Dubbed as the country's 'Silent Superstar',[1] she is notable for her versatility in comedy, horror, and drama across independent film, blockbusters and television.

In 2014, she won the "Favorite Foreign Actress" trophy at the Vietnam Green Star Awards.

[3] In 2016, she was nominated for "Best Performance by an Actress" at the 44th International Emmy Awards for her role as Amor Powers in Pangako sa 'Yo.

Maria filed a petition for the declaration of nullity of marriage with the Regional Trial Court on grounds of psychological incapacity.

Maria revealed that she was greatly affected by her separation from Lacson, which resulted in alcoholism and drug use.

She quit smoking, alcohol, and drugs after the intervention of actress Coney Reyes and became a Born again Christian.

After starring and appearing in teen-oriented shows and movies such as Gimik, Flames, and Jologs, Sta.

She was cast in the original version of Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000) as Lia Buenavista, and starred in the 2015 remake as Amor Powers.

Maria had a special participation as in the daytime drama series Mundo Man ay Magunaw until she top-billed the sleeper hit Be Careful with My Heart as Maya dela Rosa along with Richard Yap who played her love interest, Richard Lim.

Her portrayal as Amor Powers in the 2015 remake of Pangako Sa ‘Yo earned her an International Emmy Award for Best Actress nomination.

Maria star in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Labyu with an Accent.

Maria announced that she will be on hiatus on acting in order to pursue her master's degree in clinical psychology.