We're ending the week with some very sad news everybody. Maris Racal and Rico Blanco are no longer together. They first officially confirmed their relationship in May 2021.
READ MORE: Here's A *Complete* Timeline Of Maris Racal And Rico Blanco's Relationship
It was Maris herself who personally broke the heartbreaking news in an interview session for Star Magic Spotlight. "Rico and I are over," Maris tearfully declared in the interview held on July 12, 2024. 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 announce their breakup confirmation. She revealed that it has been a couple of weeks now since their breakup, calling it the loneliest weeks of her life.
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.
However, there are certain complications that the couple couldn't solve in the course of their romance. It led to the only option they had—which was to separate for the time being. Asked about the reason for their breakup, Maris opened up and admitted how complicated and difficult it was to break up for the both of them.
But essentially, Maris revealed that their separation was caused by inevitable changes in her life. She told the media, "I don't know what happened to me. Maybe I turned to the next page and saw a new perspective sa life. I had visions of who I wanted to become, and how I wanted to evolve. I'm so curious about the world."
Maris added, "But the truth is, I am going through changes. Alam naman natin change is either good or bad. What I hate about change is that inevitable, hindi mo siya matatakasan. And wala ka nang ibang gagawin, but to face it."
Facing it meant sitting down with Rico and bearing everything that needed to be said for their relationship. Maris still praised Rico for being mature and solving the matter at hand, even if they didn't have the happy ending they'd hoped for.
"So yeah, I told Rico about it. My problems, my issues sa buhay and he took it like a man. It was a very difficult talk. I love him so much. I love him and he loves me..." Maris broke into tears as she tried to elaborate more,
She continued, "It was very difficult but it was a very polite separation. Until the very end of our relationship, it was still full of love and full of understanding. Rico is one of a kind. If only I could skip through my 20s, you know. But I can't. I have to face it. I have to sit with my feelings and acknowledge my changes."
After everything, despite the pain Maris has been feeling over their breakup, she still asks the public to let them go through the heartbreaking situation as humans. "Please don't direct your hate on Rico, because he's too precious for that. If you guys wanna throw so much, I'm ready to take them," the actress pleaded to the public.
This is the very first time that Maris has talked about their breakup and she proclaimed that it will also be the last time she'll open up about the matter too. Moreover, she was given the chance to immediately clarify that her current love team partner, Anthony Jennings, has nothing to do with their breakup. "Anthony is out of the picture," she strongly said in the interview.
Maris Racal and Rico Blanco's relationship
Maris and Rico's relationship began like no other. 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!
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."
Clearly, despite their age difference, the two connected so well for their love for music. It might have been one of the factors why the two naturally fell in love with each other. In March 2021, Maris and Rico sparked dating rumors. It was because of Maris' super sweet birthday greeting that included a black-and-white photo of Rico with the simple caption, "hi rico. happy birthday." The ultimate indicator of dating rumor at the time? Rico's response read, "hahaha love you!!!"
Well, just a couple of months after that cheesy response from Rico, Maris happily shared to the public that she and Rico are already in a relationship. "Kami po ni Rico. I think basing sa post na ginawa ko, I think it's very obvious," she said referencing her viral birthday post. "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."
