Meryll Soriano admits that she is an activist, a strong supporter of local films. She told this to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other invited media during the opening of the 2010 Active Vista Film Festival last night, July 20, at the Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong City.

The 2010 Cinemalaya Best Actress winner says that this event is a good venue for showcasing the works of local filmmakers. Organized by the DAKILA - Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, the Active Vista Film Festival is an avenue to promote a vision of society that respects, upholds and values the dignity, rights and freedom of its people. Now on its third year, the film fest will take place in 17 cities nationwide until December 2010. (CLICK HERE to view the screening schedules)

She adds, "Ang dami nating magagaling na direktor. You know, it's about time na mayroon din silang [magandang break]. Kasi, magagaling naman ang Pilipino."

These films include the recent award-winning indie movie Donor, which gave Meryll her second acting trophy from Cinemalaya. The 27-year-old actress is very grateful because, according to her, their team didn't expect to win major awards in the annual independent film festival. 

"Siyempre, kasi 'yong film namin, hindi naman overly dramatic. Kumbaga, ang ganda ng parangal namin sa Donor dahil lahat kami nanalo, ang dami naming napanalunan. So, masayang-masaya 'yong buong Donor family," says Meryll.

Although Meryll is rarely seen in mainstream movie projects, she feels comfortable being known as an indie actress. 

"Natutuwa ako kasi indie naman talaga ang platform ko," she said. "Kasi, doon talaga ako nakikilala sa movies. I love doing indie films kasi mas may boses ka, iba 'yong perspective mo sa buhay."

However, this doesn't mean Meryll is not open to doing mainstream movies. "Hindi ko naman talaga tatanggihan as long as maganda talaga 'yong script. Kasi 'yon talaga ang rule ko sa paggawa ng pelikula, kailangan maganda 'yong piyesa," she explains.

ON WILLIE'S POSSIBLE COMEBACK. Willie Revillame's return to the ABS-CBN noontime show Wowowee has been the talk of the town. (CLICK HERE to read related article.). But his daughter is quick to say that she still has no idea about it.

"Wala pa rin akong balita about it," Meryll said.

But she's looking forward to the day her father appears on television again. Willie has been on an indefinite leave since May 24 after his outburst in the live episode of Wowowee on May 4.

"Alam mo, I'm always looking forward kasi marami nang tao ang nakaka-miss sa kanya. You know, he had a great vacation time to rest and to recharge. 'Yon lang, I'm looking forward sa magiging reaction ng mga tao," she says to the media.

She adds, "Siyempre, kung tuloy na tuloy na ang pagbabalik ng Papa ko, at least 'yong maraming nakaka-miss sa kanya, makikita n'yo siya ulit. Kasi nga, Wowowee is not the same without him. That's true because that's his name."

BONDING TIME WITH LOLO. The indefinite leave of Willie became a good opportunity for Meryll and her son Elijah to spend quality time with the controversial TV host.

"Very good na mayroon kaming time at least kahit konti lang. Kasi, babalik na ulit siya sa very hectic schedule," relates Meryll.