Multi-awarded actress Jodi Sta. Maria is set to take a well-deserved break after wrapping up her work on the top-rated series ‘Lavender Fields’, which is now airing its final week.
In a recent interview, Sta. Maria revealed that she has been working non-stop, even during the pandemic.
“After this, magre-rest muna tayo kasi nagdire-diretso tayo. Kahit noong pandemic hindi tayo tumigil ng trabaho — 2020, 2021, 2022, hindi tayo tumigil,” she shared.
Sta. Maria admitted that the filming process for ‘Lavender Fields’ was physically and mentally demanding, sharing that they would sometimes shoot 28 to 30 scenes per day for months.
However, instead of complaining, the actress expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she had.
“I’m just really thankful to the Lord for His provision, for the work na ibinigay niya,” Sta. Maria said.
After an intense work schedule, Sta. Maria said she plans to recharge by pursuing activities outside of acting.
“But of course, kailangan din natin ng konting pahinga, ‘di ba? Kasi all work tayo. Kailangan nating mag-refill ng creative juices…. will mean travel, embarking on something new, going back to school. That’s rest for me. Hindi siya rest na walang ginagawa. It’s doing something else outside of work,” she explained.
As ‘Lavender Fields’ draws to a close, Sta. Maria reflected on some of her most unforgettable moments in the series.
One of the scenes she fondly recalled was with Lotlot de Leon, who plays her mother in the show.
“Gusto ko ‘yung rapport namin, ‘yung relationship namin nilang mag-ina. I really, really felt her. Napaka-loving ang caring niya kasi as a human being and as a person,” she said.
She also mentioned a challenging breakup scene with Jericho Rosales’ character, Tyrone de Vera, which took place at a cliffside.
“We attempted to shoot that scene so many times. The scene was shot in a cliff so there’s a beautiful view, but there’s fog, so we waited for the fog to clear. When the fog cleared and we were ready for the take, suddenly it rained,” she shared. Despite the setbacks, the scene was successfully completed.
Another standout memory for Sta. Maria was her fight scene with Janine Gutierrez, who plays Iris Buenavidez, Tyrone’s wife.
“I remember that day. We were so nervous. We rehearsed it for about two days. And when the day came that we needed to shoot that scene, we just held each other’s hand. We encouraged and assured each other that we could do it,” she recalled.
Beloved Filipina actress Jodi Sta. Maria announced her decision to take a well-deserved hiatus from showbusiness following the conclusion of her latest television series, “Lavender Fields.” The announcement came during an emotional press conference where the veteran actress expressed her gratitude to her loyal fans and colleagues who supported her throughout the show’s successful run.
The multi-awarded actress, who has been a constant presence in Philippine television for over two decades, shared that the demanding schedule and emotional depth required for her role in “Lavender Fields” led her to realize the importance of taking time for personal growth and family. In the series, Sta. Maria portrayed the complex character of Isabella Santos, a resilient widow who rebuilds her life through a lavender farm while dealing with past traumas and finding new love.
During her heartfelt message to the press, Sta. Maria emphasized that this break isn’t a goodbye but rather a necessary pause to recharge and explore other aspects of her life. The actress revealed her plans to focus on completing her long-delayed medical studies, a personal goal she has been pursuing alongside her acting career. This decision showcases her dedication to continuous self-improvement and her desire to make a difference beyond the entertainment industry.
“Lavender Fields” marked another milestone in Sta. Maria’s illustrious career, garnering critical acclaim and strong viewership ratings throughout its run. The series, which tackled themes of healing, forgiveness, and second chances, resonated deeply with audiences and further cemented the actress’s reputation for choosing meaningful projects that contribute to social discourse.
Industry colleagues have expressed their support for Sta. Maria’s decision, with many praising her professionalism and dedication to her craft. Her co-star in the series, Benjamin Alves, shared that working with Sta. Maria has been an invaluable learning experience, describing her as one of the most hardworking and genuine artists in the industry. The show’s director also commended her commitment to excellence and her ability to bring depth to every scene.
The final week of “Lavender Fields” promises to deliver an emotional conclusion to the series that has captured the hearts of viewers nationwide. Production insiders hint at powerful performances from the entire cast, with Sta. Maria’s scenes being particularly moving. The actress herself mentioned that filming the final episodes was an intensely emotional experience, as the story’s themes of letting go and embracing new beginnings parallel her own life decisions.
Looking back at her journey, Sta. Maria reflected on how the entertainment industry has shaped her life since she started as a child actress. Her evolution from teen roles to more mature, challenging characters has been marked by numerous awards and recognition from various award-giving bodies. Her decision to take a break comes at a high point in her career, demonstrating her courage to prioritize personal growth over professional momentum.
The actress’s management team has confirmed that while she will be stepping away from regular television work, she may still consider special projects that align with her schedule and personal goals. They emphasized that this break will allow her to return to the industry with renewed energy and perspective, potentially leading to even more compelling performances in the future.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and understanding for their idol’s decision. The hashtag #ThankYouJodi trended nationwide as viewers shared their favorite moments from “Lavender Fields” and expressed excitement for the actress’s future endeavors, both in and outside of showbusiness.
As “Lavender Fields” prepares to air its final episodes, television critics have already begun hailing it as one of the most significant dramas of the year, praising its production value, storytelling, and particularly Sta. Maria’s nuanced performance. The series has set a new standard for Philippine television drama, combining beautiful cinematography with compelling narrative and outstanding acting.
The impact of Sta. Maria’s temporary departure from the industry extends beyond her immediate circle, as she has been a role model for many aspiring actors and young professionals. Her decision to pursue further education while at the peak of her career sends a powerful message about the importance of continuous learning and personal development.
As the curtain falls on “Lavender Fields,” Jodi Sta. Maria’s legacy in Philippine entertainment remains secure. Her temporary step back from the spotlight represents not an end but a transformation, as she embarks on a new chapter in her life’s journey. The industry and her fans eagerly await her return, knowing that whatever comes next will be worth the wait.
