Maricel Soriano exuded positivity last night, March 11, as she discussed her new show with TV5. The Diamond Star is the first artist to be featured in TV5's anthology show titled 5-Star Specials. This primetime show will be aired every Monday starting March 22.

"Ang feeling ko, artista ako!" she told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and selected members of the press gathered at Mario's restaurant on Tomas Morato, Quezon City last night, March 11. "I feel like a star who is very important. It's so nice...ang sarap ng pakiramdam. Maraming salamat sa TV5 sa pagkupkop n'yo sa akin. Siyempre, blessing ito. Nagpapasalamat ako at sobrang excited ako.

She added, "Dito sa special ng TV5, iba't iba ang gagawin ko. May comedy, may drama, may suspense-horror, love story. Parang Maricel Drama Special [ABS-CBN drama anthology] na ginawa ko nung araw...na tumagal ng 10 years."

What made her decide to do a project outside of ABS-CBN?

"Sabi nga nila, habang tumatagal ang panahon, it's nice na tanggapin natin ang change nang bukas sa kalooban natin. Mahirap i-apply 'yan...parang foundation, pag puyat ka, mahirap kumapit. Pero pag bukas ang isip mo at bukas ang puso mo, especially pag mahal mo ang trabaho mo, meron tayong respeto, dedikasyon at pagmamahal, hindi magiging mahirap yun."

Maricel said that she did not burn bridges when she signed up with TV5.

"Kapamilya ako, di ba, for the longest time? May mga pinagsamahan tayong lahat...maliit lang ang mundong ginagalawan natin. In good faith naman lahat," she said.

How did she say goodbye to the executives of the Kapamilya Network?

"I did not say goodbye," she clarified. "Wala naman itong goodbye. In the meantime, ito muna ang gagawin ko. Puwede naman tayo gumawa ulit. Umiikot lang naman ang mundo."

When asked if ABS-CBN presented a counter-offer to her, Maricel simply said, "Hindi naging complicated sa akin ang situation. Naging smooth sailing lahat."

Did she have any hesitation in accepting the offer of TV5?

"I consider everything as a blessing. Smooth sailing lahat. Pag nagdadasal ka at bukas ang puso mo sa lahat, naging maganda at maayos, walang kagalit. Ang suwerte-suwerte ko kaya lagi akong nagpapasalamat."

ON HER TALENT FEE. Members of the press curiously asked Maricel regarding her talent fee in the Manny Pangilinan-owned TV station.

"Magiging ganito ba ang face ko kung hindi ako well-compensated? It's written all over my face!" exclaimed Maricel. "Wala nang figures! Ang importante masaya tayo, di ba? I'm very happy."

Is there a chance for Maricel and Dolphy to star in one project? The Comedy King has also signed a non-exclusive contract with TV5.