Maris Racal bares breakup with Rico Blanco

“Rico and I are over.”

Maris Racal broke the news yesterday of her split with boyfriend and former Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco.

At the presscon of Star Magic’s Spotlight held at Coffee Project, she was initially asked about Rico and how supportive he was of her career and loveteam with Anthony Jennings for “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

She was also queried if Rico would propose to her, would she prioritize her flourishing career or personal life, which Maris answered that she wants to focus on her career.

But it was the question, “Do you see yourself ending up with Rico?” that she became silent for a moment while tears welled up in her eyes.

The host, Ai dela Cruz, requested for a tissue paper to be handed over to Maris.

Maris at her solo presscon during ABS-CBN's Star Magic 'Spotlight' event at Coffee Project.

An emotional Maris said, “I’m so scared. I’m really scared. Andami kasing tanong about him and I’m tired of smiling and nodding. I’m so scared ‘cause if I announced it, then it’s real,” she paused and declared, “Rico and I are over.”

It’s been a few weeks since they separated, disclosed Maris. “(It’s been the) longest, emptiest weeks I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

“No one asked about what happened but I have no short answer for it. Hindi ko rin siya malabas ng isang statement lang kasi hindi ganun kadali. It’s a very complicated situation,” offered Maris. 

“Rico and I, our universe was so beautiful and so full of love, laughter, music, everything. Its spontaneity, everything. In the five years that we’ve been together, we were always on the same page. Always on the same page. But I don’t know what happened to me.

“Maybe I turned to the next page, and saw a new perspective in life. I had visions of who I want to become, how I want to evolve. I’m so curious about the world. And the truth is, I am going through changes and alam natin yung change it’s either good or bad.

“But what I hate about change is that it’s inevitable. You can’t escape it and wala ka ng ibang gawin kundi you have to face it and confront it. Because it’s been in the back of my head. So yeah, I told Rico about it, I told him about my problems, my life issues. And he took it like a man. He took it like a man.”

“It was a very difficult talk ‘cause I love him so much,” stated Maris. “I love him and he loves me but I have so many questions about my life. And how would I go on sa buhay when I have so many questions about me, my sense of self.”

Maris described their breakup as “so difficult but it was a very polite separation.”

She added, “And to the very end of our relationship, it was still full of love, full of understanding. And 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,” mused Maris.

Maris further clarified that Anthony was not part of it. “Anthony is out of the picture. It’s just me and Rico. Mainly me, I’m the issue.”

The Kapamilya actress concluded, “This is the only time I’m ever gonna talk about it. Since while we’re at it, I would like to humbly ask the public, to look at us, Rico and I with understanding and love because we’re both grieving.

“Hindi naman maco-control yung mga opinion ng mga tao. But please don’t direct your hate towards Rico ‘cause he’s too precious for that. If you guys wanna throw some punches, I’m ready to take them.”