Sanya Lopez, Jodi Sta. Maria and Jane Oineza at the premiere of "Midnight Girls," April 15, 2026 in Quezon City. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Actress Jodi Sta. Maria took in the challenge of portraying a Filipina entertainer in Japan in the upcoming film “Midnight Girls.”
Sta. Maria said the project, which required her to take dance lessons with Joy Cancio, pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
“Role na ’to ay ’di ko inakala mangyayari pa sa life ko. Being in the business so long, akala ko nagawa mo na lahat—marami pa pala pwede,” she said during the premiere held in Quezon City on Wednesday.
“Meron silang immersion. The entertainers there talked to the girls. May dance lessons. Lahat pinagdaanan nila para bigyan justice ang roles, and they have been very good,” director Irene Villamor added.
The film, also starring Jane Oineza, Loisa Andalio, and Sanya Lopez, is set to highlight the struggles, resilience, as well as the sisterhood Filipina entertainers form far from home.
“Kung gusto mo maiyak, matawa, or naghahanap ng sisterhood, this is your movie,” she said.
Oineza shared their characters were inspired by real people they met during their immersion.
“Lahat ng characters namin magre-represent ng mga nakilala at nakasama namin doon. Nakakatuwa na kasama ako sa nagre-represent,” she said.
“Midnight Girls” will premiere in local cinemas nationwide beginning May 13.