Maris Racal returns to social media after cheating controversy

Maris Racal | Image: Instagram/@mariesteller

Maris Racal broke her social media break to promote her film “Sunshine,” which is part of the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival following weeks of hiatus due to a cheating controversy.

In an Instagram story on Saturday, Jan. 4, Racal shared the movie’s poster with the list of its screenings at the international festival. 

“Hello, Palm Springs International Film Festival! Get your tickets now,” she captioned the post.

Image: Instagram/@mariesteller

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, “Sunshine” centers on a young gymnast (Racal) who discovers she is pregnant ahead of her tryouts for the national team. Facing a big dilemma, she looks for a way to abort the pregnancy.

The movie also stars Annika Co, Jennica Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Meryll Soriano, and Xyriel Manabat. It made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024 last September.

“Sunshine” was also nominated for Best Youth Film at the 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the region’s highest accolade in film.

In October, Jadaone told reporters that “Sunshine” would be submitted to international film festivals first before it premieres in Philippine cinemas.

Racal’s social media return comes after her cheating controversy with on-screen partner Anthony Jennings that was publicized by the latter’s non-showbiz ex-girlfriend, Jam Villanueva

In December 2024, Villanueva revealed screenshots of Racal and Jennings’ intimate conversation, hinting at their affair.

Racal later admitted that she made a “mistake,” getting involved with the actor, as she emphasized that Jennings made her believe that he had ended his relationship with Villanueva when he started courting her. 

Jennings issued a public apology to Racal and Villanueva for causing them pain.