Many actresses would take motherhood as a signal to quit showbiz and focus exclusively on family life – but not Meryll Soriano, who can’t stop herself from acting. In fact, motherhood just helped her recharge for bigger and more exciting things in her career.

In this episode of Hotspot with DJ Jhai Ho, Meryll admitted she tried leaving the industry to pursue her studies in London but there’s something about acting that always pulls her back as if it’s her destiny.

“Nabuhay ako sa set, sa set din ako mamamatay,” she mused, adding that sometimes taking a break is necessary to realize one's calling. “Minsan kailangan mong lumabas para malaman mo kung saan talaga 'yung home mo. Sa akin, dito talaga sa industriya ang home ko.”

She is grateful for being guided by family members who are also in showbiz like her aunt Maricel Soriano and father Willie Revillame, saying they are definitely proud and happy with the new beginnings in her career such as her signing with a new talent management.

But, of course, she balances her career with family life. The good thing is she and partner Joem Bascon are on the same page with parenting their son Gido.

Meryll and Joem are both in the cast of Kapamilya series The Iron Heart, which is being filmed under lock-in in Cebu City. Meryll shared they previously agreed not to work at the same time, especially if it requires lock-in tapings, but they also can’t say no to the opportunity. “Nagkataon na parehas kaming nasa iisang show, siyempre blessing 'yun, ‘no!” she said.

Luckily, the production allowed her to bring along Gido, so she could continue breastfeeding the child while locked in. “Masaya ako na tinutulungan ako ng production. They make it comfortable for us. Natutuwaa ako na open sila,” she expressed.

Apart from teleseryes, Meryll is also passionate about indie films and she’s looking forward to more doors opening for independent cinema locally and internationally.

“I’m happy to be back and with a bang!” she declared with a dose of her usual high-energy humor.

Catch Meryll in The Iron Heart, weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.