LOOK: Maris Racal shows off gown she was meant to wear to TIFF 2024

Maris Racal donning what was supposed to be her gown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Image: Dookie Ducay via Instagram/@mariesteller

Maris Racal said she won’t be able to attend the  premiere of her upcoming film “Sunshine” at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) due to scheduling conflicts.

The actress-singer took to her Instagram page to share photos of what was supposed to be her look at TIFF, a color-blocked jersey number by Marc Rancy, with a thigh-high slit, and bare back. She finished the look with a pair of bright red pumps and her hair in a high bun, as she posed with her hands stretched out a la ballerina.

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Racal plays the titular role in the Antoinette Jadaone-helmed film, “Sunshine,” the name of a rhythmic gymnast who is set to join the national team. The conflict revolves around her finding out that she is pregnant.

Also part of “Sunshine” are Elijah Canlas, Xyriel Canlas, Jennica Garcia, and Meryll Soriano.

The actress-singer earlier expressed her desire to join the movie premier in Toronto, which is the largest film festival in North America, and is one of the five most prestigious award-giving bodies in the world. She said she is excited to meet other international stars, among them Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett.

In an interview with ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, Racal said her visa for Canada was already approved at the time her interview with Felipe took place. But she clarified that she had since moved on, and will be supporting the film in “spirit.”

“My visa got approved so it’s kinda heartbreaking. But it’s not about me naman. There’s a Filipino movie na kasama sa TIFF 2024. I will be there in spirit, beaming with pride… I’ve moved on, ang dami kong iniyak. I’m like, okay lang ako.”

(My visa got approved so it’s kinda heartbreaking. But it’s not about me. There is a Filipino movie part of TIFF 2024. I will be there in spirit, beaming with pride. I moved on, I cried a lot about this already. I told myself I’m okay.)

Busy schedule

Aside from “Sunshine,” Racal is also set to star in the action drama “Incognito” where she will be joined by Anthony Jennings, Richard Gutierrez, Daniel Padilla, Kaila Estrada, and Ian Veneracion.

She said that ABS-CBN did its best to adjust her schedule to include her supposed TIFF appearance, but her busy schedule and filming for the drama “Incognito” in Italy, made her unable to join.

“I made a commitment kasi and the [‘Incognito’ shoot] was booked na way early this year. I appreciate naman the production and ABS-CBN. They really tried to move things around for me because they know how important TIFF is [to] me,” she said. “They tried to change the schedule but matagal na talagang naka-book ‘yung Italy. Doable naman sana kung sa Philippines ‘yung shoot, pero Italy kasi eh kaya maraming madadamay.”

(I made a commitment and the ‘Incognito’ shoot was booked way earlier this year. I appreciate the production and ABS-CBN. They really tried to move things around for me because they know how important TIFF is to me. They tried to change the schedule, but Italy has been booked for a long time. It could’ve been doable if the shoot had been in the Philippines. But it’s in Italy so a lot of factors will be affected.)

‘Blood, sweat, and tears’

Touching on the film’s trailer, Racal said receiving rave reviews for her performance made her joyful since portraying Sunshine felt like a responsibility for her.

“Hindi ko in-expect na ganun ‘yung pagka-accept ng trailer. A tear fell. Sobrang natuwa ako dahil ang daming lumabas na tao na they were rooting for me pala since day one… Thankful din ako for Direk Tonet [Jadaone] for trusting me with this huge responsibility. Hindi biro ‘yung role na ‘yun,” she said.

(I didn’t expect that many would accept the trailer. A tear fell. I was very happy that people came out to say they had been rooting for me since day one. I’m also thankful to Direk Tonet Jadaone for trusting me with this huge responsibility. That role was no joke.)

Racal added that she filmed “Sunshine” while doing “Can’t Buy Me Love” at the same time, noting that her efforts paid off.

“I was shooting that while shooting ‘Can’t Buy Me Love.’ There are days talaga na lutang na ko. But everything was really worth it. Literal na blood, sweat, and tears upon making the film,” she said.

“I’m so happy na mapapanood siya ng mundo. Hindi basta-basta ang Toronto International Film Festival, I heard na sold out na lahat ng tickets. Thankful ako, excited ako sa mga reaction ng mga tao,” she continued.

(I was shooting the film while shooting “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are days where I feel tired, but everything was really worth it. I put in blood, sweat, and tears while making the film. I’m so happy that it can be watched by the world. The Toronto International Film Festival is no joke. I also heard that tickets are already sold out. I’m thankful and excited with the people’s reactions.)