Maricel Soriano's versatile acting in films has earned the respect of moviegoers and critics alike over her 38 years in the entertainment industry.
For this issue of PEP’s Top List, we filtered Ms. Maricel’s movies in terms of breakthroughs in the film industry, acting achievements, and audience appreciation. Some of our PEPsters have contributed their favorites to this list of Ms. Maricel’s Top 10 films, which have stuck to the public mind and made their mark in the industry.
So, whether you're a fan or not, watch these films to see why they deserve to be in PEP's Top List.
Enjoy!
Saan darating ang umaga? (1983) Years of playing child roles ended for Maricel when she won her first Best Supporting Actress award as an adult (FAMAS '83) for this film. This film also made popular her dialogue line, "Wala sa kulay ng damit ang pagmamahal, nasa puso!"
Directed by Maryo J. De los Reyes, the classic tearjerker focuses on the experience of joy turning into grief and sorrow. Shayne (Maricel) is the only child of her parents, portrayed by Nida Blanca and Nestor De Villa. When the couple decides to adopt Joel (Jaypee de Guzman), their world turns for the better. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when Joel causes his adoptive dad's death. Shayne's mom is inconsolable and suffers a breakdown after the accident and her love for Joel drastically changes into hatred.
Batang Quiapo (1983) Maricel's venture into the action-comedy genre paid off when she was paired with none other than the Action King himself, Fernando Poe Jr. It was also the only film she did with Da King. Batang Quiapo shattered all box office records that year. The success of the film also allowed reruns two or three years later.
Directed by Pablo Santiago, the tandem of the serious FPJ and the wacky Maricel became an instant hit due to their contrasting roles. Moreover, the originality of the film lay in its depiction of real life in the bustling heart of Manila.
Kaya kong abutin ang langit (1984) This film became another first for Maricel. She played a bida-kontrabida role as Clarisse effectively and with great ease.
Her memorable line, "Ayaw ko ng mabaho, ayaw ko ng madumi, ayaw ko ng putik," became a hit among fans.
Hinugot sa Langit (1985) This Ishmael Bernal classic was Maricel's first role as a serious dramatic actress. Though it did not do well in the tills, the controversy-themed movie caught the attention of the public with Maricel's powerful character portrayal as Carmen Castro. Maricel reportedly went through a lot of one-on-one workshops with Bernal himself for the role, which paid off, indeed, on the big screen.
Inday Bote (1985) This comedy film directed by Luciano Carlos opened doors to Maricel's expertise in switching genres from drama to comedy. Inday Bote became such a hit among comedy fans that it led to two more Inday films: Inday, Inday sa Balitaw (1986) and Super Inday and the Golden Bibe (1988)
The film also featured Maricel singing what is considered her motto, "I am what I am."
The Graduates (1986) Maricel's exposure in this film was rather limited compared to the other stars in the cast but every time she appeared, the scene came alive with her rawness and honesty. She was even nominated at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies for her performance.
The star-studded cast of this romance-comedy made it a hit since it included Gabby Concepcion, Lani Mercado, William Martinez, and Gina Alajar. Also in the cast were Joey de Leon (as Starzan) and Rene Requiestas who provided the comedy and laughs.
Vampira (1994) This horror movie was a breakthrough for Maricel in terms of prosthetics and special effects, which made her vampire role even more realistic.
Allowing herself to be disfigured by prosthetics, her performance drew positive reviews and gave her a second Young Critics Circle Award.
The Joey Romero film places Maricel in the role of Paz, a vampire who grows tired of being a vampire and wants to call it quits. In an immortal effort to become normal, she marries a man (played Christopher de Leon) and together they have a son. The dramatic part comes in when Paz's brother drops by to remind her that she can't live among people since she is a vampire. Paz refuses to kill and things start to get complicated.
Inagaw mo ang lahat ang sa akin (1995) Maricel in one of her most difficult roles was done with such intensity that it became the country's official entry to the 1996 Oscar Awards in Hollywood.
With Carlos Siguion-Reyna at the reins of this superb drama, Maricel plays the role of Jacinta, an abused daughter who suffers the same fate as that of her mother (Armida Siguion-Reyna). The story is about incest between a father and his daughter.
The film is not for the easily disturbed. But its appeal lays in the odd reason behind a daughter's hunger for the love of her father and how she attains it.
Ama, Ina, Anak (1996) Maricel portrayed a mother and wife torn between her adopted child and her husband. This was the first movie where good screen chemistry was seen between Angelica dela Cruz and Maricel.
Jose Javier Reyes directed this film about a childless couple (Maricel Soriano and Edu Manzano) who adopt a child to bring life back into their marriage. Issues flare up when the couple is suddenly blessed with a kid of their own.
The scene between Maricel and Angelica's characters, when Maricel had to explain to Angelica why she had to be given away, was the most heart- tugging.
Inang Yaya (2006) This film was another hallmark in Maricel's evolution as an artist. Her restrained yet heartfelt performance as the character Norma truly made people know why she is the "Diamond Star".
Her performance won her a Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Award for Best Actress in 2006.
Maricel is far from being done with her achievements. She stars in the new movie T2 (Tenement 2) to be released this April.
(Note: If you want to know more about Ms. Maricel Soriano or just want to discuss her movies, you can click HERE for the Maricel forum thread. Thanks to sojourner_70 and the thread members for the added info and feedback.)