By Olivia Nerpouni
Maria Damian is an inspirational woman who has successfully created a powerful legacy with not one, but two demanding careers. With her beginnings in healthcare and her wings now spread across the entertainment world, Damian shows passion and vision. Today, she leads both Legacy Dialysis and Legacy Entertainment Production LLC, promoting Filipino and Filipino-American talents while uplifting others through her work.
Damian’s professional life began in Southern California, where she still works as a devoted healthcare provider. Her early days were spent caring for patients and navigating the emotionally and physically demanding world of medicine. Working long shifts and dedicating herself to the wellness of others, Damian often reflected on how to support her patients beyond the walls of the hospital. Damian balanced her career with supporting her family in the Philippines; this sense of responsibility would go on to shape her leadership style in every industry she touched.
Even heroes need healing, and Damian found hers in music and performance. Friends often invited her to concerts and live shows, where she got her first real glimpse into the entertainment world. As she mingled with artists and industry professionals, Damian found herself developing connections, genuine ones that would evolve into creative collaborations. Her ability to nurture talent, once reserved for hospital wards, began to flourish on stages, in studios, and across red carpets. Damian broke into the world of entertainment, and thus, Legacy Entertainment Production LLC was born.
Damian created the company to amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of Filipino and Filipino-American artists. Through artist development, live event production, and strategic career guidance, Legacy Entertainment has emerged as a major platform for creatives seeking meaningful exposure. From celebrated Filipino actor Christian Bables to powerhouse vocalist Ali Caldwell (a standout on The Voice), Damian has proven time and time again that she has an eye for exceptional talent. One of her most notable achievements is her work with emmy-nominated actor Max Ehrich. Under Damian’s mentorship, Max has since ventured into music, showcasing his versatility and expanding his fanbase.
Damian recently traveled to the Manila International Film Festival, where she connected with leading figures in Philippine cinema, including rising star RuRu Madrid. She took a particular interest in the film Green Bones and is currently in discussions with U.S. distributors to bring Filipino films to American audiences. Her efforts highlight her dedication to cultural exchange and international recognition for Filipino artists. She is also actively scouting film projects for Christian Bables. After viewing several pitch decks and talking with four different production companies in the Philippines, Damian is exploring projects that align with Christian’s range and artistic values. He is currently finishing other projects in the Philippines, and the two are in sync in their pursuit of stories that resonate globally.
One of the most exciting recent events under Legacy Entertainment’s banner was Fashion Night at The Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood, held on April 5, 2025. This glamorous night featured performances by Max Ehrich and Nin DeReyes. DeReyes also dropped a new release this April, while Ehrich is set to debut a new single later this month. Another promising star, Ysabella Loyola, is working on a project with Legacy Entertainment for release later this season. With each new launch, Damian is expanding her company’s music catalog and continuing to build momentum around diverse talent. Legacy Entertainment is also organizing a much-anticipated concert featuring Dionela, a Filipino R&B sensation, in Chicago on June 8, 2025. This concert is part of Damian’s broader strategy to bring Filipino and international artists to the U.S. stage. By hosting events in cities across the country, she is creating opportunities for artists to connect with new fans and gain mainstream recognition.
As a breast cancer survivor, Damian knows better than most how precious life is. That experience influenced her commitment to helping others live out their dreams. Whether she is guiding a young singer through their first studio session or coaching an actor through career decisions, Damian pours her energy into helping others thrive. Her career is proof that success does not require staying in one lane. With two thriving companies under her belt, Damian is building her legacy. Her life reminds us that passion can take many forms, and reinvention is not only possible, but powerful.
