CinemaBravo

The incomparable Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano, known for her versatile roles across different networks, is making a comedic comeback through NET25’s latest sitcom, titled ‘3-in-1’. This marks a reunion with the Quizons, with whom she has collaborated in various combinations, but never all together. She joins forces with the talented children of Dolphy in this highly anticipated NET25 production, directed by Eric Quizon and Epi Quizon.

This sitcom drama brings together the sons of the King of Comedy, Dolphy, and Maricel Soriano, affectionately nicknamed “Maria” by her peers. Their decades-long collaborative relationship in television and movies has earned her the title of the daughter of the King of Comedy.

Dolphy’s impact

During the virtual mediacon for ‘3-in-1,’ CinemaBravo asked Maria about the importance of comedy in her career and whether she ever grew tired of the genre. She fondly recalled the good old days of her humble beginnings under the guidance of Dolphy.

“Hindi talaga ako nagsasawa kasi napakapalad ko at napaka-blessed ko kasi, ‘Sino ba ‘tong kutong-lupa na ‘to na ke bago-bago e daldalera…,’ she quipped.

(“I really never get tired because I consider myself very fortunate and blessed. People would then raise eyebrows and say, ‘Who is this newbie who’s so talkative…,’ she quipped.)

“Pero ang nakasama ko po, ang Hari ng Comedy, nag-iisa lang po siya, si Dolphy po… Nabigyan po ako ng pagkakataong maging anak ng Daddy ko at saka ng Mommy Marsha [Nida Blanca] na gumanap sa isang sitcom na sila po ang kasama ko [John en Marsha].

(“But the one I had the privilege to work with, the King of Comedy, he is one of a kind, he’s Dolphy. I was given the opportunity to be the daughter of my Daddy [Dolphy] and Mommy Marsha [Nida Blanca] in a sitcom where they were my co-stars [John en Marsha].)

“Kaya napaka-blessed ko po talaga na sa hinaba-haba ng panahon… pag meron po akong gagawin [na project], magtatanong muna ako sa Daddy kung papayag siya.

(“So, I am truly blessed that throughout the years… when I have a project to do, I always ask Daddy first if he approves.)

She continued to share that she was once offered by Regal Films to star in the 1981 film ‘Katorse’ and she asked for the approval of his Daddy Dolphy. The role eventually went to Dina Bonnevie.

“Sabi niya, ba’t gano’n ang title? Parang ano yan, ha!… Ipakausap mo sa akin… May manager ka ba? Sabi ko, ‘Opo, Daddy. Papupuntahin ko po ba dito?’ ‘Oo, kakausapin ko.’ Gano’n! Hindi ako pinayagan. Kaya hindi ko po nagawa yung pelikulang yon.

(“He said, ‘Why is the title like that? It sounds not good!… Let me talk to the one in charge. Do you have a manager?’ I said, ‘Yes, Daddy. Should I bring them here?’ ‘Yes, I’ll talk to them.’ That’s how it went! I wasn’t allowed. So, I didn’t do that movie.”)

“Pagkatapos po no’n, noong 16 ako, ginawa ko na yung ‘Underage,’ kami pong tatlo nina Dina at Snooky [Serna].

(“After that, when I was 16, I did ‘Underage,’ the three of us – Dina, Snooky [Serna], and myself.)

In spite of a broken family

Maricel truly treats Dolphy and Nida as her parents in showbiz despite being part of a broken family herself.

“…Hindi pa rin ako umaalis sa comedy… Hindi naman pwedeng i-deny na hindi ako anak ni Dolphy dahil ako po’y galing sa ‘John en Marsha’… at sa totoong buhay ay miyembro po ng broken family.

(“…I still don’t leave comedy… It cannot be denied that I am not Dolphy’s child because I came from ‘John en Marsha’… and in real life, I am a member of a broken family.)

“Pero hindi ibig sabihin no’n na hindi ko po natikman o naranasan na magkaroon ng buong pamilya. Hindi totoo yon dahil noong kasama ako sa ‘John en Marsha,’ parang inangkin ko sila bilang nanay at tatay ko.

“But that doesn’t mean I haven’t tasted or experienced having a complete family. That’s not true because when I was with ‘John en Marsha,’ it felt like I claimed them as my mom and dad.)

“So sila po ang rason kung bakit alam ko yung pakiramdam ng isang may buong pamilya… Yan po ang nagawa sa akin ng ‘John en Marsha’ at ng Daddy.”

“So they are the reason why I know the feeling of having a complete family… That’s what ‘John en Marsha’ and Daddy did to me.”

What’s in store in ‘3-in-1’

Filled with humor and heart-wrenching moments, ‘3-in-1’ promises to bring both joy and valuable lessons to your hearts! With a variety of flavors, yet a consistent essence, Maricel and the rest of the cast promise to deliver a unique blend of laughter and emotions that will surely captivate the senses.

The stellar cast of 3-in-1, features Maricel Soriano, Eric Quizon and Epi Quizon, Vandolph Quizon, Vito Quizon, Boy2 Quizon, Donna Cariaga, Bearwin Meily, Long Meija, Angie Castence, and Shira Tweg.

This ensemble is a delightful blend of talent that will touch the hearts and tickle the funny bone of Filipino audiences here and abroad weekly.

‘3-in-1’ airs every Sunday at 8:00 PM only on NET25.