"21 ?'s" with Maria Quiban

 

You can see Maria every day giving Los Angeles its daily weather forecast on Good Day LA/Fox 11 Morning News from 7am-10am and Noon.

Before joining the FOX 11 news team in May of 2000, Maria spent two years as the weather anchor for the daily 5, 6, 9, and 11 p.m. newscasts for OCN (Orange County News Channel). Before that, she was the evening meteorologist for NBC Hawaii News 8 in Honolulu, HI.

Born in Cebu City, Philippines, Maria immigrated to Hawaii when she was 10 years old. In Honolulu, she studied Journalism at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In 2005, she earned her Meteorology degree from Mississippi State University. 

When she can, Maria volunteers her time speaking to young single mothers about her own experience as a single mom. Having a baby while still in high school left her with very early responsibilities. She enjoys sharing her experience of struggle and success in hopes of inspiring another teen mom to achieve her dreams.

Twenty- three years after the birth of her first son Desmond, she remarried and embarked on a new journey of being a mom for the second time.

In December 2015, after an 18 month long battle Maria’s husband Sean, passed away from Glioblastoma, a rare Brain Cancer Disease. Since then, she has been raising their young son Gus, and is now an advocate for Glioblastoma and Brain Cancer Awareness. 

In June 2020, Maria published her new book, “You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow's Journey Through Loss, Grief and Life After ”. 

Maria brings her unique life experience and passion to help tell meaningful and memorable stories. You can find out more about Maria and what she's up to on Instagram @mariasearth and online at www.mariaquiban.com. 

 

1.) What was your childhood nickname? 

Ting Ting.  In our FIlipino culture and language, it’s a name that refers to something skinny or little bitty thing. I was a skinny little baby girl and I guess still (for the most part) am today. So yes, my family and a couple friends still call me that. 

 2.) What is your favorite lullaby? 

When I was little, I don’t think my mom sang me lullabies.  Maybe she sang me the popular pop songs of the time which was probably an Abba song or Elvis… Lol!  But I guess my favorite one that I would attempt to sing  for my sons when they were babies, was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I guess I always liked looking up, even way back then.

3.) What is your favorite bedtime story?

The Three Little Pigs. It’s always fun to tell and it has a great lesson.

 4.) What did you want to be growing up?

I had always wanted to work on TV. Ever since I was 5 and discovered television (back then it was a big console TV that sat on the floor and was like a piece of furniture) I would run home from school everyday to watch the children’s program, Sesame Street. I loved the character of “Maria”. She was brown like me and I loved how she made me feel watching her. It seemed like what she did for work was so much fun. It was then that I decided I wanted to do something like that too! So by the time I went to college, I was already looking into careers in television, which included working in the news.

5.) What is your most treasured childhood item?

It’s probably my late father’s necklace. He passed away tragically in a boating accident when I was just 7 years old and was wearing this particular gold necklace when he died and so I cherish it today. My mom gave it to me a few years ago and it always makes me feel even closer to him when I wear it. 

6.) What was your favorite snack as a child?

Oh my goodness there are so many! If i had to pick one right now, it would have to be Biko… that’s a Filipino Sweet Sticky Rice dessert… in the next hour, it might be Leche Flan! Lol

7.) Who was your favorite cartoon character?

I loved watching the Jetsons as a kid. I loved the entire family…right down to Rosie the robot! If I had to pick one, it would have to be George Jetson. I think I wanted his life. He didn’t seem to “work” very much and he got to ride in their cool car and live in this really cool futuristic world. The show was really the catalyst for me loving sci-fi and anything futuristic or tech driven. I can’t believe how so much of that show years ago, have come to or is coming to fruition!

 

8.) If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

It would be to make people feel true love. Not only true love for themselves but for others as well. I think the happiest people and the least toxic people are those who are loved and love back with all their hearts. Imagine how much less stressful life would be and how many less angry people there would be in the world. 

9.) What was the name of your childhood pet? 

The first pet I remember having is our little black doggie (mutt) named Pako. He was a little stinker who loved to bark and pee all over the house.

10.) If you could bring one thing back from your childhood what would it be?

My daddy

11.) What is your best excuse as a parent to get out of something?

Early or late basketball game so we can’t make it!

12.) What’s your coffee order? 

Espresso

13.) Are you an early bird or a night owl? 

Early Bird! I am a reformed night owl.

14.) What is your walkout song?

It would have to be ZZ top’s  “She’s Got Legs”.  I was in my friend’s wedding and the DJ asked me what I wanted my song to be and I said, “I don’t know, just pick one” and he played that song! 

15.) What is your favorite childhood memory?

On my 7th birthday my birth dad surprised me with the piano I had always wanted. I didn’t think I was going to get one because it was expensive.  Even though I had asked for one, my parents told me it wasn’t possible. So after my birthday dinner out with my family, we came home and found the piano sitting in our living room! I think I screamed and jumped for joy and gave my dad the biggest hug and kiss ever!

16.) Where is your favorite family vacation spot? 

Hawaii! 

17.) What is your secret TV guilty pleasure?

I actually love Bollywood movies. When I find myself with time on my hands, my show search always leads me to one. If not that, then one of the Madea movies! Lol 

18.) What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

When both my kids are laughing their asses off and enjoying life and love! And hopefully I’m right there along side laughing with them with all my loved ones nearby!

19.) What is your best parental advice? 

If they’re old enough to ask…they’re old enough to know the answer. So go for it! Just be sure it’s age appropriate.

20.) What is your favorite movie line?

You can’t handle the truth!

21.) What is your life motto? 

Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you… I live by the golden rule.