Maricel Soriano to ‘Young Maricel’ Fyang Smith: You’re your own person
Maricel Soriano is all praises for Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner Fyang Smith, who has been touted as the veteran star’s rightful successor in showbiz firmament.
Soriano and Smith were together during the cast presentation of their upcoming film “Haunted Carnival,” which is Regal Entertainment’s official entry to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Interviewed by reporters, Soriano said she is looking forward to working with Smith, to whom she has been compared with because of their frank and quick-witted personalities.
Article continues after this advertisement
This observation was voiced by no less than Regal’s president and COO Roselle Monteverde, who said that Smith reminded her of the young Maricel, to whom she is very close.
But the Diamond Star said that while the comparison is heartwarming, she told Smith that she is her own person, and could still make her own mark as an artist.
“Alam mo, anak, you are your own person,” Soriano told her. “Pag dumating sa iyo ang tamang pagkakataon, maipapakita mo sa kanila yung Fyang, hindi ako, diba? Kasi gusto ko, ikaw. Dapat ikaw ang makita nila. I want them to see you, kung gaano kahaba ang narating mo, kung gaano kataas ang naabot mo, ikaw yon.”
This is the first time that Soriano and Smith would be working together for a project, although they have previously collaborated last May when she invited the Kapamilya star for a vlog.
Recalling that instance, the veteran star said she was surprised to learn that Smith was very talented in terms of acting.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Sabi ko, ‘Ang husay-husay mo naman pala!’” Tuwang-tuwa talaga ako sa kanya kase ang galing galing nya,” she said of Smith.
As for their fellow costar Julia Barretto who was also present during the cast reveal, Soriano said she was very happy when she learned that they would be working together.
Article continues after this advertisement
“Hanga ako dito, napakaganda, napakagaling na babae neto. Napalaki ng maayos, mabuti ang pagpapalaki. Natutuwa ako sa kanya. And I’m very happy dahil nakita ko ulit sya, sa tagal na di nakita,” she said.
Barretto returned the compliment and told her that she is looking forward to building her own relationship with Soriano and the rest of the cast. She noted that it is her mom who was really friends with Soriano even when she was younger.
“We’re going to build our separate relationship. Kase nagkasama na kami through my mom. Si mommy, love na love na love ni mommy si Tita Maricel. So finally kami naman ang magkaron ng bonding.”
Aside from Soriano, Smith and Barretto, other cast members include John Arcilla, James Reid, RK Bagatsing, Joaquin Arce, Charlie Fleming and Prince Carlos, among others. The movie is directed by Joey de Guzman, who has previously helmed an episode of “Shake Rattle and Roll,” also for MMFF.
“Haunted Carnival,” which has yet to start filming, is the third installment of the “Haunted” horror franchise under Regal, after “Haunted Mansion” in 2015, and “Haunted Forest” in 2017.
This also marked Soriano’s return to the MMFF scene since the 2013 movie “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” with Vice Ganda.