So what makes Maricel happy these days?

"Taray queen."

"Babaeng bakla." "She’s quite obsessed with making things clean, making sure she has her trusty alcohol bottle to disinfect everything in sight."

Those are just the tip of the iceberg about what’s been written about Maricel Soriano since she started in the 80s. The complete press file would probably yield enough recyclable pulp to keep what’s left of trees in the La Mesa watershed from the saw for several months. And yet, all those ink and column inches, have mostly addressed the way she looks, acts, talks and even conduct her personal life.

But what is amazing about Maricel is that she remains to be one of the most talented actresses of all time. Who could forget her brilliant yet understated performance as a spinster looking for true love and happiness in Soltera? Who didn’t shed a tear when she had to return JP de Guzman back to the orphanage in Saan Darating Ang Umaga? Who didn’t cringe in pain when she gave a haughty slap to Snooky Serna in Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin?

Maricel Soriano is one gem of an actress, a diamond star in every sense of the word. While it’s a given that Maricel is adept in drama, there’s no denying her comic brilliance. Perhaps this is one thing that Comedy King Dolphy and the versatile Nida Blanca passed on to her. This is also very evident in her current sitcom with the equally versatile Cesar Montanao, Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis.

The top-rating sitcom, which airs every Monday night after ABS-CBN’s telenovela block, just recently finished their first season. "A lot has happened since we first started this sitcom," Maricel reveals. "In the beginning, Cesar’s and my character were keeping secrets from each other like the fact the he was back in the police force tapos ako naman, mole ako ng isang gossip columnist. Tinago naming yun’ sa isa’t isa but eventually, we have discovered each other’s secrets."

Speaking of secrets, Maricel shares her own on why she still remains as youthful-looking as ever. "Ang sarap tumawa eh! ‘Yun na nga lang ang libre sa ating buhay ngayon so why should we deprive ourselves from that? When you’re happy, it will show on the outside."

What’s making Maricel happy nowadays, besides the fact that their sitcom is enjoying high ratings and that she’s got many film projects lined up, is her personal life. She shares that her eldest son, Maro is doing quite well. "He’s now in the US enrolled in military school. We e-mail each other constantly. I visited him recently and he is very happy where he is. I spoke to Major Wilson, his superior and he told me that my son is very smart and that in three months time, he has risen to become a sergeant! He’s so happy and inspired which makes me happy and inspired too."

Her younger son, Chen-Chen would also want to be like his kuya. "He thinks his kuya is cool. Idol niya talaga ‘yun eh that’s why I’m very happy he wants to follow the good example Maro has set," Maricel says.

"Naku dati, when I hear mothers talk about feeling tired pero pagdating sa bahay, pag nakita mo yung mga anak mo, nawawala ang pagod mo," Maricel continues."

I didn’t know what they were talking about. But now, with my kids, ganun talaga ang nararamdaman ko. When I see them or get an e-mail or text from them, I’m truly happy."

Dominic for Private Property

Dominic Ochoa was recently tapped by Private Property to be their newest image model. Besides being seen in Whattamen, Teysi (where he hosts the weekly segment called Heart Attack) and Basta’t Kasama Kita, the young actor is also busy with his new business venture, Thumbs Up ice cream stalls to be set up soon.

"I’m very satisfied where my career is now," says Dominic. "Nothing can make me happier!"

Meanwhile, Private Property announces that it will hold its annual search for Private Ei8ght Models which will kick off on June 28 at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. A fashion show, featuring past winners of the search will be staged.

The Private Ei8ght Model Search is open to males and females, 16 to 22 years old, at least 5’3" (for females) or 5’5" (for males) with pleasing personality; and good physique. For inquiries, call ATMACS at tel. No. 374-1705.