Jodi Santamaria

Jodi Chrissie Africano Sta. Maria (born June 16, 1982) is a Filipino actress. She is notable for her versatility in comedy, horror, and drama across independent film, blockbusters and television. She has been nominated for a FAMAS Award and two Gawad Urian Awards. In 2014, she won the "Favorite Foreign Actress" trophy at the Vietnam Green Star Awards. In 2016, she was nominated for "Best Performance by an Actress" at the 44th International Emmy Awards for her role as Amor Powers in Pangako sa 'Yo. In 2022, Sta. Maria won Best Drama Actress at the Golden Laurel Batangas Province Media Awards and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. She attended the Philippine Pasay Chung Hua Academy and was an honor student. In school, Sta. Maria was active in her school's extra-curricular activities, particularly the volleyball varsity team and the debating team. The two met during a taping of Tabing Ilog and married on Easter Sunday 2005 in Las Vegas. Their marriage was annulled in 2024.

Sta. Maria and Lacson have a son born in 2005 named Panfilo "Thirdy" Lacson III. In a 2016 interview, Sta. Maria revealed that she was greatly affected by her separation from Lacson, which resulted in alcoholism and drug use. She quit smoking, alcohol, and drugs after the intervention of actress Coney Reyes and became a Born again Christian. The success of her TV series Be Careful with My Heart in 2012 also helped her recover from her addictions.

Sta. Maria attended De La Salle University-Dasmariñas and studied Medical Biology as her prerequisite to studying medicine. She left college after a year due to the sudden success of her series Be Careful With My Heart, which was extended from its intended run of 3 months to 2 and 1/2 years.

She became PAWS ambassador in March 2025.

Career A talent scout approached Sta. Maria and her friends to audition for commercials while at a fast-food chain. After numerous auditions and no offers, they gave up. The talent scout approached Sta. María once again and encouraged her to audition for Star Magic. At 15, she was the youngest in their batch.

After starring and appearing in teen-oriented shows and movies such as Gimik, Flames, and Jologs, Sta. Maria landed a role in Tabing Ilog as the sassy tomboyish Georgina.

In 2026, she starred in a variety show Kumusta with Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, Ji Chang-wook, and Michelin-recognized Filipino chef JP Anglo.

Filmography Film Year Title RoleNotes Source 1999 Oo Na, Mahal Na Kung Mahal Patrick's girl Cameo 2000 Anak Bernadette 2001 Sugatang Puso Kyla Bagong Buwan Dolor 2002 Jologs Faith 2003 Noon at Ngayon: Pagsasamang Kay Ganda Guia 2006 You Are The One Charry Malasmas 2007 Maling Akala Teta 2008 Sisa Sisa 2010 Chassis Noy Herself Cameo 2026Midnight GirlsMaria Victoria "Vicky" Dela Cruz Ramos Main role Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon Edjop Joyette Jopson

Television Year Title Role Notes Source 1998 Wansapanataym: Slow Down, Angels Crossing 1999 Gimik Gretchen Extended Role Tabing Ilog Georgina ”George” Fuentabella Main Role 2017 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Baby for Sale 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Single Performance by an Actress 2018 Dear Other Self 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Actress of the Year Sana Dalawa ang Puso 32nd PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionBest Drama Actress 2019 Sino ang Maysala? 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2022The Broken Marriage VowAsian Academy Creative AwardsBest Actress in a Leading Role