Jodi Sta. Maria lends voice to ABS-CBN documentary 'Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan.' Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria is lending her narrator voice to ABS-CBN News documentary "Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan" (Peace is Not a Moonshot) which features the stories of Bangsamoro women at the frontlines of peace.
Written by ABS-CBN News' senior producer Dianne RJ Obdin and Palanca award-winning journalist Jeff Canoy, the documentary delves into the personal stories of three women whose pasts were tied to the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The story follows their transition into civilian life following the 2014 peace deal between government and MILF leaders.
It also traces pivotal moments in the Bangsamoro peace process, highlighting the real effort it takes to turn the hope of peace into reality.
The documentary marks Sta. Maria’s first foray into documentaries.
"I feel honored to be able to do this. I was reading the material at ang dami ko rin natutunan," said Sta. Maria.
"Na-excite ako 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."
The documentary also marks a full-circle moment for the actress who had previously starred in the 2001 film "Bagong Buwan" directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya which explored armed conflict in Mindanao and its effect on civilians.
ABS-CBN News Chief Francis Toral expressed her appreciation for Sta. Maria who immediately said "yes" to the project.
"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," said Toral.
"Jodi's narration brings life and empathy to these stories that are not often seen and heard."
"Hindi Suntok Sa Buwan Ang Kapayapaan" is set to premiere on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel on Monday, September 7.
It will also be available on cable via the ABS-CBN News Channel and on streaming platform iWant.
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