How Jodi Sta. Maria battles hate speech with care | ABS-CBN

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How Jodi Sta. Maria battles hate speech with care

How Jodi Sta. Maria battles hate speech with care

Biogesic

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Updated May 22, 2024 11:42 PM PHT

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Photo source: ABS-CBN News 

 After the success of the hit teleserye 'Unbreak My Heart,' Kapamilya actress Jodi Sta. Maria is now gearing up for her upcoming project with Star Cinema, where she takes on the role of a triathlete.

Despite her many projects, success and positive reception in her roles, Sta. Maria is not immune to hurtful comments and online bashing. In a candid tell-all, she breaks her silence on being a target of hate speech, emphasizing the choices she has when facing negativity in her position as an actress and public figure.

"Recently may nag-DM sakin. Sabi niya, 'alam mo 'di ka naman talaga magaling mag-artista. Ang bagay talaga sayo mag-quit ka na lang sa showbiz at gumawa ka na lang ng ibang trabaho. Akala mo ang ganda-ganda mo.' So, binasa ko siya na parang 'okay, noted.' Kasi anong gagawin mo sa information na binigay sayo? Dalawa lang naman 'yan. Pinaniniwalaan mo ba siya o hindi?" she shares.

(Recently, someone sent me a direct message. They said, 'You know, you are not really a good actress. It would be more fitting for you to just quit showbiz and find another job. You think you are so beautiful.'

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So, I read the message and thought, 'Okay, noted.' Because what else can you do with the information given to you? There are just two options. Will you believe it or not?)

She reflects on how hurtful comments affect her and what she does when faced with these comments, saying, "I acknowledge that a particular comment hurt me, or did not sit well with me. Then I read the comment again, and ask myself what is it about this comment that pushed a button? Sometimes it becomes a window to the unhealed parts of me. So, I will try to work on that."

"Social media is a wonderful tool to connect and also inform. But there are times when social media can get overwhelming due to what is posted," - Sta. Maria on online attacks. Photo source: Jodi Sta Maria's Instagram

Do it with care

How does Sta. Maria react when faced with hurtful words? Instead of fighting back, she considers the strength of kindness and handling things with care.

"Even when we know people will not always reciprocate or appreciate our actions, I would say caring intentionally is more appropriate. And it does not come without challenges, of course. There will be times that even how much we care, people will not get it, there will be times that our actions will not be reciprocated. But I would say care anyway."

She adds, "caring does not always mean that you always have to do something about a given situation. Sometimes it could be taking a step back. Caring comes in all shapes and forms."

The turning point: Understanding the haters

Sta. Maria finished her degree in Psychology at Southville International School and Colleges in 2021. She remembered that she had written a paper about the mindsets of bullies. In her research, the actress explained that bullies could have experienced any form of abuse.

"According sa research na ginawa ko, 'yung mga bullies meron silang displacement anger. So, ikaw 'yung recipient nung whatever kind of abuse, whether psychologically abused ka or emotionally, mentally, ikaw 'yung recipient nun,"  Sta. Maria explains.

(According to the research I conducted, bullies have what is called displacement anger. So, you become the recipient of whatever kind of abuse, whether it is psychological, emotional, or mental abuse.)

Being mindful and practicing self-care

Recognizing the impact of social media, Sta. Maria takes regular breaks to detox and reset.

"I started detoxing years ago especially when I felt that it is been affecting me in a negative way. Since then, I made it a point to detox regularly and as often as I could.

Sta. Maria adds that she prioritizes me-time during a socmed break.

"For those people following me on my socmed, I guess they have an idea when I am on a social media break 'cause the gap between my posts are matagal. I spend more time with myself and do things that matter. I exchange socmed for books when I am on socmed detox," she explains.

She emphasizes the lesson learned: that our online actions have an impact, and being mindful of what we share is essential for creating a positive digital space.

"It made me realize that if other people's posts can have a certain effect on me, then I should also be mindful of what I post or share online," she says.


"I hope that you heal from what hurt you. But always remember to those who know you and truly love you, you are enough," Sta. Maria emphasizes saying things with care or alaga Photo source: Jodi Sta Maria's Instagram

Say it with ingat

Sta. Maria's call to fellow netizens is simple, but powerful: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

She urges everyone to question their actions and consider the impact on others. Sta. Maria advocates for a collective effort to make the online space inclusive and compassionate.

"I think we should start with a question na 'what if this thing you have done to this person was done to you? How would you feel?' In a way, may mga taong hindi mo puwedeng sabihin sa kanila na ito 'yung gawin mo, pero more of tanungin mo sila, ipasa mo sa kanila through asking them,"  she expresses.

(In a way, there are people you cannot tell what to do, but you can ask them, pass it on to them through asking)

In a world where boundaries are crucial for peace of mind, Sta. Maria advocates not just for personal well-being but for a proactive stance against hate, urging everyone to do it and say it with ingat (care) in their words and actions.

Her words carry the weight of a powerful truth: "Actions speak louder than words. We do not need a million followers to influence and create an impact on others' lives— even if there is just one, we can set off a ripple effect because we are all connected."

 Sta. Maria's story shows the power of choosing kindness and care instead of retaliation. In a partnership with Paracetamol (Biogesic), she emphasizes caring not only for headaches and fevers, but also for the emotional well-being of others.

"Sa totoo lang naman nakakasakit ng ulo ang stress all around us. So, that is when Paracetamol (Biogesic) has been really helpful. 'Yung pagod sa work and puyat, go-to ko talaga si Paracetamol (Biogesic) And I am really happy with this partnership with them on our advocacy vs. hate comments. 'Yung alaga kasi hindi lang pang sakit ng ulo at lagnat, but we also care for the emotional and mental wellbeing of others, (pertaining to #SayItWithIngat Campaign)" she says.

(To be honest, the stress all around us can really be a headache. That is when Paracetamol (Biogesic) has been really helpful. My go-to for fatigue from work and lack of sleep is really Paracetamol (Biogesic). And I am really happy with this partnership with them on our advocacy vs. hate comments. Because caring is not just for headaches and fevers, but we also care for the emotional and mental wellbeing of others)

"I just want to say just because a person has an opinion about you, it does not make it true. May you find the wisdom to know whether to engage or let go. Always say it with ingat (care). And I hope that you heal from what hurt you. But always remember to those who know you and truly love you, you are enough," Sta.Maria concludes.

As part of the advocacy with Paracetamol (Biogesic), Jodi Sta. Maria and TV host, Bianca Gonzalez recently engaged in a candid podcast discussion where they read and addressed mean comments directed at them, shedding light on how to be intentional in spreading care when we say it with ingat.

Tune in to the episode of "Paano Ba 'To: The Podcast", now available on Spotify.

To know more about Jodi Sta. Maria's partnership with Paracetamol (Biogesic), follow the official Facebook page of Paracetamol (Biogesic).

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Reference No.: U0161P020724B

NOTE:  BrandNews articles are promotional features from our sponsors and not news articles from our editorial staff.

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