International star and entrepreneur Maria Ozawa is excited to explore a variety of thrilling opportunities in the Philippines. Each new project fills her with energy and anticipation as she looks forward to the vibrant experiences and meaningful connections that this beautiful country has to offer.

During a recent interview at the Tribute Hotel in Quezon City, Maria revealed that her first project is a podcast show titled "Ask Maria."

She said, "Ask Maria" is a podcast-style show where you can ask anything. It's like a talk show. I'm excited about this because I haven't done a podcast in years. It's nice when people send me emails and ask me about their problems. And answering that, it's like having a little story with them. What people will see is the natural side of me."

Maria's new travel and lifestyle series will soon be seen on Pinoy Xtreme Channel in partnership with EXPTV, Experience Travel and Living. It will air on Cignal Channel 106, with availability on SkyCable and over 200 cable partners nationwide.

More than just a travel show, "Ask Maria" is a lifestyle travelogue that blends exploration with personal insight, culture, and authentic experiences.

Each episode provides an honest glimpse into the essence of various destinations, beginning with the vibrant coastal charm of Subic Bay. The pilot episode was made possible through the support and coordination of the Hospitality Alliance of Subic Bay Freeport Zone, whose local expertise and collaboration brought this travelogue to life.

Apart from having a social media program, Maria will also launch a cosmetics line, a coffee table book, and a movie. She will also launch another bar in the country.

Maria has spent 10 years in the Philippines. Looking back, she recalls receiving an offer to open a new lounge upon her arrival in Manila. Now, she has opened five bars in Pasay City, Makati City, and Vietnam.

"I have other business partners. In every country I visit, I have a local partner. I'm very hands-on when it comes to business," she said.

Maria debuted in Philippine showbiz via the movie "Nilalang," one of the official entries to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival. "I was the leading character in 'Nilalang.' After that, I made many guest appearances." Her most recent appearance was for the Kapuso teleserye "Pulang Araw."

"I enjoy acting, especially playing different characters, which is fun," she said.

With her looks and height, Maria could easily be mistaken for a beauty queen. Given the opportunity, she would participate in pageantry. "If I have the chance, I would love to! I can do pageants. The candidates are very gorgeous."

Although she did not receive any offers to participate in pageants, the closest opportunity she found was doing a cover for FHM Magazine. Modestly, Maria mentioned that the issue became a bestseller. "I was surprised by the number of fans who showed up at that event. That was one of the reasons I decided to return to the Philippines," she added.

Maria shared that when she has free time, she enjoys being in nature. "I'm a very outdoorsy person. I love going to Tagaytay, the beach, and hiking. While I do enjoy relaxing at home, spending time outdoors is something I truly love."

Maria expressed her happiness in her relationship with her Japanese boyfriend. She believes in marriage, although it is not a priority for her at this time.

"Having a partner is very important, but it's tough to put that into priority," she said. "I believe in marriage. But nationality doesn't bother me at all. I want us to be on the same path. Filipino or not, I don't mind."

On what she learned about being in a relationship, Maria said: "You have to give and take. Love is about sharing. When I was younger, I was asked, 'Why can't you do this?' Why can't you be more like this?' But when you get older, it's about what you can give to them. And then it will just come back naturally. It's hard. I never learned that in school."

Maria stated that her boyfriend is based in Japan, but he occasionally visits her in the Philippines.

"I have a Japanese boyfriend. When I came back to Japan during the pandemic, that's where we met. Language-wise, it is much easier. It's a long way, but he goes to the Philippines to visit me. He loves the food and beaches here. He wants to settle here and work here also," she said.

Maria also compared Filipino men to those of Japanese descent.

"In Japan, people tend not to express their feelings as openly as Filipino men do. But I think it's normal. But here, people are welcoming, they give you flowers and say, 'I love you.' But it's different."