60 Years of the Diamond Star

Maricel Soriano, the “Diamond Star” of Philippine cinema who celebrates her birthday today, isn’t just a name — it’s a testament to a successful career glittering with brilliance, versatility and unwavering dedication.

Known for her frank, street-smart persona and quick wit, Soriano has captivated audiences with her powerful performances in over 100 films and television shows.  Her range is undeniable, effortlessly transitioning between comedic roles that leave audiences in stitches and dramatic portrayals that resonate with raw emotion. 

This versatility has earned her a plethora of accolades, including three Asian Television Awards, numerous FAMAS Awards, EDDYs and recognition from the Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival. She consistently ranks high among Filipino actresses with the most “Best Actress” wins, a testament to her enduring impact on the industry.

Beyond the awards and accolades, Soriano’s influence extends to aspiring actors and actresses. Iza Calzado and Jodi Sta. Maria have fondly recalled her generosity in sharing acting tips on set, dubbing it the “Inay Maria School of Acting.”  Alessandra de Rossi, among others, has cited Soriano as a career inspiration, admiring her effectiveness across genres.

Soriano’s career began at a young age, debuting in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning her first acting award at the 9th Manila Tagalog Film Festival for her performance in Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko (1973). Her role as Shirley Puruntong in the long-running sitcom John en Marsha (1973-1991) solidified her presence in Filipino households.

While her career has been filled with successes, Soriano has also faced personal challenges.

The 1980s saw her emerge as a Regal Baby, starring in blockbuster hits like Inday Bote (1985), Batang Quiapo (1986) and Babaing Hampaslupa (1989). Her television dominance continued with the immensely popular drama anthologies Maricel Regal Drama Special (1987-1990) and The Maricel Drama Special (1990-1997), which ran for a combined 10 years, cementing her reputation as the “Drama Anthology Queen.” These programs offered a platform for her to showcase her acting prowess in a variety of roles, further solidifying her connection with viewers.

While her career has been filled with successes, Soriano has also faced personal challenges. In a candid interview, she spoke about overcoming difficult times, emphasizing the importance of family and faith. “Mahirap ‘yun, pero ang mommy ko lang ang nakakagawa no’n sa akin, mommy ko lang (It’s really hard, and only my mom could do that to me),” she shared. “Usually ako kasi ang nagsi-save, hindi ako nasi-save. Si God ang nagsi-save sa akin (Usually, I am the one saving others, not the one being saved. Only God saves me).”

Soriano also highlighted the support she receives from her friends, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community.  “Ako, I love gays kasi never a dull moment with them, masaya ka palagi (you’re always happy with them),” she said.  “Lagi tayong nakatawa, hindi lang ngiti, tatawa at tatawa ka talaga (We are always laughing; not just smiling, you’re always laughing).”

As a mother, Soriano’s children serve as her inspiration.  “Sabi ko, kailangan ko magbago para sa mga anak ko (I told myself, I need to change for my kid),” she revealed. “Kaya ‘yun mismo ‘yung oras na ‘yun, ang dami kong binago. Wala na ‘yung mabibigat na bagahe, kaya bitawan mo na lahat (So I did, then and there I changed a lot. No more baggage, just drop them all).”

With numerous “Best Actress” nominations from FAMAS, Luna Awards, Star Awards for Movies, Gawad Urian Awards and the Metro Manila Film Festival, Soriano’s dedication to her craft is undeniable. 

Her induction into the Eastwood City Walk of Fame further cements her legacy as a pillar of Philippine entertainment.  For 60 years, Maricel Soriano has shone brightly, earning her title as the “Diamond Star” and continuing to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.