National Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to increase the contribution of the UAE tourism sector to the national GDP to Dh450 billion
But how is the actress today, mostly away from the klieg lights and the hustle of showbiz? Broadcaster Ali Sotto had the story in her one-on-one, heart-to-heart interview with Maricel, in her self-titled talk show on ABC 5 just recently.
The episode saw the actress taking a trip down memory lane as she talked about life as a six-year-old child star, and the 80-plus films she made. She counted her local and international acting awards, from her first as Best Child Actress in 1974 all the way to Best Actress in 2004. She also talked about the few business she went into, like the failed recording company.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family with six siblings, Maricel recalled how her Lola (Grandma) Mary guided and disciplined her in her younger years. Strict but reasonable, her grandmother helped her to stay humble contrary to the Taray Queen, or the overly-strict, image she projects on screen.
Beyond her career, Maricel also talked about the loves of her life from William Martinez, to Edu Manzano and Cesar Jalosjos who is father to her son Chien. She also has an adopted son, Maron. Despite being a single parent, Maricel was able to fulfill her responsibilities as mother to her two sons, and this she considers her greatest achievement in life.
"If there is one thing in my life I will never ever regret, that's having my two sons. That‚s even greater than winning the lotto or an acting award," she said.
In another development, Maricel Soriano can very well be considered the queen of digital films. She has just finished the drama "Inang Yaya" with Sunshine Cruz for Unitel Films and the horror flick, "NumbalikDiwa," with Albert Martinez for Cinemabuhay (owned by Albert).
Now, she's all set to star in another digital film produced by TAPE, to be directed by award-winning writer Jun Lana, who gave up megging Regal's "Mano Po 5" for this project. TAPE's Malou Choa Fagar says this will be a trilogy done for a good cause. All its proceeds will go to the Couples for Christ's Gawad Kalinga project that helps construct homes for the poor.
Malou and Maricel are close friends and Malou is glad that Maricel is now more open about her life, as she has shown when she guested on ABC-5's "Ali."
National Tourism Strategy 2031 aims to increase the contribution of the UAE tourism sector to the national GDP to Dh450 billion
The Tunisian icon believes tennis still has a way to go to achieve gender equality
Emirati golfers sweep the top three positions in both team and individual categories with Oman and Saudi finishing with silver and bronze medals
Kane Williamson will captain the T20 World Cup squad for a fourth time as New Zealand hunt for a maiden title
Vehicle owners must bring their old plates along to the inspection station
Clean sweep for UAE in golf as the hosts win team gold and Rayan claims individual title