As the Filipino proverb goes, “Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga,” which translates to, “With perseverance, there is reward.” This saying reflects the inspiring journey of Maricar “Mara” Aragon—a singer, songwriter, student, and entrepreneur. Born on July 2, 2002, in Pasig City, Philippines, Maricar epitomizes the essence of resilience and talent.
From a young age, Maricar dreamt of a career in the performing arts. Her mother heard her humming Yeng Constantino’s “Hawak Kamay” when she was just five years old, which served as the catalyst to her artistic aspirations. Through rigorous training and voice lessons, her mother nurtured Maricar’s talent, setting the stage for her blossoming career. Participating in various school competitions and local shows, Maricar’s early years were full of sound and song.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the University of Santo Tomas, Maricar ensures that her education doesn’t take a back seat despite her busy performance schedule. It’s not merely a back-up; it’s an integral part of her life that adds depth to her identity. She’s as dedicated to her studies as she is to her music—a fine example of effective time management and focus.
The crescendo of Maricar’s story was her sweeping recognition in various awards ceremonies. In 2020, she won the Best New Artist of the Year at the 33rd Aliw Awards and New Female Recording Artist of the Year at the 11th PMPC Star Awards. More recently, in 2022, she clinched the title for Most Outstanding Individual Achievement as a Rising Musical Talent at the 2nd Asian Sterling Awards.
While Maricar’s journey in the music industry is impressive, what adds layers to her persona is her philanthropic work. She was honored as the Outstanding Singer, Songwriter, and Humanitarian Advocate of the Year on June 28, 2023. Maricar’s contributions are not limited to the stage but extend to humanitarian advocacies—earning her the WORLD’S BEST HUMANITARIAN AWARD – MMXXIII.
The cornerstone of her strength and inspiration comes from her family. Her mother, Marga Aragon, who also serves as her Talent Manager, has been her constant pillar of support. Likewise, her father and relatives provide unwavering encouragement, especially during times when she felt close to burnout—a daunting reality in the entertainment industry.
One notable name that appears in Maricar’s journey is John Rey Malto, who encouraged her to participate in ABS-CBN’s Tawag Ng Tanghalan, where she emerged as the defending champion in its sixth season. Mentors like him play a pivotal role in honing Maricar’s skills and pushing her to reach higher echelons of success.
Her advice to fellow aspiring artists is straightforward yet profound. “We must always leave a piece of or choose to be kind to yourself,” she shares. Maricar believes that facing challenges with resilience and pursuing dreams wholeheartedly are the keys to creating one’s identity among the crowd.
While Maricar continues to focus on her singing career, she is also exploring other creative outlets like hosting, acting, and vlogging. Having dabbled in short films like “Adobo,” produced by Inding-Indie Films in 2018, she is excited about the prospect of expanding her portfolio.