CAVITE, Philippines -- A horde of screaming fans greeted actress Jodi Sta. Maria in Imus, Cavite on Thursday, as she arrived hand-in-hand with boyfriend and vice-gubernatorial candidate Jolo Revilla.
Campaign organizers made the most out of references to the popular teleserye "Please Be Careful With My Heart," introducing Revilla as the real "Sir Chief" in "Maya's" life.
"Wala kasing work today, saka it's my choice to come and support him," Sta. Maria said.
She said she joined the campaign at her own volition, adding she had no problem with the fact that running against Revilla is the brother of her ex-husband, Pampi Lacson.
Sta. Maria and Lacson are separated with one child.
The actress said she didn't feel awkward campaigning for Revilla.
"Hindi naman. Tapos na 'yung chapter na 'yun ng buhay ko. Wala na iyun," she said, referring to her separation with Lacson.
Revilla, meanwhile, said it if were up to him, he would leave the actress out of politics to shield her from controversy.
However, he said it was Sta. Maria's choice to come.
"Kung ako lang sana masusunod, gusto ko siyang iiwas sa gulo. Pero siya mismo ang may gusto nito," he said.
The couple gave the fans exactly what they wanted to see.
Sta. Maria, who was often at a loss for words, thanked the fans for supporting the campaign of Revilla and running mate Jonvic Remulla.
Again, in reference to her show wherein she plays a nanny named Maya, she thanked the character "Sir Chief" for giving her a "day-off" so she could campaign.
"Nagpapasalamat ako kay Sir Chief kasi pinag-dayoff niya ako ngayon, kaya nakapunta ako!" she said.
Sta. Maria then sang a song for the fans, with Revilla holding her hand and occasionally wiping sweat off her face.
Remulla was all but ignored, as all eyes were in the celebrity couple.
The event ended when Sta. Maria, Revilla and Remulla left.
