The Jet Set Crowd: Jodi Sta. Maria

Many people know Jodi Sta. Maria as a versatile actress, through her roles in Be Careful With My Heart, Pangako Sa’Yo, and recently Sino Ang May Sala. But few realize that Jodi is quite the avid traveler. 

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU? 

I can be just a traveler moving from place to place slowly, enjoying the hidden and less well-known treasures. I like immersing myself in a place: Going where locals go, eating what locals eat, doing what locals do. But sometimes I can also be a tourist where I visit local landmarks, being very patient to be able to take a good photo. I am also slowly trying different things like parasailing, hiking and spelunking. Most of the time I travel with my family and friends, but there are also moments also I go on solo travels. 

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CARRY-ON?
I have my kikay (makeup) and toiletry kit which includes a lip balm, hand wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, sanitary products. I also bring a book and my Bible. Now I have a medicine kit with me whenever I travel, 'coz there was an incident in Spain when I got nauseous and had to buy medicine to make me feel better, but had a hard time explaining to the pharmacist what I needed. That’s when I learned to pack a medicine kit.

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL OUTFIT AND/OR ACCESSORY?

I am not maporma when I travel, but sometimes I bring extra clothes for photos. I research about the usual outfit for the season I am visiting a country. Cotton pants, white shirts, and a pair of good rubber shoes or sandals are always the best and a travel must-have for me. For non-tropical countries, layering is the safest because you don’t know when the weather changes. For accessories, I can make do with a pair of earrings and a watch (this one is a travel essential for me). 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION?

This is a tough one. Whenever I am asked this question I say that if I am given the chance to visit all the countries I have been to, I would do it all over again. I don't have a favorite country; all of them offer something different when it comes to landscapes, sights, people, food, and culture. Each destination's history is beautiful though not always pleasant but that helped shaped what we all are today. I am learning also to appreciate their beauty without comparison or biases. 

WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL PHILOSOPHY? 

"If not now, when?" It was only in 2014 when I started traveling heavily for the reason that I had flying anxiety or fear of flying. I dreaded being inside an airplane. The phobia was so strong that I once passed out inside an aircraft before take-off. My condition back then really made traveling almost possible. After I had overcome this I started exploring the world and realized there is so much out there. So many things to see and learn. 

WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?

Next on my travel bucket list would be New Zealand, Namibia, and Madagascar. 

Photos from @jodistamaria and @auspiciouspilgrim. This article was originally published in Metro Magazine (Vol. 30, Issue 3)