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Why Maricel Soriano sees so much promise in “Lavender Fields” co-star Jana Agoncillo

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Liezel dela Cruz

“Ang galing, galing ng bata ‘ko,” Maricel Soriano gushes a Jana Agoncillo speaking to their online viewers. Having worked with countless youngsters in the industry—and being a former child actress herself—Maricel knows real talent and a true star when she sees one. She’s definitely seeing it in Jana, whom she now fondly calls her &#x27;apo.’ It&#x27;s not just because Jana plays her granddaughter in the series “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,” but because Maricel considers the young actress close to her heart, almost like a mentee, deeply impressed by Jana&#x27;s talent.That’s why she invited the 15-year-old actress to her vlog for an interview, where they delved into Jana’s journey in showbiz. As they reminisced, she brought up Jana’s trending comeback appearance at <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starmagic/articles-news/jana-agoncillo-aka-ningning-exudes-beauty-queen-vibe-in-her-star-magical-prom-ivory-carpet-walk-and-speech-19403" target="_blank">the Star Magical Prom 2023</a>, which marked her first public event after taking a break during the pandemic. Jana shared that she didn’t expect her presence to make waves, saying she simply gave her best without any expectations. But with her natural beauty and undeniable star quality, Jana always captures attention wherever she goes.Even as a baby, Jana&#x27;s star potential and acting prowess were already evident. She entered the industry at just three years old as a commercial model for a fast-food brand. It was this exact commercial that caught the attention of the late Dreamscape Entertainment head, Deo Endrinal, who sought her out, knowing she was destined to shine.At four, she began her acting career with “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-honesto-2013-14613" target="_blank">Honesto</a>,” produced by Dreamscape Entertainment. She was also part of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/goinbulilit" target="_blank">Goin’ Bulilit</a>,” where she had a blast since she got to work alongside fellow kids. They loved their childhood playtime, enjoying games and laughter with friends, including her “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>” co-star Marc Santiago and “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nangngumitianglangit" target="_blank">Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit</a>”’s Sophia Reola.“Dream Dad” with Zanjoe Marudo was a special project for her, as it was her first lead role. The set was child-friendly, almost like a playground, with kind and supportive directors and cast.She also had a memorable time on the set of “Ningning,” spending an entire month filming in Palawan, always at the beach since the story was set by the sea. She got a tan from staying under the sun and by the shore, proof that she still had a fun childhood despite her work. In “Ningning,” she worked with Ketchup Eusebio and Beauty Gonzalez, who played her parents, along with Maricel’s good friend Sylvia Sanchez, who was also very caring towards her. She even experienced what other actors mentioned—how Sylvia loves cooking for her co-workers.Her last series before taking a break was “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starla" target="_blank">Starla</a>,” where she starred alongside Judy Ann Santos. “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/starla" target="_blank">Starla</a>” presented her a new challenge, as it was an inspirational drama featuring fantasy elements. For the first time, she acted in front of a green screen in portraying a celestial body with life.Maricel is delighted with Jana’s journey in showbiz. Having witnessed many child wonders’ experiences, she knows some are deprived of their childhood due to work. However, Jana was fortunate to experience play and enjoy her youth, thanks to the supportive people she worked with. Additionally, Maricel commends Jana&#x27;s mother for her excellent parenting style, which has positively guided Jana’s growth.Among the many veterans she has shared the screen with, Jana treasures her experience working with the late <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/relive-la-primera-contravida-cherie-gils-treasured-roles-in-abs-cbn-teleseryes-17875" target="_blank">Cherie Gil</a> in the independent film “Tia Madre.” This project stands out as her most memorable, not only because of Cherie’s presence but also due to its dark story and concept, which was a stark contrast to the usual inspirational dramas she had done before. She also deeply valued the lessons learned from the ‘La Primera Contravida’ about maintaining professionalism and staying grounded, and she aspires to uphold these values throughout her career.Now, Maricel, affectionately known to her peers as Inay Maria, is also there to offer guidance. Maricel&#x27;s key advice to her is: “Itong career mo na ito, mahalin mo at respetuhin mo, babalik ‘yun lahat sa’yo.” And seeing Jana’s brilliance and heart, she prophesizes, “You will make it. I know that in my heart.”One clear sign that Jana is set to make her mark in acting is her deep passion for her craft. What began as a naive pursuit in her early years has evolved into a strong sense of destiny as she enters her teens. “I know na I care about my craft kasi willing akong matuto, so parang, doon ko nare-realize na it’s my passion and it’s something I want to do in the future,” Jana shared, earning high praise from Maricel for her maturity. The Diamond Star commented, “Fifteen ka pa lang pero alam mo na lahat,” in response to Jana’s desire to delve deeper into drama.Jana is particularly interested in exploring drama with a psychological-thriller twist. She wishes to portray an unconventional character who appears cold on the outside but is complex internally, a role that will highlight her versatility. Though she had a brief taste of this in her previous teleserye, “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/cantbuymelove" target="_blank">Can’t Buy Me Love</a>,” where she played the young version of Kaila Estrada, who killed Divine’s character (Shaina Magdayao), Jana is excited to do more of such intriguing roles.In “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,” she finds herself immersed in a drama centered on revenge. Looking back on how she landed the role of Mirasol, Jana shared that she and her fellow teen castmates were simply informed of a new project without any details about the plot or other cast members. She proceeded to submit the requirements without hesitation and felt relieved and excited when she discovered she would be working with Maricel, who plays her ‘Mamita,’ Aster Fields.While some might feel daunted by the veteran, Jana feels at ease working with her. Maricel’s flawless performance as an actress, if anything, inspires Jana to deliver her best. Yet, when the cameras are off, Jana enjoys Maricel’s warm, friendly, and chatty nature, which makes the set a comfortable place to be.“Happy po ako kasi part po ako [ng series] at kayo ‘yung mga nakakaeksena ko. Nakakadagdag sa satisfaction ko na napasama ako sa ‘Lavender Fields’ and in the following script, masaya din ako kasi nabibigyan kami ng opportunity na maipakita kung ano ‘yung kaya namin,” expressed Jana.No one can attest to Jana’s talent better than the luminary, who is genuinely impressed. According to Maricel, when veterans like herself work with young stars, there’s often some apprehension about their performance. However, from their first scene together, Maricel knew she had no reason to worry because Jana surpassed all expectations. Maricel is astonished by how Jana, despite her delicate appearance, performs with exceptional skill once the cameras start rolling, displaying a remarkable talent that is nothing short of phenomenal.While Jana is still guided by her mom due to her age, she is gradually learning to be independent, such as in managing her finances. As she matures, she has also come to appreciate the value of gratitude. Her advice to her younger self is to always be thankful, keep praying, and show respect—principles she has learned from veterans like Maricel, who advised her to be friendly to both her seniors and colleagues.Looking ahead ten years, Jana envisions herself continuing her acting career while also earning a college degree (she’s considering various fields such as Psychology, Business, and Theater Arts) and hopes to enjoy life through travel. As she navigates a bigger world, she takes to heart Maricel’s wise advice: “Hindi mo dapat mamadaliin… Ang gusto ko lang ay maging happy ka sa desisyon mo. Kung happy ka do’n, happy na rin ako.”Catch Maricel and Jana in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,” weeknights on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kapamilya-channel-12340" target="_blank">Kapamilya Channel</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/abscbnentertainment" target="_blank">Kapamilya Online Live</a>, TV5, and A2Z.

Maricel Soriano considers Jana Agoncillo close to her heart, almost like a mentee, deeply impressed by her talent.