The ‘enigmatic’ Maricel Soriano

By Ronald Constantino

‘MARYA’S AURA’ – Unlike many of today’s actresses, Maricel Soriano remains an “enigma,” a puzzle, a mystery. May well be called “Marya’s aura.”

She’s reminiscent of movie queens of the past who, while friendly, kept a certain distance from the public. Think Gloria Romero and Susan Roces, so near yet so far.

Maricel’s been asked to go to social media, but to date she’s said “No, thank you.” She’d rather keep her private life private. She likes it that way. Maricel can’t imagine herself being so open to the public – as other stars do – and then getting bashed left and right.

At times she’s branded “Taray” for being straight-talking.

In the words of colleague Cristy Fermin, “Si Marya di pakalat-kalat kung saan-saan. Simple pero laging well-groomed, tama ang damit, hairdo, at make-up. Kaya siya pinanabikan ng publiko.”

•

RARE INTERVIEW – Maricel recently gave a rare interview along with director-actor Eric Quizon to plug Regal’s “My 2 Mommies,” where she has a special role. It was held at the very accessible five-star Novotel Hotel at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The food and service were excellent, the perfect venue for the interview with Maricel.

Eric said that he and Maricel were discussing another Regal film when the “My 2 Mommies” offer came, meant for Mother’s Day (May 9). Eric made it clear it was a Solenn Heussaff-Paolo Ballesteros starrer, but then Maricel said yes, “How could I say no to Mother (Lily Monterverde), sa Regal ako lumaki?” Yes, the other Regal film is pushing through, a full-length Maricel Soriano starrer.

•

FINE FILMS – Mother Lily launched Maricel to stardom in the early 80s in “Underage” along with Snooky Serna and Dina Bonnevie. She made many fine films for Regal, including Ishmael Bernal’s “Hinugot sa Langit,” Joel Lamangan’s “Mano Po 1,” and Mel Chionglo’s “Babaeng Hampaslupa.”

Other fine Maricel starrers outside Regal include Chito Roño’s “Dahas,” Carlitos Siguion Reyna’s “Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal,” Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Saan Darating ang Umaga,” and Joel Lamangan’s “Mila.”

She was asked if she was willing to do a sequel of sort to “Underage,” to be titled “Overage,” where she, Snooky, and Dina will play cougars. Maricel laughed, “Ayaw ko nga.”

Her two sons, Maron and Sebastien, are 30 and 25 years old, respectively. But they have yet to make Maricel a “lola.”

But not a cougar, please.

By the way, Eric is a childhood friend, Dolphy being a father figure. Remember Maricel as the young Shirley in “John en Marsha”?