In the early '80s, she was launched as one of the first Regal Babies and appeared in blockbuster films throughout the decade such as Inday Bote (1985), Batang Quiapo (1986) and Babaing Hampaslupa (1989).

Initially residing in Makati, she and her sister, Maria Victoria "Becbec," attended St. Mary's Academy of Pasay for grade school.

After moving to Kamuning, Quezon City, she continued her education at Trinity University of Asia (then College), CEU High School, and OB Montessori.

Soriano started acting at the age of six in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy with Tirso Cruz III and fellow child actress Snooky Serna.

[1] She was brought by her paternal grandmother to Sampaguita Pictures search for a child actress who will portray Tirso Cruz, III's younger sister.

Soriano developed her comic skills under the guidance of the veteran comedians Dolphy and Nida Blanca, both of whom she considered second parents,[2] especially when she grew up acting in John en Marsha where she was a regular cast.

[3] In 1980, Soriano was signed up by Regal Films and became part of the movie production company’s pioneering batch of contract stars who were collectively called Regal Babies along with Snooky Serna, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Alfie Anido, Jimi Melendez and her loveteam partner, William Martinez.

Aside from working in John en Marsha, which spawned several movie spinoffs, and other Dolphy productions, Maricel starred in the youth-oriented TV program Kaluskos Musmos, which started airing in 1984.

They went on to star more projects throughout the decade including the comedies Pabling (1981), Galawgaw (1982), and Inday Bote (1985), as well as the dramas Hindi Kita Malimot (1982), Teenage Marriage (1984), and The Graduates (1986).

[4] She was also paired with other leading men such as Gabby Concepcion in Pepe en Pilar (1983), Ronnie Ricketts in John & Marsha (1986), Fernando Poe Jr. in Batang Quiapo (1986), and Randy Santiago in Taray and Teroy (1988).

[6] After two years, she with sister Maria Victoria and former manager Manny Valera established Excellent Productions and took the helm of producing the show.

Soriano continued to dominate the big and small screens at the turn of the new millennium with the blockbusters Mano Po (2002) and A Love Story (2007), and the top-rating sitcom Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (opposite Cesar Montano), which was eventually retitled Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis.

In 2014, she inked a program contract with her home station, GMA Network, after backing out of ABS-CBN's Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin, which was supposed to be her teleserye comeback but Dawn Zulueta eventually replaced her role in the said show.

It was her first major project as a Kapuso actress which also marked her return on the small screen and then did guesting in Bubble Gang and Sunday PinaSaya.

Referred to as the "Diamond Star" for achieving both commercial and critical success,[8][1][9][10] Soriano is frequently cited as one of the greatest actresses in Philippine cinema, noted for her characteristically frank, street-smart, and quick-witted style.

Among them includes 3 Asian Television Awards and several honorary trophies from FAMAS, the EDDYs and Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival.

"[12] In 2002, Alessandra de Rossi expressed her desire to follow the career path of Soriano saying: "She's equally effective in drama, comedy and action.

"[13] Numerous actors have either mentioned Soriano as a major influence or showed admiration including Judy Ann Santos,[14] Angel Locsin,[15] Vice Ganda,[16] Eugene Domingo,[17] Lovi Poe,[18] Joey Paras,[19] JM de Guzman[20] Janella Salvador[21] Jericho Rosales,[22] John Lapus,[23] and Arjo Atayde.