Filming a food reality show in the busy streets of South Korea proved to be more than just a culinary adventure for Jodi Sta. Maria.
The actress recently reflected on her experience filming Kumusta, a new Filipino-Korean cooking reality show that brought Filipino cuisine straight into the busy district of Gangnam, sharing how the journey became one of connection, growth, and lasting memories.
READ: Jodi Sta. Maria shares experience working as a hostess in Japan in film 'Midnight Girls'
In an Instagram post on May 22, Jodi gave fans a glimpse of her South Korean experience, sharing reflections and behind-the-scenes moments with the show’s star-studded cast led by South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook, alongside Janella Salvador, Francine Diaz, Arci Muñoz, and Filipino chef JP Anglo.
“My South Korean sojourn with these wonderful people 💗,” Jodi began.
Her post featured snapshots of the cast dining together with Chang-wook, scenes from the set and kitchen, and candid moments of Jodi enjoying time with the South Korean production team. One photo also showed Chang-wook preparing Philippines’ iconic roasted pig, Lechon, alongside Chef JP.
“It wasn’t easy putting up a restaurant in Gangnam,” she said. “Umapaw ng emosyon sa kitchen, ibang level din ang pagod dahil nakatayo ng mahabang oras, mag-entertain ng guests gamit ang aming limited Korean 😂 pero it was all worth it.”
Despite the challenges, Jodi said the people around her made the entire experience worthwhile.
“I enjoyed every bit of this experience, kasi sila ang mga kasama ko. This show was also a first for me and I am grateful because after being in this industry for quite some time, meron pa rin bagong opportunities. I hope you enjoy this show as much as we did filming it.”
Jodi’s post quickly drew excitement from fans and support from her co-stars, filling out the comments section with anticipation for the show.
“You the best manager EVER! @jodistamaria,” Chef JP wrote.
“Love ya manager!!!❤️❤️❤️,” Arci added.
“We're excited to watch this, ateee! another side of Jodi na naman po ang makikita namin dito and i know na we're gonna love you more with this po. 🫶🏻,” one netizen commended.
During Kumusta’s media conference, the cast opened up about the unique challenge of operating a fully functional Filipino pop-up restaurant in Gangnam.
Together, they learned how to prepare and serve Filipino comfort food favorites, including Chicken Inasal, Kare-Kare, Sisig, and Lechon, offering Korean diners their first taste of beloved Filipino flavors.
For Jodi, the real highlight was not just the cooking but the relationships formed while building the restaurant together.
“It’s like four or five people that you put together. We were all like strangers in a way, but then we became family. Like, it’s really the camaraderie of each and every one. So, 'yun 'yung isa sa mga memorable moments,” she shared.
The experience also pushed her outside her comfort zone. Among the biggest hurdles was adapting to South Korea’s cold weather. Yet even with the physical demands, Jodi described the opportunity as deeply meaningful.
“It has always been a blessing to be able to visit Korea, not for a vacation or a tour, but for work. And we’ve been blessed with so many people na napaka-hardworking. It’s so good to be able to peek into the work culture of Koreans. And Ji here is super busy. He’s been juggling so many things,” she added.
The cast endured up to 12-hour workdays for seven straight days as they prepared, cooked, and served meals to customers, turning Kumusta into more than just a reality show but an immersion into teamwork, resilience, and cultural exchange.
Beyond the kitchen, Jodi has also been embracing new experiences through her craft. The actress recently underwent an immersion for her film Midnight Girls, where she stars alongside Loisa Andalio, Sanya Lopez, and Jane Oineza, experiencing firsthand what it was like to entertain Japanese customers and even dance for money.