Taking a dip in the world of fashion this summer, Jodi Sta. Maria shares her experiences of going beyond the limits as she explores signature styles with the Tropical Essentials 2023 collection
As human beings, we love to connect with people and experience everything life has to offer, beginning with the most awaited season in the Philippines: summer. We all have a summer to remember, and our country is the perfect hotspot for fun-filled vacations. Take it from the veteran actress Jodi Sta. Maria who is in a constant state of wanderlust.
When the sun is out, the heat is on. Jodi’s summertime memories began as early as when she was a kid. The whole outside world was her playground in her youth. “When I was young, I would always look forward to summer. Summer means no more school [and] no homework. [It’s] a time for a lot of playing outside with friends, a time of festivities and activities, and of course vacation [time] with the family,” she shares.
But just like the characters she plays on television, Jodi grows and evolves as a person. Priorities shift over time, and summer suddenly feels out of reach. As a lover of life, this did not deter her, only further proving to everyone that she’ll always find the time to take a break on her terms. This season is the perfect time to explore, and the actress goes beyond show business to dive deeper into the world of fashion, where she embraces the many different phases of her body.
What a wonderful life
Just because Jodi is all grown up doesn’t mean she can’t have the time of her life. Picturing herself with bare feet and salty hair on the beach, she says, “As I grew older, summer meant a time of rest and calm. [It’s also] a time to go on adventures here and abroad [and] connect with loved ones.”
The actress loves seeing the clear blue skies, hearing the birds chirp, and feeling the sun hit her face like a lover caressing her. “[It’s] such a warm feeling that I can’t help but fall on my knees and be grateful for life,” she expresses cheerfully, in awe of how nature wraps its arms around her comfortingly. It’s one of those moments where she feels like she’s just happy to be there—to exist in a sun-drenched landscape with her son, Thirdy.
The smell of salty sea air as the waves crash against the shore makes us feel small, like a speck of dust in a universe of twinkling delight. It sounds grand, but our travels, no matter the distance, bring us closer to nature as we make human connections.
“I love shared experiences. These all go to our memory banks and make life richer,” Jodi reveals, genuinely enchanted at our wondrous world. “Siquijor and Antique are underrated summer destinations. Both are so beautiful!”
At the heart of the places we deem beautiful is the fascinating idea of squeezing ourselves into the frame like a painting. We consider ourselves a part of the glittering blue stretch of the ocean and its white and soft, golden sands, so we dress up accordingly.
Embodying the true definition of summer, and as one of the iconic actresses in the industry, Jodi ensures she has a beachwear of her own: “I usually wear a bandeau or a bikini top and a high-waisted bikini bottom—that’s my go-to beach wear. I cover it up with a maxi dress or oversized sando and shorts.”
Her two worlds: a larger-than-life show
Actors bring their characters to life. The person written on the script suddenly becomes real—stands up, fights back, and takes back what was once hers. Adored by many, she becomes someone we look forward to watching every night. We root for her and feel the same pain she endures when she takes a beating.
This kind of thrilling action is what Jodi does to us. She becomes who she wants to be because, as an actor, it’s her job to introduce the character.
“I am elated to be trusted to breathe life into the characters written on quality work. It excites me to continuously explore my limits when it comes to my career in film and TV.”
JODI STA. MARIA ON ACCEPTING ROLES
For celebrities, exploring their limits means going beyond acting, like pursuing a passion project or expressing a fashion statement. The dazzling world of fashion is already an all-too-familiar scene for most of them. It has long been incorporated into their careers, from their social media pages to press conferences and brand partnerships. While skill and talent get them the role, style drives their characters’ ambitions and personalities.
“This character has a life—a past, a job, influences, personal convictions, style preferences, and so much more. It is not a question of whether I, as Jodi, am comfortable with what I am wearing. Would my character wear something like this?” the iconic actress discusses, pointing out that it’s the role that matters. Like real people, fictional characters need to create an impression of being relatable through a tailor-fitted design of clothes and accessories.
On a more personal note, Jodi’s style is simpler and more laid back. “I am a t-shirt, jeans, sneakers, backpack kind of gal. I am comfortable with it. I am all for functionality,” she admits, but as time passed, she realized it’s not too bad to try something new. If she can spend her summertime the way she likes it, then she can try fun and exciting things, such as finding the perfect fit for herself.
“To be given a chance to explore what I can do in the fashion world came as a surprise. It was surreal at first, but now I am beginning to enjoy it. As people, we evolve. So I guess this is one aspect of my evolution,” Jodi imparts. Changes can be scary, but she has learned to ride the wave and see where it takes her because it’s where she gets to know herself the most.
Like night and day
Jodi finds fashion to be intimidating at first glance, “Acting and fashion are like night and day to me. When I did the photoshoot [for H&M], I was so nervous. I was definitely taken out of my comfort zone. I am glad that people were guiding me and cheering me on as I did the shoot,” she says.
Because acting is a skill she’s practiced over the years, Jodi can confidently mask her uneasiness. As the saying goes, “fake it ’til you make it,” and she did. She loved every bit of it. It can be daunting to step out of our comfort zones, but rising to the occasion gives us a newfound power that makes us feel like we own that work.
If there are similarities between the two realms of show business and fashion, Jodi asserts, “It would be giving the same amount of commitment, discipline, and hard work.”
Especially for uncharted territory, it’s always best to put in the same effort, even if it means exploring new ways to make things work. After all, the fashion industry is filled with professional and diligent people too. It’s a society that honors identity and cultivates confidence in different creative forms.
“Fashion is more than just clothing. I see it as a signature on the things we wear—it is personal.”
JODI STA. MARIA ON DEFINING FASHION
For Jodi, fashion expresses the personality of the wearer. An achievement in the beauty and fashion world would look like people being inspired and empowered to try to explore something they haven’t before.
Celebrating her body in style
Confidence begins from within when we decide to show who we are in the style we want. Jodi reveals that she celebrates her body by “taking care of it through a massage, a quick getaway to recharge, and a lot more”. But most importantly, she mentions what acceptance looks like to her:
“It is also acknowledging that my body changes and evolves with time and being perfectly okay with it.”
JODI STA. MARIA ON EMBRACING HER BODY
As much as possible, the actress tries her best not to compare her body to others but to see it in a more inspirational light, which is why she loves H&M’s latest Tropical Essentials 2023 collection. The line elevates her summer look with its modern pieces, giving her a spotlight of her own.
“It is trendy and multifunctional. They [H&M] have perfect cuts regardless of your body type. They have pieces that can make people stylishly enjoy summer,” Jodi elaborates before speaking about her favorite piece: “I personally love high-cut bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits. Yup, H&M has them in the colors I love too!”
It’s time to step out in style and make the beach our runway with the Tropical Essentials’ summer-worthy ensembles. With beautiful flattering fits, making a fashion statement has just gotten brighter and better this season.
Photography ANDREA BELDUA
Hair and Makeup GHIL SAYO assisted by OMAI SALVADOR
Set Design JUSTINE BUMANLAG
Fashion H&M TROPICAL ESSENTIALS 2023
