Maricel Soriano at “Lavender Fields” media junket | Image: Instagram/@dreamscapeph
Maricel Soriano has proven herself to be a pillar in Philippine television and cinema. At almost 60, the veteran actress doesn’t see herself saying goodbye to acting, as she still aims to educate people, especially the youth, with the roles she takes on, specifically in her latest project, “Lavender Fields.”
During the show’s recent media junket, the Diamond Star entertained some questions from the press, including what lesson she wants the audience to get from her portrayal of Aster Fields in the said revenge series.
“Sana lagi sila makinig sa mga nanay nila, sa mga magulang nila. Importante ‘yan dahil alam niyo ba napakahirap mawalan ng magulang. Hindi salita lamang ito. Ito ay galing sa aking experyensiya, nung nawala ang mommy ko parang ayoko nang mabuhay,” she said.
(I hope they always heed their mothers, their parents. That’s important because you know it’s very difficult to lose a parent. This is not just words. This is from my experience — when I lost my mommy it was like I didn’t want to live anymore.)
Soriano, who started working at age 6, credits her mother as a big contributor to her success as an actress: “She’s my rock. Kaya nung nawala siya ang tagal na 15 years na pero hindi pa rin, parang ayoko pa rin maniwala (It’s been 15 years since she died, but I still can’t believe it).”
“Siya ‘yung dahilan bakit ako nandito, bakit ko ‘to ginagawa. Kung bakit kailangan okay ako dahil sa mommy ko. Lahat ‘yon dahil sa nanay ko. ‘Yung pagsisisihan niyo ‘yung araw na hindi kayo sumunod sa mga magulang niyo,” continued the Diamond Star, who took a long break from acting when her mother died.
(She is the reason why I am here and why I am doing this. The reason why I need to be okay is my mommy. It’s all because of my mother. So you guys will regret the day you did not obey your parents.)
The “Soltera” star underscored that her two sons were the reason why she changed for the better as a person and celebrity.
“Sabi ko, ‘Ikaw ba ay mananatiling ganito na taray queen, na ganiyan ka, parang nega ang dating sa akin, kawawa naman ‘yung mga bata. Inisip ko mga anak ko, lalaki pa naman, ‘Oh ‘yung nanay mo, nandoon na naman sa ano, nakipag-away na naman,’ nagbago ako para sa kanila,” she shared.
(I said, ‘Are you going to stay like this, as the snob queen, as the way you are?’ The idea is negative for me. I pity my children. I thought about my boys, ‘Oh your mother, she’s there again, she’s fighting again,’ so I changed for them.)
On saying goodbye to show biz
The award-winning actress also admitted that she gets “conscious” every time she has to say to anyone that she’s turning 60 early next year, saying, “Nako-conscious ako kapag sinasabi ko na mag 60 na ako (I get conscious when I say I’m going to turn 60.) Parang nahihiya ako (I get rather shy).”
Despite nearing what they say is the retirement age, Soriano is not one to bid show biz farewell.
“Hindi ko alam kung kaya kong bitawan (I don’t know if I can let it go) all the way,” she said. “Hindi ko kaya magsabi ng goodbye sa work ko na tumulong sakin [buhayin ang pamilya ko]. Baka nga magamit ko na rin ang sinasabi ni tita Gloria Romero na hanggang gusto niyo ako, nandito ako.”
(I can’t say goodbye to my work that helped me [support my family]. Maybe I can use what aunt Gloria Romero says: As long as you want me, I’m here.)
On dating again
When asked if she’s ready to love despite her age, Soriano got candid by saying that “some men easily back down” when trying to pursue her.
“Naku, ‘wag na (never mind). Minsan kasi ang hina hina (They are sometimes weak),” she expressed, eliciting reactions from the reporters that it was because of her respectable image.
Nonetheless, despite being a multi-awarded and well-celebrated actress, Soriano believes that titles and achievements are just temporary.
“Pansamantala lamang lahat to (They’re all temporary). Everything is just a label. Ang importante ang puso mo (What’s important is your heart). Yung kaluluwa mo (Your soul),” she expressed.
Soriano will be joined by Jodi Sta. Maria, Janine Gutierrez, Jericho Rosales, Edu Manzano and Jolina Magdangal, among others, in “Lavender Fields,” which will premiere on Netflix on Aug. 30.