Maricel Soriano and Dolphy

Malou Choa-Fagar, manager of Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, gave an indefinite answer when asked if her ward will transfer to TV5 as rumored.

"Nothing's final yet, it's still under negotiation. Will let you know within the week" Malou told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online on Feb. 1.  

Rumors have it that even Comedy King and Kapamilya Dolphy is mulling over switching network allegiance to TV5, too. Their decision to transfer is apparently hinged on the oft-repeated cliché in the business—"career move."

A source told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online that Dolphy and Maricel’s signing up with TV5 is “already a done deal.”

Upon signing, Maricel reportedly will star in a new drama series, while Dolphy will headline in a new sitcom.

Maricel’s last project for ABS-CBN was "Florinda," taped two years ago and shown only last year. She made herself scarce and didn't work last year after her beloved mother passed away.
Meanwhile, last year, Dolphy was rumored to star in a new Kapamilya TV series tentatively titled "Utoy" where he’s supposed to play an aging toymaker named Papa Chu. The storyline is said to be akin to the highly popular story of "Pinocchio."

Nothing came out of it and the last time Dolphy was seen on an ABS-CBN show was via the TV special, "Dolphy at 80."

For a few years now, the ace comedian had not been seen in any sitcom, his usual fare. His last sitcom was "Quizon Avenue" which premiered March 5, 2005.

Dolphy's earlier sitcoms for the Kapamilya network were a huge success including "Home Along Da Riles" and "Home Along Da Airport." The latter lasted for years.

Dolphy's many contribution prompted ABS-CBN bigwigs to name a studio in his honor.

However, the last time many saw Dolphy acting on TV was during a guest stint in the Zaijian Jaranilla drama starrer, "May Bukas Pa."

Interestingly, Dolphy and Maricel played father and daughter in the longest-running local sitcom "John and Marsha." Dolphy was John Puruntong and Marya was cast as his daughter Shirley.