In a showbiz world where every move of a celebrity is closely watched, admired, and speculated upon, the sudden disappearance of a national icon is nothing short of shocking. That’s exactly what happened when Maricel Soriano, one of the Philippines’ most beloved and legendary actresses—fondly known as the “Diamond Star”—vanished from the public eye without explanation for three long years. What could have caused such a powerful figure in Filipino entertainment to step away so abruptly? Where did she go, and why?
Maricel Soriano isn’t just any celebrity. With a career spanning over five decades, she is one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in the Philippine entertainment industry. Known for her versatility, wit, and charisma, Soriano has starred in over 130 films and countless television shows. Her title, the “Diamond Star,” speaks volumes—symbolizing not only her enduring brilliance but also her unbreakable presence in the hearts of millions of fans.
But in 2015, fans began to notice something strange: Maricel was no longer appearing on TV shows, attending red carpet events, or giving interviews. Her once-regular media appearances suddenly came to a halt. No formal statement was issued. No farewell was made. She simply disappeared. For three years, there was no clear sign of what had happened to the Diamond Star.
Rumors quickly spread. Some speculated that she had moved abroad to escape the pressure of showbiz. Others whispered about possible health issues or personal struggles. There were even bizarre theories about her secretly retiring, or worse—being caught in a scandal that was being kept under wraps. Yet through it all, her loyal fans waited anxiously for any news, any appearance, any proof that their idol was okay.
Then, just as suddenly as she had vanished, Maricel Soriano re-emerged in 2018. Her return sent shockwaves through Philippine media. Looking composed but noticeably more private, she offered only brief public statements about her absence. So what really happened during those three mysterious years?
According to sources close to the actress, Maricel had been going through deeply personal challenges. After years of working tirelessly in a highly competitive and demanding industry, she reportedly decided to take time for herself—to rest, heal, and reconnect with her personal life. There were no scandals, no dramatic exits. It was a decision rooted in self-preservation, mental health, and the quiet search for peace away from the blinding spotlight.
In later interviews, Maricel touched lightly on her decision, saying that she needed to “breathe” and “reassess” her life. She spoke of spending time with family, nurturing her passions outside of acting, and simply living without the pressure of constantly being in the public eye. For someone who had spent most of her life performing and entertaining since she was a child star in the 1970s, the break was both necessary and overdue.
Her comeback marked not only the return of an icon but also the evolution of a woman who had grown beyond the labels of fame. With new roles and projects under her belt, Maricel reminded the world why she earned the title of Diamond Star in the first place—resilient, radiant, and ever brilliant.
Maricel Soriano opens up about difficulty in walking due to spinal arthritis
Maricel Soriano opened up about her health condition that has affected her ability to walk.
In her latest YouTube vlog posted April 12, the veteran actress shared that she has arthritis in her spine.
“‘Yung spine ko may arthritis hanggang leeg ko. Tapos nung first na experience ko ‘to, in-injectionan na ‘ko sa likod. Tapos ‘yung sumunod dahil hindi pa rin nawawala ‘yung pain, kasi sa side lang, ginawa nila mismong sa spine nila ako sinaksakan ng steroids,” she said
“Tapos matagal bago nag-effect kaya iika-ika ako maglakad tsaka ‘yung paa ko… manhid. Parang may mga karayom na tumutusok. On top of it, may pinched nerve ako.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, spinal arthritis or arthritis in the back or neck happens when the facet joints in the spine or the sacroiliac joints between the spine and pelvis become inflamed. Symptoms of spinal arthritis include pain in the back and neck, stiffness and inflexibility in the spine, pain and numbness in the arms and legs, swelling and tenderness over the affected part of the spine, and more.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine also said that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the spine. This is usually caused by normal wear and tear and happens when the cartilage between the joints degenerates, leading to inflammation and pain.
“Ito namang sakit na ‘to, gumagaling naman ‘to,” she said.
“Actually ang sabi nga mag pa-opera ka na para matapos na ‘yung sakit na ‘yan. Pupunta tayo dun pero kasi tinitignan namin lahat ng way kung papaano para hindi nga surgery ang mangyari. Sana, kasi ayoko.”
Maricel added that she regularly walks in the pool and works with a physical therapist to manage her health condition.
The veteran actress also advised those facing the same condition to listen to their body and keep the faith.
“When your body talks, you listen. Dapat ganun eh, sabi kasi nila what you eat today will walk and talk tomorrow. Wag mong katakutan ‘to, sabihin mo sa kaniya, ‘Hindi mo ko kaya. Kaya kita,'” she said.
“Wag kang matatakot, nandiyan si Lord tsaka dapat lagi nating isipin na ‘yung ibang tao nagawan ng himala, ikaw pa ba? Eh love ka ni God, di ba?”
At the end of her vlog, Maricel expressed her gratitude to those who have been praying for her.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga fans na nagdadasal para sa akin at para mawala na ‘yung pain,” she said.
