Maria Lourdes is a self-taught painter. She was mentored by the eminent art scholar, book author, art historian, and critic Rodolfo Paras Perez.  She also attended a workshop by Hungarian painter Döbröntei, Zoltán. Her first published book on the arts won the prestigious Best Book Award for the Youth and Child in 2015, given by the Cardinal Sin Catholic Books Awards, and recognized by The Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. and the Catholic Mass Media Awards. She has participated in several art exhibits and donated several of her artworks for a cause. She is currently writing her novel for children, featuring characters designed by her.