Maria has worked in TV for over ten years and dabbles in advertising.

A cineaste, she also enjoys writing screenplays. Her screenplay "Snapshots," a romantic comedy about a photographer of disasters and an agoraphobic writer, won the 2nd Prize at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards in 2004. Her other works include "How Mookie Got a Life" (published under the name Abi Malonzo); a poem she wrote was also featured in the Star Cinema film "One More Chance."

A PSA on human trafficking which she wrote and produced won the Best Advertisement Award at the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards 2011.