JODI STA. MARIA and her co-stars immersed themselves in real-life hostess work in Japan as preparation for their roles in the upcoming film “Midnight Girls,” to get a deeper understanding of the lives of Filipina entertainers abroad.
The cast of “Midnight Girls” except Loisa Andalio, who recently gave birth, attended the film’s press launch and advance screening on Wednesday, April 15, in Quezon City, where they recalled their experience filming in Nagoya, Japan.
Sta. Maria shared that she and her fellow cast members spent three nights working in an “omise,” (shop or store) where they were treated as actual hostesses without the clients knowing their true identities.
“So, we spent parang three nights sa isang omise, kung saan kami nagtatrabaho. Walang nakakaalam sa mga Japanese clients na pumunta dun kung sino kami or kung bakit kami nandun. Ang alam lang nila, mga bago kaming salta na babae,” she said.
The actress recalled how they had to line up and be chosen by customers, while also learning how to entertain despite language barriers.
“So, kailangan naming mag-show up, kung saan kailangan naming pumila at pipili yung Hapon kung sino sa amin ang gusto niyang maka-table…,” she added.
Sta. Maria added that were also expected to perform tasks on demand, including singing and dancing, and even staged a mini-show during their immersion.
For Sta. Maria, the project stood out from the moment it was pitched, as it tackles stories of Filipino women working abroad.
The seasoned actress emphasized that while the film focuses on entertainers in Japan, it also reflects the broader sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers.
Co-star Sanya Lopez, on the other hand, admitted feeling nervous while filming the opening scene, where they performed the SexBomb Girls hit “Bakit Papa.”
“Totoo po yung kaba namin doon… bilang entertainer, at nandun mismo yung mga entertainers… parang nangangapa ka, kung tama po ba yung ginagawa namin,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jane De Leon highlighted the responsibility of portraying the real-life experiences of Filipina entertainers they met during their immersion.
De Leon pointed out the stark contrast between the lively atmosphere of the clubs and the quiet solitude after work that the Filipina entertainers had to endure everyday.
Directed by Irene Villamor, “Midnight Girls” follows the intersecting lives of four Filipina entertainers in Japan. Sta. Maria plays Vicky, a single mother involved with a married Japanese man; Lopez portrays Paris, who reconnects with her first love; De Leon plays Saki, a transwoman secretly in love with Paris; while Loisa Andalio takes on the role of Wanna, a young Filipina pursuing a life in Japan.
The characters are based on real-life Filipina entertainers, with the film also incorporating interviews with their real-life counterparts. “Midnight Girls” is set to premiere on May 13. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
