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'Ang dami-dami lang mga bagay na nangyayari. I-add mo pa doon 'yung mga pang-personal mong gusto para sa sarili mo, para sa ambisyon mo, para sa pamilya mo, para masatisfy mo na ‘yung needs mo and ‘yung wants mo,' Jodi tells Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Jodi Sta. Maria has not only made a name for herself as an actress in general, but as a powerful, versatile star in the genre of horror.
She’s taken on a variety of bone-chilling roles in the past. In Apparition (2012), she was a nun; in Second Coming (2019), she was a stepmother; and in Clarita (2019), she was a woman possessed by a demon.
This time around, in Untold, she plays Vivian Vera, an ambitious reporter who is willing to do anything it takes to get famous, including spreading fake news. The horror of it all comes from the curse she is put under when a woman approaches her during a coverage and puts a mysterious bracelet around her wrist.
But in the trailer, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of Vivian Vera’s life as a reporter — often getting in front of the camera to deliver reports on the field or in the newsroom, and working long hours at her desk to write stories.
Portraying a character from an industry where truth and facts are cornerstones, Jodi had much to learn and realize about what it takes to be a journalist, even if it was just on the screen.
“I realized that I’m just doing a role, but then, ang hirap din pala ng buhay ng isang journalist. Nandoon din ‘yung factor that a journalist is still a human being. A person. Mayroon siyang prinsipyo, mayroon siyang values na inuuphold, mayroon siyang belief system. But then when you do your reporting, it’s difficult to be so neutral about a certain issue,” Jodi told Rappler.
(I realized that I’m just doing a role, but then, a journalist’s life is hard. There’s also that factor that a journalist is still a human being. A person. They have principles, values to uphold, and a belief system. But when you do your reporting, it’s difficult to be so neutral about a certain issue.)
She reflected on the weight journalists have to carry on their shoulders, with the load from their personal and professional lives pulling them in different directions.
“Ang dami-dami lang mga bagay na nangyayari. I-add mo pa doon ‘yung mga pang-personal mong gusto para sa sarili mo, para sa ambisyon mo, para sa pamilya mo, para masatisfy mo na ‘yung needs mo and ‘yung wants mo. ‘Yung goals mo as a person and para sa career mo, all of these things are just coming into play na parang, ‘Okay, ang hirap din talaga na maging isang journalist,'” she said.
(There are so many things happening. Add to that your personal desires for yourself, for your ambitions, for your family, so you can satisfy your needs and wants. Your goals as a person and for your career, all of these things are just coming into play, and you realize, “Okay, being a journalist is hard.”)
Vivian Vera is a role unlike anything Jodi’s played before. Untold is a psychological horror film, so rather than just plain jump scares, the Derick Cabrido-directed production is also meant to make you question your own morals and face your own demons.
“Kung hindi lang din talaga buo ‘yung loob mo, madali kang matatangay sa agos (If your spirit isn’t intact, you’ll easily drown in the current.) So it’s really important, ‘yung core. I think that’s one thing na kailangang protektahan ‘nyo (you need to protect) and protect it at all costs,” Jodi continued.
The actress also opened up on the realization that we often don’t notice what goes on behind the scenes when we watch television reports, adding that the film has helped humanize journalists.
“You get a glimpse of what’s going on in there because most of us, nakikita lang ‘yung journalists sa television. Hindi natin narerealize ‘yung what’s happening behind the scenes sa buhay ng mga reporters na ‘to. At hindi lang ‘yun, [pati] ‘yung mga danger na kailangan suungin. If you’re covering a figure that’s notorious, a hostage taking drama, magkakaroon ka lang talaga ng mataas na respeto sa mga tao na ginagawa ng tama ‘yung mga trabaho nila,” she shared.
(You get a glimpse of what’s going on in there because most of us only see journalists on television. We don’t realize what’s happening behind the scenes in the lives of reporters. And not just that, this includes the dangers they have to brave. If you’re covering a figure that’s notorious, a hostage-taking drama, you’ll really just develop a lot of respect for the people who do their jobs right.)
Shaping up to be an unlikely must-watch for those working in journalism, Untold premieres in cinemas on April 30. It also stars Gloria Diaz, Mylene Dizon, Joem Bascon, Juan Karlos Labajo, Kaori Oinuma, Sarah Edwards, and Lianne Valentin. – Rappler.com
