Best Actress winner says she’s “genuinely happy” for Rico’s Best Supporting Actor nod, recalling early doubts about the “Sunshine” role.
Maris Racal, who bagged the Best Actress trophy at the 9th Eddys for “Sunshine,” said she is also celebrating the win of her former boyfriend, Rico Blanco.
The singer-actor took home Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Manila’s Finest.”
Even amid her own milestone victory, Maris made it clear she recognizes the hard work Rico put into his acting project, noting how long he had wanted to pursue acting.
“I’m very happy for him. Nakakatuwa dahil matagal na niyang gustong mag-acting and he worked for it,” she shared.
“I’m genuinely happy for him,” Maris told a group of reporters in an interview after the ceremony on Sunday night.
During her acceptance speech, Maris turned emotional as she reflected on how deeply she related to her character in “Sunshine.” She shared that, like her character, she has faced judgment in her personal life but chose to rise above criticism and continue pursuing her dreams.
Maris dedicated her victory to women and dreamers who continue to persevere despite life’s challenges.
“Ang laki ng parte ng ‘Sunshine’ sa buhay ko. Minahal ko talaga siya. Gusto ko lang siyang i-dedicate sa lahat ng mga babae na kagaya ni Sunshine, hindi lang doon kundi sa mga dreamers din,” she shared.
According to Maris, she immediately fell in love with the role, although she initially questioned whether she was the right person to portray the character.
“Of course may doubts. Pero may kani-kaniyang beliefs ang mga tao. Ang nakapagpakampante sa akin dito is may mga kasama ako sa pag-tackle ng story and, yeah, ako mismo gusto ko ring suportahan iyong message,” she explained.
Following the strong reception to her performance, Maris said she hopes to continue taking on meaningful and challenging roles while staying open to other genres.
“My choice and my dreams… siguro ever since ‘Sunshine,’ gusto ko rin ng meaty roles at mga roles na nakaka-enlighten ng mga tao. And it doesn’t mean na mag-stick ako sa ganoong genre. I’m also open to rom-com, comedy. Miss ko na rin mag-comedy, so para sa akin gusto ko lang ding i-challenge ang sarili ko.”
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