Maris Racal isn’t new to the showbiz scene. Since her debut 10 years ago, she’s been rocking it with various projects. from TV to film to music. But recently, the personality became viral for her role as Irene Tiu in the teleserye Can’t Buy Me Love.
If you’re just discovering her, it’s not too late to get to know the actress. Here’s a list of Maris Racal facts that’ll surely turn you into a fan of this multitalented performer.
Image credit: @MissMarisRacal via X
Racal was born Mariestella Cañedo Racal to Cebuano parents in San Francisco, Southern Leyte on September 22, 1997.
She grew up in Davao del Norte where she finished high school at St. Mary’s College. Even back then, her passion for performing was evident. Racal used to showcase her singing skills during mass and entertain with intermission numbers.
It’s no doubt that Racal is musically talented as she comes from a musical family. Her dad is a folk singer.
Racal’s PBB profile photo.
Image credit: bigbrother.fandom.com
Racal joined Pinoy Big Brother: All In in 2014 when she was just 16. She was a contestant in the reality competition show alongside Joshua Garcia and Loisa Andalio who are now also actors
With her hard work and charm, Racal emerged 2nd Big Placer. Brazillian-Japanese Daniel Matsunaga won this edition of the show.
PBB became Racal’s gateway to stardom. She was launched as part of Star Magic Circle 2014 right after the show and quickly began her acting career.
Video credit: @netflixph via Instagram
With numerous films and TV shows in her filmography, Racal has shown on-screen chemistry with several actors before Anthony Jennings in Can’t Buy Me Love.
She’s worked with Manolo Pedrosa, Yves Flores, Kokoy Dos Santos, and Inigo Pascual.
More recently, she was part of the Prime Video series Simula sa Gitna with Khalil Ramos.
Image credit: @mariesteller via Instagram
Racal’s relationship with singer Rico Blanco initially sparked controversy due to their 25-year age gap.
They first crossed paths in 2019 while collaborating on Racal’s single “Abot Langit”. They publicly confirmed their relationship in May 2021.
Blanco is a solo artist who began his career in 1994. He gained popularity as part of the band Rivermaya, from which he departed in 2007 but is set to have a reunion concert this year.
Video credit: Maris Racal via YouTube
While she’s best known for her acting, Racal has also released original songs and won several music awards.
She’s released 2 albums, Stellar in 2018 and Ate Sandali in 2022. Most recently, she released the track “Carelessly” in May 2023, a song arranged and produced by her boyfriend, Rico Blanco.
Beyond her vocal talents, Racal can also play several instruments, including guitar, ukulele, and piano. On top of these, she also dances and paints.
Video credit: Maris Racal via YouTube
Like her Can’t Buy Me Love co-star Anthony Jennings, Racal also has a YouTube channel, Maris Racal.
On this channel, you can find music videos and dance performances of her songs.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Racal also shares daily vlogs, travel experiences, and updates on her home.
Video credit: Maris Racal via YouTube
Having been born and raised in Visayas and Mindanao, Racal is fluent in Bisaya. In fact, in 2021, she released the upbeat indie-folk song “Asa Naman” in Tagalog and Bisaya to pay homage to her heritage.
She also frequently speaks her mother tongue in her YouTube videos, including one where she cooks the vegetable soup dish, law-uy.
(Left) “Oh, JTMA is back.” (Right) “I have to vote for my favorite artist to get the top rank.”
Image credit: @JOOXTH via X
Racal effortlessly shares humorous photos and videos on social media which often become meme material. Netizens worldwide have embraced her memes, the most popular ones being of her typing on her laptop while crying.
Image adapted from: @RaeGunn via X
She also embraces the title “meme queen.” Recently, Racal posted photos of her writing in a notebook, which Filipino netizens quickly jumped on to make memes of.
Video credit: @mariesteller via Instagram
Last year, Racal launched her first business venture, a cafe named Stream of Consciousness Coffee located in San Juan, La Union.
This cafe offers a selection of coffee and diverse cafe dishes influenced by various cuisines. It’s also IG-worth, with retro-inspired interiors adorned with Japanese pop culture elements, featuring anime figures and Yayoi Kusama art.
There’s truly so much to know about Maris Racal beyond her character Irene Tiu in Can’t Buy Me Love. So if you’re searching for an underrated but multitalented celebrity to stan, keep an eye out for her upcoming projects.
To find out about the actor who plays Can’t Buy Me Love‘s Snoop, check out these Anthony Jennings facts. Or for a throwback to iconic Filipino teleseryes, dive into our list of timeless Filipino dramas.
Cover image adapted from: @mariesteller via Instagram, @mariesteller via Instagram, @mariesteller via Instagram
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