Maris Racal is one of the hottest in the Philippines right now, and that is (apart from her acting skills) thanks to her lithe and quite nimble body. This woman knows how to seduce through dancing and how to soften your macho image with her voice.
This 28-year-old babe looks a lot younger than her age. She looks like she’s only in junior high and I think that will remind you of the girls you used to ogle at back then.
Who is Maris Racal?
Maris Racal is a Filipino actress and singer who first caught the spotlight in 2014 as the runner-up on Pinoy Big Brother: All In. That big break landed her a contract with Star Magic and opened the doors to a busy career in both film and television. Since then, she’s shown off her versatility—not just as an actress in hits like Vince and Kath and James, Block Z, and the series Can’t Buy Me Love, but also as a musician with albums like Stellar and Ate Sandali. Whether she’s on screen or behind the mic, Maris has carved out her own lane in the industry, proving she’s way more than just a reality show alum.
Her Early Life
Maris Racal was born Mariestella Cañedo Racal on September 22, 1997, in Tagum, Davao del Norte, to Henry and Leony Racal. The fifth of six kids, she grew up in a big, lively household where music quickly became her outlet. In school, she was that student everyone counted on to sing the responsorial psalm at Mass, and she never missed a chance to perform. Outside the classroom, she was already sharing her voice with the world, uploading cover songs on SoundCloud.
After high school at St. Mary’s College in Tagum, Maris set her sights on becoming a medical technologist and enrolled at Trinity University of Asia. But once her showbiz career took off, balancing labs and lectures with lights and cameras became impossible—so she put her studies on pause to follow her growing passion for entertainment.
Career Journey
After her stint on Pinoy Big Brother, Maris Racal didn’t waste any time stepping into the spotlight. She became part of Star Magic Circle 2014, quickly earning her stripes as a rising actress with her debut in the drama series Hawak Kamay. By June 2015, she had already landed her first lead role in the film Stars Versus Me.
The following year, she showed off her versatility by joining the girl group Girltrends on It’s Showtime, where she was dubbed the “Magnificent Girltrend Maris” and proudly represented the squad’s “Team Young.” By December 2016, she scored a major film break, playing Maxine in the Metro Manila Film Festival hit Vince and Kath and James.
2017 turned out to be a big year. Maris became part of the ASAP girl group BFF5, then headlined her first major concert, 4 of A Kind: The Un4gettable Concert, at the Music Museum. The momentum carried over to 2018 when she staged her own FanCon at Teatrino, where she debuted her single Tala. She also teamed up with Iñigo Pascual as co-host of the online show One Music POPSSSS.
Her growth as a songwriter became even more apparent in 2019, when she released Abot Langit, a collaboration with Rico Blanco that fans couldn’t get enough of. By 2020, she signed with Balcony Entertainment and Sony Music Philippines, releasing her single Not For Me.
In 2022, Maris dropped her sophomore album Ate Sandali, an eight-track mix of heartfelt and playful songs, including Asa Naman, which proudly incorporated Cebuano lyrics. “It’s always going to be a part of me to incorporate Bisaya words into my music,” she shared. That authenticity paid off—Asa Naman bagged Best Regional Recording at the 35th Awit Awards.
Of course, Maris didn’t just stick to music. She kept her TV career alive, even working under TV5 for a time on Sunday Noontime Live! and starring in Stay-In Love. She later reappeared on Pinoy Big Brother: Connect in 2021 and returned to ASAP the same year.
Most recently, in 2023, Maris starred in the romantic drama series Can’t Buy Me Love, proving she’s just as much a leading lady on screen as she is in music.
Facts and Trivia
Back in August 2015, Maris Racal charmed everyone with her cover of Norah Jones’ Don’t Know Why during the #HappyBirthdayWish1075 celebration. That performance didn’t just win hearts—it also won her two trophies at the 2016 Wish 107.5 Music Awards: Wishers’ Choice for Wishclusive Performance of the Year and Wishers’ Choice for Young Artist of the Year. Not bad for a single song!
On the personal side, Maris had her fair share of headlines, too. She was once paired with actor-singer Iñigo Pascual, and while their chemistry was undeniable, their real-life connection didn’t quite last—though the two stayed good friends. A few years later, she was linked to musician Rico Blanco after they met at a friend’s wedding. By July 2021, they went public with their relationship, which quickly became one of local showbiz’s most talked-about pairings. Sadly, the romance ended in July 2024, marking the close of a very public chapter.
Outside the limelight, Maris has proven she’s more than just an actress and singer. She stepped into entrepreneurship by opening her own café, Stream of Consciousness Coffee, set against the sandy backdrop of San Juan, La Union—a spot as stylish and cool as its owner.
Her Body Measurements
Maris Racal stands 5 feet, 3 inches and she possesses a lithe 32-23-33 figure.
Maris Racal Photos
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