Maris Racal

Mariestella "Maris" Cañedo Racal (; born September 22, 1997) is a Filipino actress and singer. She rose to prominence in 2014 after joining Pinoy Big Brother: All In, where she finished as the runner-up. Afterward, Racal signed with Star Magic. She was previously a member of It's Showtime's all-girl dance group Girltrends and ASAP sing-and-dance group BFF5.

Racal's breakthrough role was as Irene Tiu in the ABS-CBN romantic drama series Can't Buy Me Love.

Early life Mariestella Cañedo Racal was born on September 22, 1997, in Tagum, Davao del Norte, to Henry and Leony (née Cañedo) Racal. She is the fifth of six children. Racal grew up in Davao del Norte and graduated high school from St. Mary's College in Tagum. In school, she regularly sang the responsorial psalm and performed during Mass. She also uploaded cover songs on SoundCloud.

Racal pursued a degree in medical technology at Trinity University of Asia but discontinued her studies due to her busy schedule.

Acting career 2014–2022: Pinoy Big Brother and subsequent projects After Pinoy Big Brother, Racal was launched as part of Star Magic Circle 2014 and had been quickly molded as a budding actress, starting off on the drama series Hawak Kamay, followed by more stints on several TV series including Maalaala Mo Kaya, Ipaglaban Mo!, Oh My G!, and Ningning, and on films like Halik sa Hangin, Just The Way You Are, and The Breakup Playlist. She also starred with Roberto "Fourth" Solomon Pagotan IV in the Dear MOR episode, the "Kate and Red Story". In April 2015, she released her first single "Tanong Mo Sa Bituin" as part of Star Record's compilation album "OPM Fresh". In June 2015, she played her first lead role in the film Stars Versus Me by Tandem Entertainment.

In February 2016, Racal was introduced as one of the members of all-girl dance group Girltrends on the noontime show It's Showtime, where was tagged as "Magnificent Girltrend Maris" and became the group's Team Young member. She also played a supporting role in the comedy-drama series We Will Survive. In October 2016, Racal performed in her first OneMusicPH's digital concert "Double Hearts", where she debuted her original song "Take It All Away". In the same month, she also appeared in the film The Third Party. In December 2016, Racal played the role of Maxine in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival box office entry film Vince and Kath and James.

In January 2017, Racal was launched as one of the members of ASAP'''s all-girl song-and-dance group BFF5 (pronounced as BFFs), alongside Loisa Andalio, Ylona Garcia, Andrea Brillantes, and Kira Balinger. Later on, she made her guest appearance in the action drama series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, and a starring role in Wansapanataym Presents: Annika PINTAsera. She also performed the song "Paano Mo Nalaman", a Tagalog version of "How Did You Know", for the romantic drama series Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin. On July 8, 2017, Racal held her first major concert "4 of A Kind: The Un4gettable Concert" at the Music Museum, alongside Loisa Andalio, Sue Ramirez and Kristel Fulgar. She also starred in the horror-thriller film Bloody Crayons, drama series Hanggang Saan, and the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival box office entry film Haunted Forest.

On February 8, 2018, Racal headlined the first Star Events FanCon at Teatrino, Promenade with Iñigo Pascual as her special guest. Her original song "Tala" was released as her newest single during the event. A few days later, she debuted as co-host for Iñigo Pascual's online show One Music POPSSSS, appearing on the first episode of the fourth season. Her latest single "Ikaw Lang Sapat Na" was released in May 2018, as part of the soundtrack of romantic drama series Since I Found You. In September 2018, she became a certified recording artist with the release of her first album entitled "Stellar". In October 2018, she was one of the ten interpreters for Himig Handog 2018 with a song entitled "Sugarol" composed by Jan Sabili. In 2019, Racal joined the cast of family drama series Pamilya Ko in the role of Peachy Mabunga. Pamilya Ko was later canceled in 2020, following the loss of ABS-CBN's franchise in the middle of COVID-19 pandemic.

Racal had to temporarily work on TV5 under its blocktimer shows. She was part of the short-lived program Sunday Noontime Live!, and played a lead role in the romantic comedy series Stay-In Love. She later made her appearance on The Big Night of Pinoy Big Brother: Connect in March 2021, and returned to ASAP in April 2021.

2023–present: Breakthrough with Can't Buy Me Love In 2023, Racal starred in the comedy thriller and Slamdance Film Festival entry Marupok AF (Where is the Lie?). She also appeared in the body-swapping comedy Here Comes the Groom. The film is an entry to the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival and the sequel to the 2010 film Here Comes the Bride. She also led the series Simula sa Gitna opposite Khalil Ramos.

In the same year, Racal starred in the romantic drama series Can't Buy Me Love. She portrayed the role of Irene Tiu, a spoiled, alcoholic and sarcastic girl who has a rivalry with her half-sister Caroline Tiu, portrayed by Belle Mariano. Irene eventually develops a love-hate relationship with Snoop Manansala. Racal gained mainstream recognition for her role.

In 2024, Racal headlined the 49th Toronto International Film Festival entry Sunshine, directed by Antoinette Jadaone. A sports drama film, she did one year of gymnastics training for the titular role. She also appeared in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry And the Breadwinner Is..., led by Vice Ganda and directed by Jun Lana.

In 2025, Racal starred in the Netflix romantic comedy film Sosyal Climbers with Anthony Jennings. She also appeared in the action drama series Incognito. Racal then starred in the long-running Coco Martin-led series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

Music career In July 2014, Racal and the Pinoy Big Brother: All In housemates released their own original album, composed of three songs ("Teen Love Song", "Turtle Song", and "Bibimbap") originally written and sung by themselves.

On October 28, 2014, she uploaded her cover of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" song on her official YouTube account. The hashtag 'Thinking Out Loud Cover by Maris Racal' immediately trended worldwide on Twitter, as her fans expressed their delight for her cover song. The video garnered almost two million hits on YouTube since it was uploaded.

In February–March 2015, Racal shared her video blogs on YouTube known as "Maris My Song For You" episodes (with the direction of Alco Guerrero) where she gave her fans an opportunity to send her their messages and ask her to breathe new life to their favorite song. Her videos featured covers of songs "In My Life" and "True Colors", followed by "Firework", "Yellow", "Lost Stars", "'Til There Was You" and "Ordinary People".

In April 2015, Racal released her first single "Tanong Mo Sa Bituin", as part of Star Record's compilation album "OPM Fresh". The song became the official soundtrack for the film Stars Versus Me.

On October 2, 2016, Racal was one of the four singer-performers (alongside Loisa Andalio, Sue Ramirez, and Kristel Fulgar) who headlined OneMusicPH's Double Hearts Digital Concert where she debuted her original song "Take It All Away".

During the grand press conference for the drama series Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin on April 24, 2017, Racal performed the song "Paano Mo Nalaman", a Tagalog version of "How Did You Know", and one of the soundtracks for the series, which premiered on May 1, 2017.

On February 8, 2018, Racal released her song "Tala" during her FanCon. On May 4, 2018, she also released her single "Ikaw Lang Sapat Na", a song that she wrote for Iñigo Pascual on their guesting on the Sunday night talk show Gandang Gabi, Vice!. "Ikaw Lang Sapat Na" was used as a soundtrack for the romantic drama series Since I Found You. The song was also featured on ASAP with Iñigo Pascual. On July 7, 2018, Racal launched her first album "Stellar" at the SM North Edsa Skydome, with Migz Haleco, Iñigo Pascual and Sue Ramirez as her special guests. She performed all of her songs in the album, including "Hi Crush", "Love Is Easy", "Tayo Na Di Tayo", "Ikaw Lang Sapat Na" and a rock version of "Tala". Her album is available in all digital stores nationwide. In October 2018, she interpreted the official entry from the Himig Handog 2018, "Sugarol", written by Jan Sabili.

On the second quarter of 2019, Racal released her self-written single "Abot Langit", in collaboration with Rico Blanco.

In 2020, Racal signed with a new music label, Balcony Entertainment and distributor, Sony Music Philippines. She released her first single "Not For Me" in September under the new label.

On June 11, 2022, Racal released her sophomore album Ate Sandali, composed of eight tracks, including her lead single of the same title. Some of her songs, including "Asa Naman" from the album, feature Cebuano lyrics. "It's always going to be a part of me to incorporate Bisaya words into my music," Racal said in an interview with Mae Trumata of Nylon Manila''. The song won "Best Regional Recording" at the 35th Awit Awards in 2022. Racal delivered her acceptance speech partly in Cebuano. She stated, "We all know that when we write songs, we should write our truth, and part of my truth is that I'm born in Tagum, Davao. I grew up Bisaya!" She encouraged other musicians to write songs in Philippine languages beyond Tagalog.

Personal life Racal dated actor-singer Iñigo Pascual during their time as onscreen partners, but their partnership "didn't work out" and they remained as friends. After their split, Racal was linked to musician Rico Blanco from 2019 to 2024, after meeting at a friend's wedding. They announced their relationship in July 2021. Racal and Blanco later broke up in July 2024.

Besides her entertainment career, Racal also ventured into entrepreneurship and launched a prominent coffee shop on a popular beach in San Juan, La Union, called "Stream of Consciousness Coffee".

On September 21, 2025, Racal joined the 2025 Philippine anti-corruption protests in Manila. She also marched with the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association.

Filmography Film

Year Title Role Notes 2015 Halik sa Hangin Tetay Supporting role Stars Versus Me Elena Just the Way You Are Amy The Breakup Playlist Janine 2016 The Third Party Joan Vince and Kath and James Maxine Supporting role, 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2017 Bloody Crayons Richalaine AlcantaraMain role Haunted Forest Mich 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2019 I'm Ellenya L. Ellenya 3rd Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry 2020 Block Z Erika Boyette: Not a Girl Yet NancySupporting role Isa Pang Bahaghari Young Lumen Supporting role, 46th Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2023 Here Comes the Groom Blesilda Supporting role, 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival entry Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie?) Beanie Landridos Main role, Slamdance Film Festival entry 2024 Sunshine Sunshine Francisco Main role, 49th Toronto International Film Festival entry And the Breadwinner Is... Buneng Supporting role, 50th Metro Manila Film Festival entry 2025 Sosyal Climbers Jessa Baluarte / Penelope RegaladoMain role

Television / Digital

Year Title Role Notes/Ref.2014 Pinoy Big Brother: All In Housemate / 2nd Big placer Hawak Kamay Wendy Maalaala Mo Kaya: Lobo Maila 2015 Oh My G! Junalyn Barel Ipaglaban Mo!: Inabusong Karapatan Nina Ipaglaban Mo!: Pinekeng Anyo Minnie Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bottled Water Zyra Ipaglaban Mo!: Maging Akin Ka Lang Jenny / Jean's Sister 2015–2020 2021–present ASAP Herself (performer) / BFF5 member 2015–2016 Ningning Niña Buenaflor Supporting role 2016 We Will Survive Jenny Bonanza / Jennilyn Maalaala Mo Kaya: Droga young Emily / Emilia Rodrigo Special participation Maalaala Mo Kaya: Toga Analyn Telmo / Analiyn Telmo Home Sweetie Home: Something New Letlet Maalaala Mo Kaya: Luneta Park Maymay 2016–2017 It's Showtime Herself / GirlTrends member 2017 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Ronalyn "Rona" Carreon Ipaglaban Mo!: Katotohanan Jessa Wansapanataym: Annika PINTAsera Fairy Sylvia Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tape Recorder Lou Ann Myx Herself / Myx Celebrity VJ Maalaala Mo Kaya: Casa Young Hazel 2017–2018 Hanggang Saan Nessa 2018 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Ukelele Tin Amistoso Ipaglaban Mo: Kakampi Maya Hermosa 2019 Pamilya Ko Peachy Ann R. Mabunga Maalaala Mo Kaya: Stationery Carol Maalaala Mo Kaya: Contest Zephanie Dimaranan 2020 Beauty Queens Tarsila Zamora Rodriguez 2020–2021 Stay-In Love Diding Saclolo 2021 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Flyers Jayren Lom-oc Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bisikleta 2022 The Kangks Show Cassandra The Goodbye Girl Ria How to Move On in 30 Days Jen Agbisit Suntok sa Buwan Trina "Tinay" 2023 Simula sa Gitna Sarah Takeshi's Castle Philippines Guest commentator 2023–2024 Can't Buy Me LoveIrene Tiu 2024 Bida Bida Herself 2025 Incognito Gabriela "Gab" Rivera-Guerrero / Sparrow Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Houseguest Rainbow Rumble Contestant 2025–2026 FPJ's Batang Quiapo Paula "Ponggay" Garcia Main Role / Protagonist

Television commercials

Discography Studio albums Year Album Label 2018 Stellar Star Music 2022 Ate Sandali Sony Music Philippines

Singles Year Song title Album Composer Company 2015 Tanong Mo Sa Bituin OPM Fresh Joven Tan Star Music 2018 Tala Stellar Maris Racal Ikaw Lang Sapat Na Maris Racal Love Is Easy Maris Racal Tayo Na 'Di Tayo with Inigo Pascual Maris Racal Hi Crush Gabriel Tagadtad Tayo Na 'Di Tayo with Inigo Pascual (alternative version) Maris Racal Sugarol Himig Handog 2018 Jan Sabili 2019 Abot Langit - Maris Racal 2020 Not For Me - Maris Racal Sony Music Philippines Kahit Na Anong Sablay - Maris Racal Balcony Entertainment 2021 Stop Missing You OPM Fresh: Songwriters Series Vol. 1 Mycah Alice Borja Star Music Ate Sandali! Ate Sandali Maris Racal Balcony EntertainmentSony Music Philippines Asa Naman Simulan (Starting Now) - Darren Criss, Jason Mater, Jordan Powers Walt Disney Records 2022 Pumila Ka Ate Sandali Maris Racal Balcony EntertainmentSony Music Philippines Di Papakawalan 2025 Perpektong TaoNine Degrees North Inc. 2026 Sino Ang Tanga - Maris Racal, David La Sol, Nour Hooshmand

Chart performance

Music video chart performance Year Title Peak (MYX Daily Top 10 - Pinoy) Peak (Pinoy MYX Countdown) Peak (MYX Hit Chart) Album2018 "Love Is Easy" 1 2 2 Stellar "Sugarol" 1 1 1 Himig Handog 20182019 "Abot Langit" 3 1 3 -

Awards and nominations Year Award-giving Body / Critics Award Notable Work ResultRef. 2014 1st Star Cinema Awards Most Promising Actress 2015 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best New Female TV Personality Maalaala Mo Kaya Ep.Lobo 2nd Star Cinema Awards Breakthrough Artist 2016Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2016 Wishers’ Choice for Wish Young Artist of the Year 2017 Push Awards #OOTDGoals Celebrity Fashionista of the Year 3rd LionhearTV RAWR Awards Beshie ng Taon Vince and Kath and James 4th Star Cinema Awards Ultimate Scene Stealer Vince and Kath and James and Bloody Crayons Ultimate Breakthrough Loveteam (with Inigo Pascual) 2018 20th Gawad Pasado Awards PinakaPASADOng Dangal ng Kabataan (with Iñigo Pascual) Myx Music Awards 2018 Myx Celebrity VJ of the Year MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2018 Best New Artist of the Year 8th EdukCircle Awards BEST ACTRESS in Single Drama Performance Maalaala Mo Kaya Ep.Casa Himig Handog 2018 MOR Philippines Choice AwardSugarol TFC's Global Choice for Favorite Song MYX Choice for Best Music Video Push Awards Push Group/Tandem of the Year (with Inigo Pascual) Push Celebrity Squad of the Year #Friendshipgoals (with Sue Ramirez) Inside Showbiz Awards 2018 Favorite Music VideoLove Is Easy 2019 Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2019 Wish Pop Song of the Year Myx Music Awards 2019 Music Video Guest Appearance of the Year Lumang Tugtugin by Inigo Pascual MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2019 Female Artist of the Year Love Is Easy Best Collaboration of the Year Tayo Na Di Tayo (with Inigo Pascual) 32nd Awit Awards 2019 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for Favorite New Female Artist PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for Favorite Music Video Sugarol PERFORMANCE AWARD for Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist Love Is Easy TECHNICAL AWARD for Best Vocal Arrangement Sugarol ALBUM PACKAGING EXCELLENCE AWARD for Best Cover Art Stellar Music Video of the Year Sugarol 2020 GMMSF 51st Box Office Choice Awards Promising Female Recording Artist of the Year Laguna Excellence Award Outstanding New Female Recording Artist of the Year Hi Crush 202235th Awit Awards 2022 Female Favorite Artist Best Regional Recording Asa Naman 2023 The Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2023 Best Media Practitioner for Entertainment 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress Here Comes the Groom TikTok Awards PH 2023 Celebrity Creator of the Year 36th Awit Awards 2023 Best World Music Recording Pumila Ka 4th TAG Media Chicago Awards #TAG25UNDER25 2024 9th Wish Music Awards Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year Ate Sandali 9th Push Awards Favorite Onscreen Performance for TelevisionCan't Buy Me Love 5th Village Pipol Choice Awards Breakthrough Star of the Year Golden Laurel Awards Breakthrough Love Team (with Anthony Jennings) SnoRene - Can't Buy Me Love Anak TV Seal Awards Net Makabata Star Star Magical Christmas Breakthrough Love Team of the Year (with Anthony Jennings) 2025 TAG Victorious Awards Chicago Best Supporting Actress - Series Can't Buy Me Love (Silver Champion) 6th Village Pipol Choice Awards Supporting Movie Actress of the Year And the Breadwinner Is... 53rd Box Office Entertainment Awards Most Promising Love Team of Philippine Entertainment(with Anthony Jennings) 2026 8th Gawad Lasallianeta Most Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role Incognito Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards 2026 Media Excellence in Film Acting Sunshine Manila Bulletin Newsmaker of the Year 6th Pinoy Rebyu Awards Best Lead Performance 9th Eddy's AwardsBest Actress 49th Gawad Urian Award Philippine Academy of Film and Television Arts Breakthrough Performance Award Batang Quiapo