Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, Producer, & Actress.  The Founder of an independent film production company in Chicago. A team of diverse minority filmmakers, the majority are female professionals, passionate about making a difference.

Maria was born and raised in the Philippines. She moved to the US in her early adulthood. As an immigrant, it was a struggle to fit in, and it took her longer to settle into her new home. Her overcoming abuse, criticism, and racial hate makes her who she is, a brave & strong woman. Maria is standing tall against all odds.

Her projects have been recognized and won various awards in the film festival circuit. A former President of the Chicago Eagles Wings Lions Club & a recipient of an exemplary community service certificate from Asian American Coalition of Chicago. She is also the founder of the newly-formed No Small Potatoes Foundation (501c3). A non-profit organization that advocates mental health awareness to help underserved communities everywhere. 

​

This passionate & dedicated filmmaker was highlighted along with her peers in 2020 as one of the emerging female filmmakers in Chicago. And was one of the invited speakers at the 2019 Period Day Rally.

Maria wears many hats. From writing, film directing, producing, acting, running her company and so much more. She continues to master her crafts and thrive in the industry she fell in love with. Her willingness to go above and beyond to get things done is one of her strong suits. Without a doubt, she will not stop learning & will continue to work harder to make her dreams a reality and will always be a student of life. Her favorite quote is, "Success is earned, not given."