Maricel on her ‘Ang Sa Iyo’ costars: They’re eager to learn, not full of themselves

Maricel Soriano

Veteran actress Maricel Soriano, who recently celebrated her 49th year in show business, shares with young actors this expert advice:

“Life is like a wheel. When you’re at the bottom, there’s no way to go but up. Just don’t let go of your faith in God. It’s only He who knows what’s best for you.”

Maricel is currently seen in ABS-CBN’S latest offering, “Ang sa Iyo ay Akin,” along with Jodi Sta. Maria, Iza Calzado and Sam Milby. It started airing on Kapamilya Online Live last Aug. 17.

As to why she agreed to do the teleserye, Maricel explained: “Busog na busog ang istorya. Its pace is neither too slow nor too fast. My character is kind and mild-mannered, but expect her to change because she’s fighting for what she believes in. She isn’t evil, but she will come across as one to most people because she has a purpose.”

Asked whether she still has a dream project, in spite of her voluminous body of work, the veteran actress said: “Let’s just put it this way, if I come across a script that I like and I said ‘yes’ to being a part of it, then that’s probably among the projects that I still aspire to do. I base my decision on its relevance, either to what’s happening to our society or to what I’m personally going through.”

Maricel said that before she begins a new project, she would always pray that she’d get along with her coworkers. “I consider myself lucky because I’m with Jodi, Iza and my baby boy, Sam,” she added. “These kids are so nice to me. They’re also really good actors—very professional, punctual and are so eager to learn. I’m their mom on the set.”

She added: “While the two girls are really talented actors, ‘di nagpapatalo si Sam. The story begins with Jodi and Iza’s characters (Marissa and Ellice, respectively) being good friends and fiercest allies. A life-changing experience forces them to become rivals in everything—love, attention and success. While Marissa is my daughter in the story, I also love Ellice because I took care of her as a child.”

Maricel said she is so fond of these actors that she would often give them acting tips and techniques. “I love the feeling that they go to me for advice. If they ask me questions, of course, I’d answer and help them. It’s nice that they’re not so full of themselves and are still eager to learn, in spite of the success they’ve already achieved in their respective careers.”

She further said: “If you don’t ask help from me, then I won’t give it, but I will never get tired of helping those who want to learn. As their Nanay Marya, I also want to share my knowledge and experiences with them.”

Maricel’s last project with the Kapamilya network was the action-drama “The General’s Daughter,” starring Angel Locsin, Paulo Avelino and Arjo Atayde.