Actress Jodi Sta. Maria and director Derick Cabrido first worked together in 2018 when they did the horror-drama, “Clarita,” based on the alleged possession of a real-life lady back in the 1950s.

            “Clarita’ was a challenging and difficult project,” disclosed Jodi. “After that, I told myself, iiwan ko na ang horror. But here I am again five years later. When I heard the story of ‘Untold’ being pitched, I was interested right away, although I didn’t say yes right away.

            “My relationship with direk Derick is based on trust. I super trust him as my director. He’s very collaborative, always open to suggestions and new insights coming from me or his other actors.

            “I love his honesty. When he wants to do something in one scene, he will not think twice to do it in a particular way, this way or that way. That’s why I super trust him.”

            Keith Monteverde is pleased with the media support given to “Untold,” slated to be shown starting April 30. He announced that Regal Films will partner with ABS-CBN International and The Filipino Channel (TFC) for the worldwide premiere of “Untold” this May.

            “I’m very proud of ‘Untold’,” said Keith. “The cast is super good. In our preview, you immediately saw how impressive the story is. Director Derick Cabrido did a good job.”

Gloria Diaz is the supportive mother of Vivian (Jodi) who owns a carinderia and lives in an old, nice house, but she’s very protective and supportive of her daughter, very typical and much like what she is in real life.

Joem Bascon is Benj, the rock star-camera man, Juan Karlos is Jasper.

Sarah Edwards is Elaine, the go-getter junior reporter, Liane Valentin is Amanda, the one who makes life hard for Vivian, the character of Jodi. Also in the cast are Mylene Dizon and Kaori Ginuma,

Direk Derick joined the promo of “Untold,” even the mall shows, media conference and meet up with the fans.

Gloria first worked with Jodi in the first season of “Star Circle Quest” (2004), where she served as a jury (with Boy Abunda and director Lauren Dyogi), with Jodi as host along with Luis Manzano.

“Jodi is very easy to work with,” Gloria said. “She is a very good actress, very nice to every one. She always works hard.

Meanwhile, Jodi cherished knowing Gloria the first time she met the beauty queen, whom she fondly calls “Miss U.”

“Sino ba naman ang hindi masa-star struck sa isang Miss Universe,” Jodi said of Gloria. “What I like about Miss U, wala siyang B-S sa mga sasabihin niya. She doesn’t sugar-coat anything.”

Jodi uses her experiences in the past to her present-day acting assignments and that undoubtedly helps her.

“My process as an actor is very important,” Jodi said. “It’s very important for us actors to be working on workshops because those workshops help as your tools Hindi ako pupunta sa isang giyera na wala akong baril or wala akong sandata.

“Everything that I learned from the pandemic, I use that today. Before kasi, when you were younger, the training you get, you get motivated. You can use the pain from your past experiences. That works. But you use different techniques through the years.

“It’s really important, not just for actors, but for every human being, to find that space of rest and stillness,” added Jodi. “Napaka-busy na ng mundo natin. Ang daming nangyayari. So that space for you that’s very sacred for every human being.

“You’ll find yourself to rest, moments to reflect and most importantly, go into retrospect of what happens to your life as you assess everything that you need to do and your plans.

“Enjoy life. Enjoy single moment. Like I love to travel. Who doesn’t want to travel? Enjoy every moment.

Jodi values the insights she received from the world where her character, Vivian, moves around. She also took insights from her journalist-friends before she started filming “Untold.”

“Everything was helpful to me,” Jodi said. “That added layer to my character. I was able to use that while I was doing ‘Untold’.”