Maricel Soriano

Maria Cecilia "Maricel" Dador Soriano (born February 25, 1965) is a Filipino actress and television personality.

Known for her intense acting style and versatility, she is known for playing dramatic and comedic leading roles in films and television series.

She has received numerous accolades, including three Asian Television Awards, five FAMAS Awards, three Luna Awards, thirteen Box Office Entertainment Awards and ten Star Awards for Television.

She went on to appear in several supporting roles in the 1970s, winning her first acting award at the 9th Manila Tagalog Film Festival as "Best Child Actress" for her performance in the film Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko (1973) and as Shirley Puruntong in the longest running Philippine sitcom John en Marsha (1973-1991).

Soriano began a career as a child actress, debuting in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy.

Soriano started acting at the age of six in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy with Tirso Cruz III and fellow child actress Snooky Serna.

She was brought by her paternal grandmother to Sampaguita Pictures search for a child actress who will portray Tirso Cruz, III's younger sister.

She had grabbed the role with her dancing, singing and acting skills.

Soriano developed her comic skills under the guidance of the veteran comedians Dolphy and Nida Blanca, both of whom she considered second parents, especially when she grew up acting in John en Marsha where she was a regular cast.

She received her first FAMAS Award nomination at age 14 in the film Yakuza Contract (1978).

In 1980, Soriano was signed up by Regal Films and became part of the movie production company’s pioneering batch of contract stars who were collectively called Regal Babies along with Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Alfie Anido, Jimi Melendez and her loveteam partner, William Martinez.

She was eventually introduced in the coming-of-age movie, Underage (1980).

In their first film together, Oh, My Mama!, Soriano and Martinez showed great chemistry and became a love team on and offscreen.

They went on to star more projects throughout the decade including the comedies Pabling (1981), Galawgaw (1982), and Inday Bote (1985), as well as the dramas Hindi Kita Malimot (1982), Teenage Marriage (1984), and The Graduates (1986).

Aside from working in John en Marsha, which spawned several movie spinoffs, and other Dolphy productions, Maricel starred in the youth-oriented TV program Kaluskos Musmos, which started airing in 1984.

In the early '80s, she was launched as one of the first Regal Babies and appeared in blockbuster films throughout the decade such as Inday Bote (1985), Batang Quiapo (1986) and Babaing Hampaslupa (1989).

When her house was finally completed in White Plains, Quezon City in 1985, she moved in together with her son, Marron Soriano.

She remained visible in television through her drama anthologies Maricel Regal Drama Special (1987-1990) and The Maricel Drama Special (1990-1997).

She received fourteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the FAMAS Awards, thirteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Luna Awards, fourteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Star Awards for Movies, eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards and eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Metro Manila Film Festival for her acclaimed portrayals in films.

She was inducted at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to Philippine film and television.

Maricel Soriano was born in Pasay to Linda Dador and Victor Soriano.

Initially residing in Makati, she and her sister, Maria Victoria "Becbec," attended St. Mary's Academy of Pasay for grade school.

After moving to Kamuning, Quezon City, she continued her education at Trinity University of Asia (then College), CEU High School, and OB Montessori.

Her hectic showbiz schedule prevented her from completing secondary education.

In previous interviews, Soriano mentioned that if not for her career in the entertainment industry, she might have pursued a career as a stewardess or a teacher.

Despite not finishing formal education, she is computer-literate and skilled in designing accessories, T-shirts, cards, certificates, and stationery.

Additionally, she personally designed the graphics and title credits for her drama anthology.

From their rented house in Kamuning, Quezon City, she lived independently by getting a townhouse in Midland Manor in Greenhills, San Juan, while her mother and siblings rented a house in Xavierville, Q.C. near Katipunan Road.

She married Edu Manzano in 1989 and joined him in Makati, but later went back to White Plains.

When she gave birth to Sebastien Soriano, her mother and brothers joined her in White Plains.

She briefly had her own condo in Rockwell, Makati with Eric Quizon as a neighbor.

Presently, she stays in Greenhills, San Juan with her two sons.

She was married to Edu Manzano from 1989 to 1991 and maintains friendly relations with him.

Aside from her sister, who is the mother of award-winning actress Meryll Soriano, her siblings include Michael "Mykee" Martinez and movie/TV actor and entrepreneur Melchor "Mel" Martinez.

As a businesswoman, she and her sister with erstwhile manager Manny Valera established Excellent Productions in 1990 but was later renamed Diamond Star Productions, Inc. taking over the weekly production of her TV drama show when Regal Films decided to discontinue.

It was renamed "The Maricel Soriano Drama Special" with her sister as Executive Producer and Maricel as Line Producer.

The same production outfit was responsible for TV sitcoms - "Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis", "Mary D'Potter" and "Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis" and the film Kung Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko Rin (1996) with Cesar Montano.

She also opened a sing-along bar, Mr. Melody, in Quezon City and Diamond Star Records.

In showbiz, she lists co-actors Roderick Paulate and Jackie Lou Blanco as her best friends.

Other personalities whom she was very close with were King of Comedy, Dolphy and versatile actress, Nida Blanca (whom she considered as second parents); dramatic actress Charito Solis; comedian Nova Villa; producer and actress Armida Siguion-Reyna, actor Eric Quizon, make-up artist James Cooper; talent manager Anthony "Tonet Macho" Roquel; and award-winning actresses Gina Alajar, Jacklyn Jose and Rosanna Roces.