Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples: The Role of a Lifetime

These stars may be some of the brightest onscreen, but they shine as radiantly at home in their favorite roles as parents. Jodi Sta. Maria, Dennis Trillo, Ian Veneracion, Iza Calzado, and Dimples Romana pull back the curtain on what it takes to be modern parents today.

Stars — we look up to them. Even more so in the Philippines, where adoring fans hold their favorite actors and actresses in high regard, poring over updates on their lives away from the screen on their social media feed. It can be a delicate balancing act for these celebrities, who when away from the spotlight, are just human too. And between the glitz and glamor of cover shoots, front-row seats, and award-winning performances, their stars shine just as brightly, if not more so, in the four walls of their homes where they’re not seen as celebrities. Just mom and dad. Modern Parenting cover stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Dennis Trillo, Ian Veneracion, Iza Calzado, and Dimples Romana give a glimpse of their lives behind the public eye, and how they consider themselves modern parents today.

Read the full story on Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples when you grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s The 100 List Annual Print Issue 2023.

Starring as parents

Although they may be some of the biggest names in the industry today, these stars do not take their
responsibilities as parents to their children for granted. For Ian Veneracion, who is father to Draco, 25, Deirdre, 22, and Duccio, 17, he treats every aspect of his life—an actor, a musician, an adrenaline chaser—as roles he takes on and plays. But out of everything, being a father is his favorite role. “Take away
everything, the outdoorsman, [the musician, the actor], that role of being a father is my favorite,” he shares.

Dennis Trillo, who welcomed his youngest child, Dylan, with Jennylyn Mercado last year, agrees. He has a 16-year-old son, Calix, and is also a stepdad to Alex Jazz, 15. He shares that he gives 100 percent at work, which also translates into how he is as a parent.

For Jodi Sta. Maria, who is a mom to her unico hijo, Thirdy, 17, there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do
for her son. That said, she trusts her own instincts when it comes to raising him, as she knows best what
works for them.

Dimples Romana also has a similar approach. She places a premium on patience and going slow—important qualities that she tries to instill in her kids Callie, 19, Alonzo, 11, and Elio, 1.

Meanwhile, the pressures of new parenthood can be tough. And challenging as it may be, Iza, who gave birth to Deia Amihan in January this year, has learned to breathe easily and accept what comes her way.

Read the full story on Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples when you grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s The 100 List Annual Print Issue 2023.

Defying the conventional

No matter what experiences parents may have, parenthood is undoubtedly a journey that presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. As actors, leading hectic or erratic schedules can also mean that parenting can look different for them. After all, it can be difficult shooting films or teleserye episodes for hours on end, sometimes in distant locations away from the family. That’s just scratching the surface. Other families may have different dynamics that others may consider atypical. But Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples believe it’s important to trust your instincts.

Read the full story when you grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s The 100 List Annual Print Issue 2023.

Letting children grow into their own

If there is one thing that is consistent among these modern parents’ experiences, it is their willingness to embrace their children’s uniqueness. Unlike previous generations that forced their children to fall into a particular mold.

This dynamic has allowed Ian’s children to grow into their own skin and voices. Debates at home are commonplace, he says, and handles challenging topics with “the use of language and logic and always being open and expressing.”

For Dimples, who has two older children, it is important for her to help her children develop their own “inner voice,” which starts with creating a safe space at home. “I feel it’s very important as a parent to instill a strong, steadfast, louder-than-the-outside-world kind of inner voice for our kids. I developed an inner voice because I was bullied really badly in school,” she shares.

Read the full story when you grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s The 100 List Annual Print Issue 2023.

Seeing themselves in their children

Despite the unique challenges they face from being in the public eye and as individuals, Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples know that they do the best they can for their children. And, like any parent, hope that their children will look back on their parenthood favorably and see themselves reflected in them.

“I guess how our children see us and the opinions they form about us is related to the kind of life we model in front of them. We might not do things perfectly, but I believe our children know our hearts. And for me, I just want my child to remember me as a flawed human being loved by a perfect God who tried her best to love people well,” Jodi reflects.

Meanwhile, Iza has shared that Deia has filled her life with grace and love, after facing the fear of having kids for the longest time. “From the time that I got pregnant with Deia until now, [I’ve learned that] love trumps fear. I was operating from a place of fear for so many reasons: career, my weight, my body, which I was and am still working hard to love and embrace, mental health, family history, financial worries… I can go on and on. But then she came, and my God, I was just instantly filled with love,” she narrates.

The role of a lifetime

These stars may top-bill blockbusters and have their faces donning billboards. But if there is anything Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples prove, is that whatever life throws their way, good and bad, nothing beats the experience of being parents to their children.

Read the full story when you grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s The 100 List Annual Print Issue 2023.

Words SAM BELTRAN
Sittings Editor MARGA MEDRANO-TUPAZ
Photography SHAIRA LUNA and KIM SANTOS
Hair DALE MALLARI (Dennis), JAY WEE (Jodi and Iza), MAMA SUGAR (Ian), KUSIE HO (Dimples)
Makeup JANELLE CAPUCHINO (Dennis), RB CHANCO (Jodi), MAMA SUGAR (Ian), GELA LAUREL (Iza), KUSIE HO (Dimples)
Styling ROSHNI MIRPURI and SIYA DARYANI of THE CLOSET CULTURE
Shoot Coordination ANTHONY MENDOZA
Creative Director MARC YELLOW
Art Director DENIELLE CARAG
Assisted by GRETCHEN GATAN FRAGADA

Read more Spotlight stories on Modern Parenting:

Andi Manzano-Reyes and Bianca Gonzalez-Intal: A Tale of Two Moms

Nico Bolzico Enjoys The Life Of Being A Girl Dad

Today’s Faces of Parenting: Dr. Z and Aivee Teo