Charo Santos Concio: Turns Talent into Purpose
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Charo Santos Concio, award-winning film actress and television host has been in the entertainment industry for 50 years. (photo contributed by Charo Santos-Concio)
But no one else is quite like Maria Rosario “Charo” Santos-Concio. She’s a once-in-a lifetime phenomenal woman.
Charo and I were classmates in Mass Comm subjects at St. Paul’s. There were days when, coming straight from her modeling commitments, Charo would rush into class—slim and pretty in her school uniform—just in time to find a seat as our professor began the session.
The difference between Charo and the rest of us was she was already working in the real world, developing a strong work ethic early in life. And she also gave schoolwork her 100 percent attention.
Charo’s early days of working started out as a fashion and advertising model, plus being Miss Baron Travel Girl ’76 while she was a full time college student. (photo provided by Charo Santos Concio).
Fast forward to years after graduation. Charo’s name became more visible in the entertainment industry–as an actress in award-winning films, a television host of a drama series, later as a corporate executive in broadcasting, and eventually–to no one’s surprise–as the first female President of ABS-CBN, the top media conglomerate in the Philippines. Before long, Charo Santos was a household name.
Charo Santos Concio was the first female president of ABS-CBN, the largest broadcast conglomerate in the Philippines. (photo provided by Charo Santos Concio).
As a friend and former classmate, I watched how she purposefully turned her beauty and talent into gold.
“My advice is to believe in yourself and your abilities,” she says. “My greatest accomplishment has been the ability to touch people’s lives in meaningful ways, whether through film, television, or a leadership role. But being a mother to my children is truly my most cherished achievement. It’s fulfilling to know I’ve made a difference both on screen and at home.”
Charo knew how to transform raw, unnoticed gems into bright, shining stars in the showbiz universe. And Charo’s superpower? Herself. She was that rare, gifted person who could turn talent into purpose.
For Charo, hard work has always been one of her defining attributes, no matter what role she played in life—as wife to the late architect Cesar Concio Jr., mother to her two sons, Cesar Francis and Rafael Martin, grandmother, savvy corporate executive, or talented film actress.
A strong role model for her was her late mother, Nora Navarro Santos. “I have many female role models, including my mother. I’m inspired by women who are resilient, compassionate, and determined. They’ve taught me the importance of perseverance and kindness.”
Recently, Charo Santos was granted an honorary degree by our alma mater. It was the first time St. Paul University Manila conferred such an honor—a Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa—and Charo Santos was its first recipient.
Charo Santos Concio recently was the first recipient of the Honorary Degree- Honoris Causa from her alma mater St. Paul University of Manila. (photo from ABS-CBN News on Facebook).
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to receive this honorary degree. It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my craft. This inspires me to continue making a positive impact and to push boundaries, opening doors to future possibilities.”
We’re all grown up now. We’re no longer the college girls we once were. Life has happened to all of us. In the midst of it all, Charo Santos emerged as the star who continued to shine brightly.
Charo Santos Concio is proudest of having raised her sons Cesar Francis and Rafael Martin Concio. (photo provided by Charo Santos Concio).
She was smart enough to leverage her strengths and, in the process, succeed in everything she put her mind to. But she didn’t just transform talent into success—Charo touched people’s lives through her work. She generously helped others in the industry succeed as well. She recognized talent, opened doors, and perfected her knowledge of the business.
Charo knew how to transform raw, unnoticed gems into bright, shining stars in the showbiz universe. And Charo’s superpower? Herself.
“I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to continue growing as an actress. My future goals include pushing myself creatively and exploring diverse roles and genres.”
Charo isn’t just beautiful. She sees opportunities in every facet of her work and life.
Elizabeth Ann Quirino, is an award-winning journalist, food writer, and cookbook author. Her new book is Every Ounce of Courage, a memoir, is now available. Find her on TheQuirinoKitchen.com.
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