Maricel Soriano’s new movie will leave you ugly crying (in the best way)

Seventeen years after “A Love Story,” Maricel Soriano reunites with Star Cinema for a story that reminds us why mothers—and family—matter most.

After 17 years, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano makes her much-awaited return to Star Cinema with the heart-tugging family drama “Meet, Greet & Bye.”

Her last project with the studio was 2007’s “A Love Story,” making this comeback a reunion long awaited by fans.

During a recent media conference organized by ABS-CBN, Soriano couldn’t hide her excitement about working again with director Cathy Garcia-Sampana. “Umikot na agad ‘yong utak ko when they gave the casting, and I asked, ‘So, kailan ang shooting?’” she said with a smile. “Sana ‘yong mensahe umabot sa manonood natin. It will give so much importance to the people you love in your life.”

Joining Soriano in this moving story about family, forgiveness, and the power of saying goodbye are Piolo Pascual, Belle Mariano, Joshua Garcia, and Juan Karlos.

The film paints a tender portrait of the Facundo family, who must come to terms with love, loss, and the quiet courage of letting go. At the center of the story is Mama Baby, portrayed by Soriano, a mother whose strength anchors her family even as she faces her own battle. Diagnosed with cancer, she chooses to refuse chemotherapy after losing hope of recovery.

But her four children—Tupe (Pascual), Brad (Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos), and Geri (Mariano)—refuse to give up. Together, they search for ways to extend their mother’s time, learning lessons about love, acceptance, and the fragile beauty of family in the process.

Closer to home for Piolo

For Pascual, returning to Star Cinema after eight years made the experience even more meaningful. “It was really hard to do because—I don’t want to say personally—but it hits close to home, especially for Filipino families,” he shared with reporters. “It’s something we have to face inevitably, no matter who we lose, as long as he’s part of the family.”

Juan Karlos agreed. “Especially with what I personally went through in life, it’s also way too close,” he said, hinting that the film’s emotional weight mirrors his own experiences.

For Mariano, the project became a test of emotional strength. “Ang strong ng characters namin kasi just to go through that and face it, I don’t know how I’ll face it [personally]. Only time will tell if I’m in that situation,” she admitted. “Siguro, I’ll do my best to be strong not only for myself but also for my Mama.”

Beyond its emotional pull, “Meet, Greet & Bye” captures the realities of love and family in ways that are both painful and healing. Soriano hopes the story resonates deeply, especially with the younger generation. Holding back tears, she said, “Importante ang magulang… At sana, lagi n’yong sinasabi sa mga magulang ninyo kung gaano n’yo sila kamahal.”

Her heartfelt reminder—“‘Wag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay ninyo”—moved everyone in the room, echoing the film’s core message: that family is our first and last home.

A story that blends love, laughter, togetherness, and pain, “Meet, Greet & Bye” promises to tug at the hearts of moviegoers when it opens in cinemas nationwide on Nov. 12.

READ: