Rico Blanco just released a new version of the song "Kisapmata." And while we adore the song like it's the first time we've heard it, we can't help but notice that Maris Racal was included in the song visualizer's credits.
On July 27, 2024, Rico uploaded the official visualizer of "Kisapmata" on his YouTube channel. According to the video description, it's one of the songs that will be included in a soon-to-be-released album with "solo artist versions of his most loved creations." This album—that's been in the works for a while—has been a "long-standing request from his fans." The first song from the collection, "You'll Be Safe Here," was re-released in October 2023. (Fun fact: Moira Dela Torre's cover of "You'll Be Safe Here" was one of the official soundtracks of the teleserye, Can't Buy Me Love, which starred Maris.)
A part of the credits for the "Kisapmata" visualizer was a "Special Thanks" portion where Maris was mentioned. Other than Maris, he also showed gratitude to his fellow musicians, starting with his Rivermaya bandmate. It read, "Special Thanks: Mark Escueta (Guitar Amp), Maris Racal (Telecaster), Marco Bachini (Acoustic Guitar), Zild Benitez (12-string Guitar)." While it doesn't explicitly confirm exactly how they participated in the project, we do know that Maris herself also knows how to play the guitar—and has a Fender Telecaster of her own that was gifted to her for her birthday in 2020.
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The release of "Kisapmata's" official visualizer follows Maris and Rico's tearful breakup announcement.
Rico Blanco and Maris Racal's relationship
It was Maris herself who personally broke the heartbreaking news in an interview session for Star Magic Spotlight on July 12, 2024. "Rico and I are over," Maris tearfully declared. At first, she was quite hesitant to tell it to the public, she said, "I'm scared because if I announce it, then it's real."
It took a lot of courage and composure for her to slowly confirm their breakup. She revealed that it had been a couple of weeks now since their breakup, calling it the "loneliest weeks of [her] life."
But Maris noted that their five-year relationship was nothing short of perfect for her. She described their "universe" as something that's full of love and laughter. "Rico and I, our universe was so beautiful and was so full of love, laughter, music, everything. Sa five years namin together, we were always on the same page. Always on the same page," the Kapamilya actress stated. Rico has remained mum about their breakup.
They first officially confirmed their relationship in May 2021. And ICYDK, Maris was first a fan of Rico. She had openly tweeted about her admiration for the musician since 2017. Later on, her simple crush led to doing music covers together—and even releasing a new song in 2019. Clearly, despite their age difference, the two connected so well for their love for music.
It was in April 2019 when they happily announced the collaboration of their song, "Abot Langit," Rico even posted it on his Instagram with the caption, "This gorgeous pop nugget I've had the pleasure of composing alongside the talented @mariesteller who came up [with] the main idea, hooks, and a charming naughty/nice vocal perfect for our little nod to the Japanese #citypop vibe we both dig. I played all the instruments/programming, and arranged/produced/engineered/mixed/mastered as well."
