Filipina actress-turned-entrepreneur Maricar Madrid is set to receive the Empowered Artist and Entrepreneur: Excellence in Skincare Innovation award at the prestigious PMPC Star Awards 2025, happening on August 24 at the VS Hotel Convention Center, EDSA Southbound, Quezon City.
In a heartfelt message, Maricar—who is currently based in the U.S.—expressed her gratitude for the recognition:
“I’m deeply honored and grateful to receive this award at the Star Awards 2025. This recognition is not only a blessing, but also a powerful reminder that every sacrifice, sleepless night, and hard-fought moment was worth it.”
Adding to her list of achievements, her skincare clinic Beauty Glimpse by Maria was recently named Best Day Spa in North County California 2025, a milestone she proudly shared:
“What a meaningful milestone! To everyone who stood by me—thank you. This award is for all of us. I look forward to continuing this journey and launching more impactful projects in both Showbiz and Skincare.”
While Maricar cannot attend the ceremony in person, her son Chemuel Santos, founder of BG Men’s Masteries Barbershop Skincare, will accept the award on her behalf.
“I’m incredibly proud of him—an inspiring grooming entrepreneur… now thriving with two branches in the Philippines,” she shared.
Known in the entertainment industry as Maria Theresa Guinta, Maricar first rose to fame through films like Pasang Krus, Baklas, and Watawat, and various GMA Network shows. After stepping away from the limelight for over a decade, she returns—this time with a deeper mission rooted in healing and empowerment.
“I may have stepped away from acting, but I never gave up my love for storytelling,” she said.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a master esthetician, Maricar is now recognized as an award-winning skincare expert specializing in: Sensitive skin, Hormonal imbalances, Hyperpigmentation and Menopausal and age-related concerns.
On July 25, Maricar survived a life-threatening T-bone car accident, sustaining multiple spine fractures.
“The impact was massive. My car was completely totaled. But I’m alive,” she recounted. “I felt wrapped in divine protection. It was truly a miracle.”
Despite her injuries, she’s now back to work, collaborating with Direk Buboy Tan on several film projects inspired by stories of Filipino women’s strength and resilience, including: Mrs. Harris – a rags-to-riches tale of a Filipina in America; BALO – co-starring Ian Veneracion; Ina ng Awa – a star-studded ensemble production.
Plans are underway for: California premieres; Charity block screenings to support underprivileged film workers and Filipino outreach programs; Global streaming distribution, with talks in progress with platforms like Netflix.
“This is no longer about fame,” Maricar emphasized. “I want to tell stories that matter—stories of faith, resilience, and second chances.”
Aside from skincare and film, Maricar is also helping organize the Stellar Fashion Fantasy and Cyber Excellence Awards, a celebration of Filipino talent and heritage led by Stella Suarez, mother of actor Richard Gomez.
“Working with Tita Stella is such a blessing… We carry the love for our culture, the arts, and the Bayanihan spirit wherever we go,” she said.
Maricar is also active in various community groups, including the Lions Club San Diego and the Olongapo City Bayanihan Club of San Diego (OCBC).
“Meeting Tita Stella was unexpected and beautiful. She even said I’m like a daughter to her. So sweet!”
