Maya Dela Rosa in “Be Careful With My Heart.” Amor Powers in “Pangako Sa’Yo.” Marissa Pineda in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin.” Dra. Jill Victorino in “The Broken Marriage Vow.”

These are just some of the notable characters that award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria has portrayed in ABS-CBN teleseryes in the more than two decades that she’s been in the entertainment industry. And soon, she’s about to astound us anew with another remarkable character, as it was recently revealed that she will topbill the upcoming series “Lavender Fields” as the titular character.

A day after Dreamscape Entertainment made the announcement by releasing the teaser, Kapamilya showbiz reporter MJ Felipe had the chance to catch up with the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022 Best Actress to know a bit more about the so-called “grandest series of 2024”, as well as her preparations and her reasons for accepting the project.

MJ commenced the interview by asking her who or what Lavender Fields is, to which she fiercely retorted that it is actually her. She looked up what lavender symbolizes as a flower and discovered that more than being used as an essential oil for relaxation, it can also represent distrust, which means that when one receives it, he/she is not being trusted by the giver.

When quizzed about what made her say “yes” to this project, Jodi disclosed that it’s going to be her first time doing an action-drama role. She’s been actually going through rigorous training four to five times a week and twice to three times a day.

“Isa sa mga bagay na laging nagpapa-‘oo’ sa akin sa isang proyekto is ‘yong fact na kapag kinabahan ako, kapag naka-feel ako ng, ‘Shocks, parang hindi ko ‘to kayang gawin,’ all the more na gugustuhin ko siyang gawin,” Jodi said when asked what made her accept “Lavender Fields.”

With regard to her co-actors, whose identities are yet to be unveiled, she gushed over how excellent they are not just with their craft, but they are good people, too.

Jodi also admitted that she actually feels pressured to do this project since it is something new to her and not within her comfort zone. At the same time, she will also be working with big names in the industry.

Then she added, “Pressure, yes, because lagi kong iniisip, ‘mapu-pull off ko ba ‘to’? Kapag lahat na ng pressures na ganyan naiisip ko o dumadating, nakakalma ako do’n sa fact na alam ko at this stage in my life, kapag tumatanggap ako proyekto, buong puso binibigay ko. I am fully committed to the project.”

As MJ remarked that projects like this will certainly leave a mark on people, for this will be seen and watched again by the next generations in the years to come, Jodi pronounced that for her, it’s not about the money or something more to prove about her craft, but about leaving a good legacy. So that when future generations see her body of work, they are going to be inspired to follow her path, as well as to love and strive to do good in their work.

Watch out for more updates on “Lavender Fields,” which will serve as Jodi Sta. Maria’s much-awaited comeback on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida!