Bela Padilla credits Maricel Soriano for helping her through a ‘sad and heavy’ time

“Ay nako ang bongga kasi wala kaming ginawa kundi magdaldalan ng magdaldalan. At (kahit) iyakan ang mga eksena namin, kaming dalawa, tawa ng tawa,” Maricel recalled.

Their easy chemistry was also evident in the way Maricel talked about Bela, whom she praised for being intelligent, talented, beautiful, and possessing that elusive quality she describes as “mayroong K.”

“Kasi nga masaya kami and she’s very intelligent, she’s a good actress and she’s pretty at may K siya. Sinasabi ko na yan, ‘mayroon kang ‘K,’ anak,” Maricel said, turning to Bela. 

For Maricel, “mayroong K” means having the karapatan to be recognized as a good actress because of her talent and ability.

But behind all the laughter, Bela said Maricel became an unexpected source of perspective for her.

The actress admitted that she entered the project carrying some emotional heaviness. Working closely with Maricel, however, made her pause and remember why she chose acting in the first place.

“Natutunan ko kay Inay… kasi when I entered this project, I was feeling a bit sad and heavy. She made me remember why I love this job so much,” Bela shared.

Bela said Maricel also helped her understand that her profession is not always “sunshine and rainbows,” especially when the realities of the industry become difficult.

“She made me realize also na it’s not always sunshine and rainbows in our profession kasi parang my whole life, I treated this job and this profession that way,” she added.

What stayed with Bela was Maricel’s reminder that acting and storytelling can mean something much bigger than simply entertaining an audience.

“And Inay made me realize why I came here, why acting is important to us and why I love it so much; and why being a storyteller is important to us, especially in times like this and we give hope and make people feel good. She brought it back to me,” she said.

That personal connection adds another layer to “Life After You,” where the two actresses portray women whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined through a child.

Maricel plays Bella, a widow, mother, and grandmother determined to be part of her granddaughter Denise’s life. Bela portrays Joey, a devoted sister and aunt who has put her own dreams aside to care for her niece.

Denise (Dani Zee) is Joey’s niece and the daughter of Dianne (Ryza Cenon). She is also Bella’s granddaughter through her son Carl (Marlo Mortel), who refuses to acknowledge Denise as his child.

The complicated family dynamic fuels the conflict. Joey and Dianne resent Bella for failing to make Carl accept Denise. But after an unexpected tragedy, Bella and Joey are forced into each other’s orbit.

Joey eventually learns that Bella secretly considers Denise her granddaughter and wants to remain part of the child’s life without Carl knowing. The two women decide to share the responsibility of caring for Denise, slowly turning their strained relationship into an unexpected friendship.

That bond, however, is put to the test when Carl eventually discovers their secret.

Also part of the cast are Krissha Viaje, MJ Cayabyab, Andrea Babierra, Peach Caparas, Gardo Versoza, and Rey PJ Abellana.

Directed by Marla Ancheta, “Life After You”opens in cinemas on September 9.

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