Why playing ‘kontrabida’ more fulfilling for Maris Racal

Maris Racal –MARIS RACAL/ INSTAGRAM

Singer-actress Maris Racal said that, at 26, she never really imagined she would be part of a romantic onscreen partnership so the tandem “SnoRene” came as a big surprise to her.

Her love team with Anthony Jennings came about organically when they played Snoop and Irene in the defunct series “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The two were introduced as bickering characters who later form a romantic bond.

“I didn’t expect that at my age—since love teams usually start when you’re 16—I would still be part of one. Teenagers are groomed for this as they grow older. How people accepted my team up with Jennings was unimaginable for me, but I’m so grateful for it,” she told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview.

“As a result, we are now getting a lot of blessings—we’ve been busy working together on several endorsements. I’m really excited about this journey that I’m having with him. I look forward to more projects with Jennings,” said Maris, who also let on that they are already doing preproduction work on a full-length feature that will be directed by Jason Paul Laxamana.

Blessings

“We’ve only just started. We’ve done acting workshops and table readings. We’re really preparing for it. We’re both excited,” said Maris. “I’m happy. I never expected that my 2024 would be filled with blessings. It’s true what they say about patience being a virtue, and that life is not a race but a marathon.

“This means that for as long as you’re alive, you just keep fighting. Even though it seems like your dreams are unreachable, don’t lose hope. Keep that fire burning in your heart and don’t dim your light for others. If you are given the opportunity to show what you’ve got, do your best, give your 150 percent best.”

Maris’ film “Marupok A+,” a dark LGBTQIA+ comedy by Quark Henares, had its nationwide commercial run recently. It was the first time Maris’ supporters saw her take on “a very dark character” for the big screen, she pointed out.

‘Big genre switch’

“It’s really a big genre switch from my usual wholesome roles. Playing my character Beanie really forced me to do and say things that [my fans] have not seen me do before. Yes, they’re used to my role as Cassandra in ‘The Kangks Show,’ but this one is a different kind of comedy,” she explained.

Maris said she first did Beanie before portraying her “Can’t Buy Me Love” character, Irene, whom she described as “also dark but became likable in the end.” She added: “I guess the pressure can really be felt by an actor who was first identified with wholesome roles and kind characters, so it was challenging for me to portray both.

“In preparation for Beanie, I watched so many edgy films, with characters who are outspoken and sociopathic. This is just so I could get into the world of a person with that kind of attitude.”

When asked whether or not she feels alarmed that the audience is starting to love dark characters, Maris is convinced that this is not a cause for worry. “I think this really happens—kontrabida characters do have fans. I don’t know why, but it’s in our history. Do you think Pinoys are naturally troublesome? I have no clue why they like my kontrabida characters, but I’m grateful.”

Maris admitted that she actually enjoyed portraying them. “It was through ‘Marupok A+’ that I realized I actually enjoy being bad. An actor who plays kontrabida controls the scene. When you’re the good one, you just accept the punches. With this one, I got to throw them. I had a chance to release pent-up emotions. Your coactor has no choice but to accept whatever you will give. So as an artist or actress, kontrabida characters help ignite my passion for acting.”

Maris’ other film, “Sunshine,” by Antoinette Jadaone, was the only Filipino full-length feature at the recent 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. She is also part of the ABS-CBN-produced series “Incognito,” which is currently being shot in Italy.