A ‘Mature’ ending to series

MANILA, Philippines - Only two days are left before GMA 7’s primetime soap Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real comes to a close. But up until its near end on Friday, Sept. 19, Maricel Soriano has been consistent in saying that her role is tough to handle.

In the series, Maricel is Millet Gonzales, the ideal wife of Anthony Real (played by Dingdong Dantes) who she never thought would cheat on her by marrying another woman named Sheila Salazar (Lovi Poe) whom he met in Cebu.  

“Honestly, Millet is not easy to portray; nahirapan ako sa kanya,” says Maricel in an interview with co-star Tommy Abuel, who seems amused at her statement. “I’ve been worried (about portraying this role) since the beginning because, ‘Mary (pertaining to herself), this is not you!’” That’s why she has been reminding director Andoy Ranay to keep a close watch on her acting “as the real Marya might come out and (if that happens) we would have to repeat.”

No matter how different she is from Millet, Maricel has been able to own the character. “Truth is, I really forced myself to be like her,” she says.

What delights her no end is the fact that many people are able to relate to the story which is becoming more intense as the show nears its end. However, Tommy and Maricel are still mum on how it will conclude. The only detail that they are willing to divulge for now is that Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real is going to have an intelligent and mature ending.

“Do not expect for the whole barangay to explode because nothing like that will happen,” Tommy assures to which Maricel agrees by adding, “And no volcano will blow up.”

Asked to enumerate the lessons the show imparts to its viewers, Maricel deems it best for the viewers to provide the answer. She’s aware that a lot can truly relate to the story based from the varied reactions/comments the show has been receiving on social media night after night. “Bongga ang mga fans sa Internet. Amazingly, marami talagang nakaka-relate like ang mga babae, ‘Ganun pala dapat ang ginawa ko. Teka, balikan ko nga.’ May mga ganun, ‘di ba? ”

Still there are others, the actress adds, who have agreed that Millet did the right thing. In the show, Millet conveys her true feelings. She is not a hypocrite to deny that she still loves Anthony no matter how painful it is to be betrayed by the man whom you have devoted your life to.

And what part of the story affects her the most?

“It’s not just one scene but the whole soap itself because this one is not just about accepting the role and in a snap, you can fit in to your character. I’ll say it again, I have difficulty playing Millet. ”

Tommy remarks, “Millet has a traumatic life; full of drama.”

Maricel sees her character as the type who loves unconditionally. “So far, this is the toughest (role) I’ve played on TV.” She, too, is thankful to GMA for giving her the opportunity to be in a project alongside acting greats.