The Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, born Maria Cecilia Dador Soriano on February 25, 1965, is considered third most awarded Philippine film actress of all time. She is half-sister to actor Mel Martinez and aunt of actress Meryll Soriano (daughter of comedian and TV host Willie Revillame). Maricel is a critically acclaimed film and television actress of the Philippine Cinema. Having starred in numerous films of different genres (including drama, suspense, fantasy, horror, suspense, action, romance, and comedy), she made herself known and worthy to be receiving recognition from different award giving bodies.
Though not a professional singer, Maricel Soriano had managed to record several songs which include the theme song from her 1981 movie, “Oh, My Mama”. Her show entitled “Hello, Hello Maricel!” was a sold out concert in 1987 at Araneta Coliseum.
Maricel Soriano started acting at an early age. At six, she was one of the main cast in the film “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” with actor Tirso Cruz III and fellow child actress, Snooky Serna. At the age of nine, she received her first award as Best Child Actress at the 9th Manila Film Festival for the movie, “Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko” (Your Memory is My World) in 1974. In 1980, she was launched as one of the Regal Babies alongside Dina Bonnevie, Snooky Serna,Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Jimi Melendez (father ofactress Aiko Melendez), Alfie Anido, and her loveteam partner, William Martinez. In the movie “Underage”, Maricel’s charisma and acting talent shone over the other lead stars which made her as the top “Regal Baby” in 1980’s to 1990’s.
She is Philippine Cinema’s “Taray Queen”, the tag she earned for her feisty roles both in film and television. Maricel is not only good in doing drama but she also made a name in comedy films. She eventually developed her comedy skills under the support of the late Comedy King, Dolphy and late actress Nida Blanca. Together, the three of them worked well in the John en Marsha show where Maricel played the role of Doplhy and Nida’s daughter, Shirley. Indeed, Maricel Soriano is undoubtedly one of the most versatile actresses of all time.
Maricel Soriano is also a sought-after endorser. Among the products she endorsed were Green Cross, Alaska, Globe, Swift Spaghetti, El Real Spaghetti, Loviscol, McDonalds, Mr. Clean, and Minola.Some of Maricel’s well-known films are Bahay Kubo, A Love Story, Vampira, Super Inday and the Golden Bibe, Mano Po, Mila, Separada, Abandonada, Sa Piling ng Aswang, Inday Inday sa Balitaw, Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib, Kung Ayaw Mo ‘Wag Mo, Ama Ina Anak, Dahas, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, Teenage Marriage, John en Marsha, and Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang among others.
She also has her own TV sitcoms to share some of which are ABS-CBN’s Vietnam Rose, Bida si Mister Bida si Misis, Kaya ni Mister Kaya ni Misis, The Maricel Soriano Drama Special, Maricel Regal Drama Special; TV5’s 5 Star Special Presents: Maricel Soriano; and the longest running comedy family-oriented program, John en Marsha on RPN. Because of her versatility and bankability, she also received numerous awards from different award-giving bodies both in film and television. Some of her awards were from PMPC (8), Asian Television Awards (5), Golden Dove Awards (2), CMMA Awards (3), FAMAS (3), FAP (3), FAP (3), ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards (3), UP YCC (4), PASADO Awards (2), People’s Choice Awards (2), and many more.
