Like most Geminis, Jodi Santamaria is an upwardly mobile person. She likes venturing towards new dimensions. Jodi is especially proud of her career: "I think IIm lucky because even if I'm not at all choosy with roles, I get good assignments. I know life in showbiz is not forever. So I make the most out of it. While I'm here, I won't take it easy. If I'm sure I can do the role, I won't waste time. This could be why I get good offers which improve my acting, even if I don't know yet what role is good for me." Since her launch as member of ABS-CBN Talent Center's Star Circle Batch 7 four years ago, this nineteener who started in cameo roles of guestings and has endorsed motorcycles (Honda) and softdrinks (Sprite) is now getting juicy assignments
Unlike some of her contemporaries, Jodi has been a part of movies that are not only commercially successful but are remarkable cinematic pieces. She is also frequently cast with actors and actresses who are royalties in the entertainment industry. In last year's Vilma Santos starrer Anak, Jodi was Baron Geisler's object of affection. As Lia in the top-rating teleserye Pangako Sa 'Yo, Jodi, as the suffering college co-ed daughter of Jean Garcia and Tonton Gutierrez, is transformed into a confused rebel.
In Tabing Ilog, she shows how a mature girl named George plays her cards between seething rivals Baron Geisler and L.A. Mumar. As a teener in last year's Sugatang Puso topbilled by Lorna Tolentino and Cherie Gil, Jodi showed the angst of an adolescent subjected to the pressures of gang rivalry alongside Patrick Garcia.
In Star Cinema's 2001 Metro Filmfest entry Bagong Buwan, Jodi shows she is ready for mature roles.
"I'm positive I can now play non-teeny bopper characters. But I'd like to take things slowly. I like complex, mature roles people can learn something from. I like mature roles, but not those that show skin, or require me to do torrid kissing scenes. Siguro darating ako sa roles that are quite delicate but it depends. As long as the story requires it, kung maganda at saka hindi exploitative ang hitsura on screen, I can probably do it. I'll do those roles when I'm 23 and above."
Aside from putting her in the lead actress category, Jodi's role in Bagong Buwan introduces her to a lot of "firsts." This is her first Muslim character and first time to play a pregnant young woman.
"I don't know how a pregnant woman acts. So I asked several mothers and pregnant women. I learned that a pregnant woman always leans on a pillow and is forever sitting down. My role is a woman in her ninth month of pregnancy. So, I always remember that I must get up slowly. Mabagal dapat. And when I'm lying down, I should only lie flat. Some nights, namumulikat sila. So I realized being pregnant is more than becoming swollen in some parts of your body and frequently throwing up."
The greatest conflict her character faces is getting caught in the crossfire between government forces and the bandits, while uprooting herself with the entire Bangsamoro people.
She says Bagong Buwan is a gift she is proud to offer everybody regardless of religious beliefs and cultural background. It served as an eye opener for her. Though she has no animosity towards Muslims, Jodi admits being guilty of the prejudices thousands of Christians have against Muslims. She also used to be indifferent about the matter.
All her wrong thoughts about Muslims vanished.
"I thought Muslims were violent by nature. I was wrong. They speak calmly. They're very educated. They're not different from Christians except for their religion. They are peace-loving people. In fact I think they're really beautiful people," Jodi relates.