Maris Racal Gets Candid About Wanting To Give Up During The Most Difficult Time Of Her Life

That's despite her going through what she thinks to be the worst and most difficult time of her life. "Yes, I really wanted to give up. I was asking myself na para saan 'to lahat. Is it all worth it? Is it worth my peace?" Maris told Karen Davila in a heartfelt YouTube interview. The actress didn't specify the exact moment that sparked this self-reflection. However, fans may recall that Maris was previously involved in a controversy linked to actor Anthony Jennings that drew significant public attention.

"Pero mga two hours lang 'yon," she quipped before noting that she's really just about not giving up on her dreams. "Wala ka naman talagang ibang choice kundi labanan ang lahat ng pagsubok."

It's this very trait that allows her to form a genuine connection with her latest role as Sunshine in the film Sunshine. In case you haven't been informed, Maris has been making waves overseas as her film with Director Antonette Jadaone vies for back-to-back international screenings.

One of the film's recent milestones was its screening at the prestigious Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy. It also marked a personal first for Maris—watching her own film with a live audience. As the credits rolled, the crowd rose in a standing ovation. Overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, Maris couldn't hold back her tears, moved both by the powerful response and the journey that brought her there.

When asked why she sees herself in Sunshine, Maris openly declared, "Because I love my dreams so much. Na kahit anong problema, kahit anong pagsubok, gagawin ko siya. I love my dreams, I love my job. I love everything about this. Gagawin ko ang lahat para matupad ang mga pangarap ko."

What once felt like the end of the road for the actress turned out to be just another beginning. By holding on to her dreams, staying true to her passion, and leaning on the unwavering support of those around her, Maris found the strength to keep going—and to keep thriving. 

"At one point, I thought I was gonna lose it [my job]. I'm thankful for my supporters, for the production houses that gave me jobs. Parang gusto ko lang kasi talagang mag-explore sa job ko. So, no matter what it takes or anong kaya kong dapat i-train, gagawin ko talaga kahit mahirap," Maris said.

There's no denying that Maris bounced back stronger than ever. With Sunshine in the scene, Maris is showing yet another side of her as an actress—and that's what she's really all about. It took her months to master the role of Sunshine, who's a passionate teenage gymnast experiencing an unwanted pregnancy.

"Ibang klaseng preparation yung ginawa namin dito. We made Sunshine real. Nag-train ako for Sunshine, siguro on and off, in a span of siguro almost a year. 'Dun ako nag-train sa mga gym kung saan nag-train si Carlos Yulo. Nung first day ko talaga sa training, ang laki-laki ng billboard niya. Tapos 'yung mga tumatalon sa paligid ko—nanginig talaga ako. [...] Serious training talaga. Sa Ribbon kami nag-focus, which I love," Maris recalled about her training to be Sunshine.

During the interview, Direk Tonet and Maris talked about how Maris would tag along with the director for research purposes. They would go around talking to different women like Sunshine, creating a more solid and realistic take on the character.

Sunshine may not be everyone's typical go-to film, but Maris assures it's a story that will deeply resonate with women. It's a film that sparks a meaningful conversation about resilience, ambition, and the courage it takes for women to fight for their dreams. "Yung mission ng movie na 'to is to start a conversation about this and to give compassion to women who are like Sunshine. Kapag napanood 'to ng mga tao, 'dun magsa-start 'yung compassion. Mamahalin mo talaga si Sunshine after you watch it," she concluded.

Maris recently starred in the series Incognito. Now, she's on a full-on press tour for the upcoming release of Sunshine on July 23, 2025.