Maricel: I’d rather love myself more than fall in love again

From left: Maricel Soriano, Paolo Ballesteros, Marcus Cabais and Solenn Heussaff

Maricel Soriano and I go a long way. In the ’80s, when she was the love team partner of William Martinez, I happened to be the off-cam girlfriend of William. How’s that for a throwback trivia?

Fast forward to the present: Maria (Maricel’s nickname) is one of my son IC’s godmothers. What better way to welcome “Mother’s month” than by featuring Maria, an ulirang ina (model mom) in her own unique way? She raised her sons, Marron (who’s now in his 30s) and Sebastien single-handedly.

The Diamond Star topbills Regal’s Mother’s Day offering, “My 2 Mommies” (opens on May 9), along with Solenn Heussaff and Paolo Ballesteros. The heartwarming flick celebrates motherhood in all its forms. It’s easy to become a mother, but it’s tough to be one.

These days, maternity is no longer reserved just for those who have ovaries. As long as you have a heart that’s capable of loving unconditionally, you’re more than qualified to be called a mom.

Here’s my chat with Maria:

What’s more important to you, awards or box-office success? Box-office success matters more to me because if my movie makes money, it will lead to another movie. Awards are great, but if I don’t win one, it doesn’t bother me. It motivates me to strive harder in my next movie.

What was your toughest motherhood moment? We, mothers, are always blamed for what happens to our kids. We’re held responsible for how our kids turn out. Coping with that sort of pressure was tough for me, especially when I lost my mom.

What’s the biggest love lesson you learned? Love everything that has been said and done. I’m done with love. It’s not that I’m being negative. I’d rather love myself more than fall in love again.

What were your off-cam moments with Solenn and Paolo like? Solenn and I talked about her tattoos. She told me the story behind each of them. Pao would pop out of nowhere and sit beside me, which was a sweet surprise. Their coolness kept things light on the set.

If your life story were to be made into a movie, what will its title be? Sharing my life story does not interest me.

You used to be called “Taray Queen.” How have you mellowed? I am still straightforward, but in a subdued way. I am more tolerant and no longer high-strung.

Rocco’s birthday concert

Rocco Nacino is all revved up for his birthday concert, “Oh, Boy! & Oh, LOL!” on May 18 at the Music Museum. His guests include Jak Roberto, Derrick Monasterio, Super Tekla, Donita Nose and Dave Bornea.

Rocco says that it will be a fun and sexy night. He “abs” it, so he will flaunt it. The birthday boy can’t ask for anything more. He’s blissfully happy with his girlfriend Melissa Gohing, a star volleyball player of Rebisco Creamline in the Philippine Volleyball League.

“I’m proud of her. I’m in awe of her discipline as an athlete,” gushes Rocco. “She’s a four-time champion libero of the La Salle Lady Spikers.” And just like in volleyball lingo, Rocco declares that Melissa’s “Mine.”