA, Philippines - With a cast that includes Anita Linda, Cherie Pie Picache, Gina Pareño, Helen Gamboa, Mylene Dizon, Agot Isidro, Alessandra de Rossi, Spanky Manikan plus the effective love triangle of Jake Cuenca, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson on ABS-CBN’s Tayong Dalawa, everyone, including Jodi Santamaria, thought they are enough to keep the viewers’ interest going and keep the show’s ratings in an all-time high.

But adding new characters to the story won’t hurt. They make for spicier, exciting twists that keep televiewers glued to their seats.

“I am surprised,” Jodi, who was last seen on Palos, says when asked about her joining the primetime soap. “Akala ko wala ng additional (character) considering the positive response it is getting from the audience. I didn’t expect I will be in a show that I also watch.”

It was last week when Jodi entered the scene as Angela Rodriguez, the protective sister of Loretta (Mylene) and defender aunt of Audrey (Kim) who came back from the States. Her strong personality matches the dominant and intimidating character of Audrey’s dad Stanley (Spanky) and Anita’s spiteful grandma role.

“At least this time I’m no longer a restless spirit,” Jodi quips, referring to her role on Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara. “I can be like Angela when it comes to protecting my family or loved ones. I believe that you should fight for what is right and not just accept things against your will.”

But the fact that she acts alongside acting great Anita keeps Jodi always on her toes. She comes to the set well-prepared, keeps her dialogues in mind and acts accordingly. “I so admired Ms. Anita because at her age she never misses her lines. Nakakahiya magkamali.”

So far, in the five taping days she has attended, Jodi didn’t show any acting flaw. She loves acting so much that her husband Pampy Lacson has no qualms about her starring in a soap once in a while, trusting her well in her choice of role.

“For me, there’s no easy role. You always have to give your best in every project. As an actress, I believe you should come out better than your last,” she shares.

Does motherhood affect her acting career?

“No. Time management is one key in order to attend to all your responsibilities.”

Besides, she has spent quality time with three-year-old son Thirdy during her short break from acting.

“Thirdy will be attending school in June as nursery pupil and I don’t know what to feel because sometimes I feel sad every time I see him growing fast,” Jodi offers. And having another baby is not an option. “You have to be prepared because having another baby is a serious responsibility. That’s why we are enjoying every moment with Thirdy. We go to the zoo and play PSP together.”

Does playing Angela opposite acting greats exert pressure on Jodi?

“An actor loses himself in a character. One should know how to separate the real from the reel, so prior to playing a role I should know the feel of the character to be at ease in front of the cameras.”

That’s one good tip from someone who has received a Best Actress award at the 10th Cinemanila International Filmfest for her performance in Sisa.