Dannyka Manangan

Maricel Soriano shares what made her say 'yes' to starring in 'Meet, Greet & Bye'

Article (news)

E. Kristhoff Cagape

Push Team

<p>Maricel Soriano opened up about what convinced her to accept the film <em>Meet, Greet &amp; Bye.</em></p><p>In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez on TFC&#x27;s <em>BRGY</em>, the Diamond Star said it was the story’s authenticity that drew her to the project.</p><p>&quot;Totoong totoo kasi. Gusto ko na nakaka-relate &#x27;yung mga tao sa istorya na ipapakita natin sa kanila... Ito nangyayari po sa totoong buhay,&quot; she said.</p><p>In the film, Maricel plays Baby, a devoted mother who, after surviving breast cancer in 2019, faces its recurrence as it spreads to her brain and liver.</p><p>Asked if she relates to her character, Maricel said she connects deeply with Baby’s love for her children.</p><p>&quot;[Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya] bilang nanay sa mga anak, kung gaano ka-importante &#x27;yung mga anak niya sa kanya. Hindi nagpapahalata pero &#x27;pag nag-umpisa na siyang magsalita, dun mo malalaman na, masasabi mo na mahal na mahal niya &#x27;yung mga anak niya. Tapos &#x27;yung counter nun, mahal na mahal din ako ng mga anak ko talaga,&quot; she said.</p><div><a href="https://youtu.be/oNiA-Ve2LfY?si=kZyXCfjsC9gBDc8j"><iframe width="681" height="383" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oNiA-Ve2LfY" title="Maricel Soriano Overcomes a Big Challenge in Her Health | BRGY S4 | October 20, 2025 | Ep 1" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></a></div><div></div><p>As per Star Cinema, <em>Meet, Greet &amp; Bye</em> follows the story of &quot;a mother who loves watching Korean dramas refuses to undergo chemotherapy, after losing hope of getting better. Her only dream before dying is to meet her ultimate Korean idol who is visiting the country for a fan meeting. Her four adult children agree to work together on the condition that once their mother meets her idol, she will get the treatment before her time runs out.&quot;</p><p>The film stars Maricel alongside Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos. It opens in cinemas on November 12.</p><p>In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, director Cathy Garcia-Sampana said she challenged the star-studded cast to strip away their personas for the film.</p><p>&quot;I want them to be regular people. Ayoko makita si Joshua, si Piolo ha. Pati si Maricel, &#x27;di nakaligtas. I worked with five famous actors, and audiences already know them so well. Ayoko mapanuod nila artista ‘to. Gusto ko si, si Leo, si Baby,&quot; she said.</p><p>Cathy added that part of the process was having the actors help build their characters&#x27; backstories, from habits to family dynamics, to portray not just roles, but real, relatable people on screen.</p><div></div>

<p>'Meet, Greet &amp; Bye' stars Maricel Soriano alongside Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos. </p>

'Meet, Greet & Bye' stars Maricel Soriano alongside Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos.