Jodi Sta. Maria opens up on finalization of annulment from ex-husband Pampi Lacson

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria has opened up about finalizing her annulment from ex-husband Pampi Lacson Jr. after more than a decade.

“It’s been more than a decade I filed for it and then finally it has been granted. And parang for me, kasi parang even if na napakaayos ng relationship namin ni Pampi, importante pa rin siya na parang legally, kumbaga, matapos. And when it finally happened, when it was granted, siya ‘yung unang-una kong tinawagan,” Sta. Maria exclusively told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday at “Lavender Fields” media junket.

Reflecting on the moment, she said, “Sabi ko, congratulations to us. Sabi ko, finally. Sabi ko, case closed. I believe ‘yung mga tao din na naka-witness nung journey, isa rin sila sa pinakamasasaya for us. Kasi alam na mga taong ‘yun kung how hard we have prayed for this one. At matagal ha. Hindi biro. 13 years.”

Despite the long process, Sta. Maria emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Lacson for the sake of their son.

“The beautiful thing about this is kasi okay kami, okay ‘yung mga pamilya namin. My son, Thirdy, blended family kami eh. So talagang the respect is there. Never nawala ‘yun. ‘Yung pagmamahal nandun. And we would always explain to our son Thirdy na parang, mas maraming nagmamahal sa ‘yo ngayon. Kasi ayoko rin na tignan niya ‘to na okay, hindi siya ‘yung ideal. But it does not mean na bad ang pagkakaroon ng blended family. Because I believe na hindi pa rin siya popular concept ngayon eh. Lalo na sa kultura natin na napaka-conservative. Parang may mga tumataas ang kilay pa rin at hindi pa rin sila boto sa gano’ng klase ng setup. But at the end of the day, it’s really to each his own. It’s working for us.”

It was last June when Sta. Maria announced that the Supreme court has granted the nullity of her marriage.

Sta. Maria got married to Lacson in 2005 but they separated in 2010. Their son Thirdy is now 18.

After 27 years in the entertainment industry, Sta. Maria continues to find joy and purpose in her work and personal pursuits.

She expresses a desire to further her education and travel the world. “Nandun pa rin yung ipu-pursue natin ‘yung master’s degree natin sa psychology. So I’m just praying for an opening sa schedule.”

Her passion for learning, instilled by her grandmother, remains a driving force.

“Ang pag-aaral talaga is ‘yung isang kayaman na hindi ever na mananakaw or makukuha sa’yo,” she reflects. This philosophy is something she hopes to impart to the younger generation. “Tsaka it’s never too late.”

Sta. Maria is the lead star of upcoming series “Lavender Fields” which will hit Primetime Bida this September.