Maricel marks 45th year in showbiz

MANILA, Philippines - Maricel Soriano was recently honored at the 63rd FAMAS Awards as one of the six Iconic Movie Queens Of Philippine Cinema. She shared the special citation with Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Dawn Zulueta, Sarah Geronimo and Nora Aunor.

In the course of her illustrious career as one of the most versatile and accomplished actresses in the Philippine entertainment industry, Maricel has starred in over 100 films and was recognized numerous times as both Box-Office Queen and Best Actress.

Maricel received her first FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award in 1984 for her outstanding performance in the classic tearjerker Saan Darating Ang Umaga and won three more awards as Best Actress in such films as Babaeng Hampaslupa (1989), Dahas (1996) and Nasaan Ang Puso (1998).

During the ceremony, the award-winning actress couldn’t help but to feel thankful. “Words cannot express the happiness I feel,” said Maricel. “I feel so blessed and humbled to be given the honor to stand beside such great actresses. This award inspires me to continue to do more films in the future.”

Maricel also mentioned that she is celebrating her 45th year in the industry in 2016. “Akalain ninyo na tatagal ako ng ganito? Talagang malaking blessing ito galing kay Papa God. Madami pa akong exciting na mga plans sa mga darating na taon, lalo na sa 2016. Hinding hindi ako titigil dahil mahal na mahal ko ang ginagawa ko.”

As for great things to come next year, Maricel, who was one of the big stars who supported Korina Sanchez-Roxas’ successful KeriBeks gay congress last August, was asked which Presidential candidate she will support in the upcoming national elections.

“Of course, si Mar,” revealed Maricel. “Bakit si Mar? Eh gusto ko eh! Bakit mas marunong pa kayo sa akin? Hahahaha. Pero seriously, naniniwala ako sa kanya at sa kanyang kakayahan.”

Maricel said that she had the opportunity to know Mar personally and that she was able to talk to him in several occasions. “Hindi siya magnanakaw at hindi siya maramot. Naunawaan ni Mar ang sitwasyon ng iba’t-ibang mga tao. Siguradong magkakaroon ng maraming disente at maayos na trabaho ang mga tao. Ang mga call center na lang. Madami ang nagka-trabaho dahil dito at alam nating malaki ang role ni Mar kung bakit maunlad ang mga call center sa atin.”

She also revealed that she is impressed with Mar’s credentials. “Cartwheel at tumbling ako sa dami ng mga nagawa ni Mar. Ako nga, madami ang humahamak sa akin dahil hindi ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral pero sa kabila ng aking kahirapan, ay nabuhay ko ang mga kapatid at mga anak ko. Eh achievement ko lang yan ha, weh paano pa yung mga nagawa ni Mar? Nakakaloka talaga siya,” ended Maricel.