Jodi Sta. Maria is lending her voice to ABS-CBN’s new documentary that tells the stories of Bangsamoro women involved in the region’s transition from armed conflict to civilian life.
Sta. Maria serves as narrator of “Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan,” which focuses on three women whose pasts were tied to the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The documentary, written by senior producer Dianne RJ Obdin and Palanca award-winning journalist Jeff Canoy, follows the women as they navigate life after the 2014 peace deal between the Philippine government and MILF leaders.
It marks Sta. Maria’s first time narrating a documentary. “I feel honored to be able to do this. I was reading the material at ang dami ko rin natutunan,” she said in a statement.
“Na-excite ako about what’s happening next for these women. Peace is something na matagal nilang inasam… they were praying, yearning, and wishing for more. Hindi lang ’yong mga kababaihan but the whole community is in transition,” she added.
Sta. Maria’s involvement also comes as a full-circle moment following her role in the 2001 film “Bagong Buwan,” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, which tackled armed conflict in Mindanao and its impact on civilians.
ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral said Sta. Maria becomes an easy and fitting choice for the voice role.
“We were looking for a particular voice that could carry the weight of powerful stories about women searching for purpose in the aftermath of conflict. Jodi’s narration brings life and empathy to these stories that are not often seen and heard,” he said.
“Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan” premiered on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel on September 7 at 8 p.m. It will also air on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and stream on iWant.
Meanwhile, Sta. Maria also stars in the upcoming biopic “Edjop,” which is inspired by the life of late student leader Edgar Jopson (Elijah Canlas). The film tackles activism and the fight against political abuse. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
