Maricel Soriano left an indelible mark on a young Aiko Melendez.
In a recent virtual press huddle for "I Can See you #Future," Aiko vividly recalled the time the Diamond Star admonished her on the set of her first film ever, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
She was just six then.
Aiko related, "Si Inay Maria, Maricel Soriano, one-time nakatulala ako sa isang blocking siguro kasi na-starstruck ako sa mga ka-eksena ko and then when it was my turn to say my lines, hindi ako ready...
"So sinabihan ako ni Inay Mary: 'Kung gusto mo mag-artista dapat hindi mo lang pinapakinggan o mine-memorize yung linya mo; dapat yung mga linya rin ng mga kasama mo, alam mo at mine-memorize mo para alam mo kung kailan ka papasok."
Aiko added, "Hindi naman nya ako sinindak. Sabi nya lang, "Hoy, ano ka ba, bakit ka tulala dyan?"
As jarring as it was, Aiko is still thankful about it to this day, noting how it helped her hone her skills as an actress.
"Yun yung dala-dala ko pati yung tinuro niya sa akin na maging professional na kahit may sakit ka, you have to report sa set lalo na kung yung sakit mo is kaya mo naman i-bear," She added.
"I Can See You #FUTURE" airs April 5 on GMA.