Fearless? Maricel Soriano rattles off her fears

Dubbed "Taray Queen" in her entire career, Maricel Soriano has weathered so many storms in life, making her fearless amids the countless challenges she has faced head-on.

Soriano is but human. She has her own vulnerabilities, her own frailties and follies.

But just like anyone else, Soriano has fears and it was something she's not afraid to share.

Career-wise, Soriano's biggest fear is not getting assignments anymore.

"Paano kung ayaw na nila sa akin? Iyon ang fear ko. Paano kung hindi na ako kinukuha?," she said when we asked her what her fears were during her solo presscon for her Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Haunted Carnival" from Regal Entertainment. (What if they don't like me anymore? That's my fear. What if they don't get me anymore?).

"Tanggap ko naman. Tanggap ko na darating yun, na tapos na. Kaya wala akong hang-ups na lola na ako, nanay na ako kasi sa akin kapag artista ka gagampanan mo lahat yan," she explained. (I've accepted it. I accept that it will come, that it's the end. That's why I have no hang-ups that I'm a grandmother, that I'm a mother because as an actress you will play all that).

Another thing that Soriano fears is not having enough money to fork out when needed.

"Bata pa ako, sanay na ako na ako ang nagbibigay ng pera. Ako ang nagtatrabaho para umandar kami. Sanay ako na ako ang bumubunot at mag-aasikaso ng lahat," she said. (Even when I was young, I'm used to giving money. I was the one working so that we can move. I'm used to forking out money and take care of everything).

Still on "Haunted Carnival" mediacon, Soriano reveals close relationship with co-star Fyang Smith.

"Wala naman akong anak na babae so palagi kong sinasabi, akin na lang kayo," she said about Smith. (I don't have a daughter so I always say, can you be my daughter?).

While shooting their MMFF movie, Soriano gave Smith tips on acting.

"Palagi kong sinasabi, anuhin n'yo yung dialog ninyo. Magpaturo kayo sa acting coach ninyo. Mag-concentrate ka, mag-focus ka," she related. (I always say, you take care of your dialog. You ask your acting coach to teach you. You concentrate, you focus).

Vice Ganda congratulates Carmelle

It's Showtime host Vice Ganda congratulated Carmelle (that's how her name is spelled now) for her grand win at the first Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026.

"The Philippines won!!! Carmelle won!!! The first ever Eurovision Asia!!!!! Congratulations!!!!" Vice Ganda tweeted on X (formerly Twitter).

Carmelle bested 10 Asian countries in both jury and audience votes with her entry "Sobra-Sobra" which is a mix of pop and rap, beautifully captured by use of traditional Philippine instruments, the kubing and kulintang.

Calling her victory “a tribute to all Filipino women,” CARMELLE told the Associated Press: "I made history, since this was the first. It’s such a big responsibility for me, because this one is a global stage, so thank you everybody who voted for me.”

Interestingly, some Malaysian netizens were reportedly disappointed over the Malaysian juries’ decision to give CARMELLE just 3 points during the competition with Philippine juries awarding her 12 points.

Several Malaysian viewers took to social media to admit the decision was embarrassing as they collectively believed the Philippines deserved maximum points.

“As a Malaysian, this is honestly embarrassing. I have no idea what our jury was thinking when they voted. No disrespect to Bhutan or Nepal, but come on, the Philippines definitely deserved 12 points!” one Malaysian netizen commented.

“As a Malaysian, I also disapprove the judgment of Malaysian juries. Their judgments are too ridiculous and rubbish," another Malaysian noted.

Still, another Malaysian expressed support for the Philippine contestant: “Don’t worry, me as Malaysian, my public vote goes to Philippines.. mahal kita.. ignore the judges..”