Anna Marie Lukban

Jodi Sta. Maria honors her mother with a heartfelt birthday message

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>Jodi Sta. Maria took to social media to pen a heartfelt message for her mother, Mercedita, who celebrated her birthday on Friday, June 20.</p><p>On Instagram, Jodi shared a series of photos capturing moments from their travels together, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.</p><p>&quot;HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA ❤️ Today I celebrate you — your strength, your love, and the countless ways you shaped my life,&quot; Jodi remarked.</p><p>The actress expressed deep gratitude for her mother&#x27;s unwavering love and sacrifices over the years. &quot;Thank you for all the sacrifices, your endless care, and for loving all of us in ways only a mother can. I hope we get to remind you everyday how deeply you are loved,&quot; she stated.</p><p>The <em>Lavender Fields</em> star went on to describe her mother as &quot;God&#x27;s masterpiece — beautifully strong even in weakness, faithfully trusting even in pain.&quot;</p><p>&quot;Though the journey is hard, His grace carries you. I pray that His peace fills your heart and His healing hand continue to touch you. 🙏🏼 I love you, Mama. Always and forever,&quot; she added.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLG8CUHyly7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A565777.5%2C%22ls%22%3A375034.39999999106%2C%22le%22%3A375447.39999999106%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Jodi was raised by her single mom, Mercedita.</p><p>In a 2022 interview with Karen Davila, the actress revealed that she searched for her biological father while growing up, as she was raised solely by her mother.</p><p>She recalled beginning to question her father&#x27;s absence when she was about 14 or 15 years old. &quot;Doon ako nag-start mapaisip na kung may mom ako, then nasaan na yung dad? My mom would always tell us na he’s abroad, working. Later on ko na lang nalaman what really happened between them. My mom was about four months pregnant with me when my dad left her. She was left on her own to raise me,&quot; she shared.</p><p>When Jodi entered showbiz, she quietly began searching for her father without her mother&#x27;s knowledge. &quot;To cut the long story short, nakahanap ako ng [connection] and this person gave me a website na puntahan ko daw. Tinype ko yung name ko and nandoon ako sa family tree. So nagkaroon na ng mukha &#x27;yung dad ko,&quot; she said.</p><p>&quot;Hanap ako nang hanap. It took me about 10 years to finally put the pieces of the puzzle together na, &#x27;Ah ito yun.’ Until I asked [my mom] if this guy is my dad. She said yes,&quot; she added.</p><p>Unfortunately, by the time she discovered his identity, he had already passed away, and they never had the chance to meet.</p><p>Despite his absence, Jodi emphasized that she never harbored resentment toward him.</p><p>&quot;Kasi my mom would always tell us na nasa ibang bansa nagwo-work. Hindi na talaga siya napag-usapan. Okay naman kami. Wala ka namang hahanapin kasi hindi mo naman kinagisnan eh. Pero nung medyo lumaki ako, doon ko lang medyo na-feel na parang kailangan ko man lang ng acknowledgment. Hindi ako manggugulo or manghihingi ng kahit ano. Gusto ko lang sabihin mo sa akin na anak mo ako,&quot; she stated.</p><p>Although she never received the acknowledgment she longed for, Jodi shared that her deep relationship with God has filled that void.</p><p>&quot;Malaking bagay &#x27;yung pagkakaroon ko ng relationship with God. Yes I may not have an earthly father but I have a heavenly Father who loves me so much and who would never reject me, and accept me for who I am,&quot; she remarked.</p>

<p>Jodi Sta. Maria penned a heartwarming message for her mother on her birthday. </p>