Iñigo Pascual proud of ex-girlfriend Maris Racal for ‘choosing herself’

(From left) Iñigo Pascual and Maris Racal. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Courtesy of Netflix Philippines

Iñigo Pascual showed support for his ex-girlfriend Maris Racal, saying he’s proud of her for “choosing herself,” days after she confirmed her breakup with singer-songwriter Rico Blanco.

Pascual was asked by entertainment reporters for his reaction to Racal’s breakup announcement, and said that while her heartbreak may just the “latest” in the string of show biz heartbreaks for some, it must have been tough for the actress to bear.

“I saw it. I actually watched it. I feel for her. I know it’s tough, but I see it in a good light,” he said on the sidelines of “The Heartbreak Trilogy” launch in Quezon City. “The way she talks about it, she’s getting to know herself and she’s choosing herself. It’s something that I’m very proud of her.”

The singer-actor said Racal’s intention behind her announcement was proof of her being “strong,” adding that “choosing one’s self” is a hard thing to do. “It’s always hard to turn a page and chapter, but it’s out of a good heart.”

“Walang masamang nangyari (Nothing bad happened). It’s out of a good intention,” he continued. “Her expressing that it’s not a third party and anything else, it’s her, and it’s something only the strongest people can do. Minsan, mas mahirap piliin ang sarili mo kaysa sa mga bagay na gusto mo (Sometimes, it’s hard to choose yourself rather than the things you want).”

Pascual confessed that he hasn’t been in contact with Racal for quite some time, but he’ll always be happy for her since she chose to be “strong for herself.”

“I’m proud of her… I wanna tell her that I’m happy for her and that she’s choosing to be strong for herself. Hindi madali ‘yun (It’s not easy),” he said.

The singer-actor also saw Racal’s public admission as a “parallel situation” to himself when he decided to move to the States. These, he noted, are “big steps” someone needs to take at some point in their lives.

“Sometimes, you get blinded by the things you want and the things you’re comfortable with,” he said. “Me, moving to the States, I feel like it’s a parallel situation. It’s not the ideal move for me but when you choose to learn about yourself, it’s a big step.”

Pascual and Racal confirmed they were exclusively dating in 2017 before parting ways in December 2018.

The “Can’t Buy Me Love” star went public with her romance with Blanco in May 2021. She announced their split earlier this month.

Pascual is currently in the Philippines to promote his new EP “The Heartbreak Trilogy.”