Aside from Maris Racal's maaany Internet memes and hilarious TikTok videos, we love the 23-year-old as a talented singer and actress. In March, she became the talk of the town (even more) after revealing her relationship with musician Rico Blanco, whom she's a big fan of! We're sure you want to know more about our fave *meme queen*, so let's dive right in.
Here are 10 things you need to know about Maris Racal:
1. Maris Racal's birthday is on September 22, 1997.
To celebrate her 23rd birthday in 2020, Maris released a new single entitled "Not For Me."
2. Maris' full name is Mariestella Racal.
She was actually named by a nun, and Mariestella, which was derived from "Stellamaris," means "star of the sea." COOL!
3. She is originally from Davao.
These days, her parents still live there while Maris stays in Metro Manila. Fun fact: Maris' dad is actually a folk singer (we know where she got her musical skills from)!
4. Maris entered the showbiz industry by joining the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: All In when she was only 16 years old.
She was the show's second big placer in 2014 and was dubbed the "Singing Sunshine of Davao." Maris' fellow housemates included Joshua Garcia, Loisa Andalio, and Jane Oineza. After her PBB stint, Maris proceeded to become part of Star Magic.
5. You can follow Maris on Instagram @mariesteller!
NBD, Maris has 5.4 million followers as of this writing. And because we know you want more Maris content. she's also on Twitter (@MissMarisRacal), TikTok (@missmariestella), and YouTube (@Maris Racal)! Maris' witty and hilarious TikTok videos have become memes in the PH and even in Thailand.
6. For Valentine's Day in 2021, Maris was a total mood when she *surprised herself* with flowers and balloons.
She captioned her photos: "Thank you to myself for surprising myself." Maris arranged some rose petals to form the words "I [heart] Me" and included Polaroid pictures of herself. You go, girl!
7. In May 2021, after much speculation, Maris confirmed she's dating musician Rico Blanco.
During a virtual press conference, Maris shared: "Kami po ni Rico. I think basing sa post na ginawa ko, I think it's very obvious...Sa music naman po, nagkataon lang na medyo pareho kaming dalawa. That's why mabilis naming nakuha ang writing ng isa't isa. Before kasi nag-meet kami through that and then nagkaintindihan na." It looks like someone else will be surprising her for V-day next year!
When it comes to their 25-year age gap, here's what Maris has to say, according to a report by ABS-CBN News: "It's really a normal relationship...In their world, people may have opinions about age gap and relationships, but regarding the issue of age, we're okay, 'di kasi kami naba-bother."
"I told my mom about it, she was first on my list. Surprisingly naintindihan niya!" Maris added. "Inakala ko maraming magagalit pero kabaligtaran ang nangyari!"
For a timeline of Maris and Rico's relationship, click here.
8. Before dating Rico, Maris was actually in a love team with Inigo Pascual.
In June 2019, Maris admitted in an interview with Boy Abunda that her former love team partner broke her heart. "Okay na ako. Wala na 'yon, past na 'yon," Maris shared. She said they weren't together officially but that they stayed more than friends. "Minahal naman namin yung isa't isa, Tito Boy. Pinag-usapan namin last year, ito yung career, sabi ko, 'Thank you sa lahat.' Open naman kami mag-work sa isa't isa in the future pero for now, iba muna yung focus namin."
The two later appeared in interviews together while promoting their movie I'm Ellenya L. On Tonight With Boy Abunda, Iñigo said they didn't end up together because he wasn't ready to be in a relationship at the time. He decided to focus on his career and family, and Maris understood and supported his decision.
9. Speaking of I'm Ellenya L., the movie is just one of Maris' maaany acting projects!
I'm Ellenya L. was part of the annual Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino, and it told the story of a girl (Maris) who has one goal: to be a popular influencer-slash-vlogger. She enlists the help of her best friend Stephen (Iñigo) to achieve her dream.
Maris also appeared in several Maalalala Mo Kaya episodes, the films Vince And Kath And James (2016), Bloody Crayons (2017), Block Z (2020), and more. She was also in the TV shows Pamilya Ko (2019), Beauty Queens (2020), and Stay-In Love (2020).
10. She's actually a huge Swiftie!
Taylor Swift's last stop for her Reputation Stadium Tour was Tokyo, Japan, and Maris was there to witness it! She actually gave real-time updates of the concert on Twitter, gushed over TayTay's backup dancers, and got bummed out because of the lack of confetti.
You can watch her vlog about the concert below:
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