From Berlin to Taipei, Sunshine has taken Maris Racal to international film festivals, where audiences have had the opportunity to see her performance in Antoinette Jadaone’s film. Now, the actress has another achievement to celebrate back home: her first Gawad Urian Best Actress award. The recognition fulfills a dream she’s carried for years. During her acceptance speech, Racal revealed that she used to imagine receiving the trophy (while holding a water bottle). Isn’t it funny how manifestation works? She finally has the real thing!
RELATED: Aside From Sunshine, These Maris Racal Roles Are the Definition of Scene-Stealers
Racal accepted her award in a custom white Fatima Beltran ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary, complete with delicate floral lace and jewelry from Diagold. It’s another look to add to her impressive fashion repertoire, which has given us plenty to admire over the years. With that in mind, we’re revisiting a few favorites.
Her Andrea Tetangco Set for MEGA’s June 2026 Special Issue
We’d be remiss to leave out a favorite from our own pages! In MEGA’s June 2026 Special Issue, Racal wore an Andrea Tetangco coord that played with volume and transparency, pairing an extravagant ruffled top with a similarly sculptural hip detail and a sheer, floor-length skirt.
Her Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Filipiniana in Taiwan
In collaboration with stylist Adrianne Concepcion, designer AJ Javier turned to Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy wardrobe in Sabrina (1954) for Racal’s Filipiniana at the Taipei Film Festival. The resulting creation featured structured sleeves reminiscent of the traditional terno, and Racal was so pleased with it at her first fitting that Javier didn’t have to make any last-minute adjustments.
Her Painterly Gown at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025
If you could turn a painting into a gown, which artist would you choose? Racal had two in mind for the ABS-CBN Ball 2025. She worked with Ehrran Montoya on a voluminous design inspired by Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet’s paintings, incorporating shades of plum, lavender, and periwinkle. We’ve always loved art references on the red carpetRed CarpetThe high-profile arrival area at premieres, award ceremonies, and galas, where celebrities pose in carefully chosen fashion for photographers. Red carpet looks generate headlines, define trends, and elevate designers, andGo to Red Carpet Glossary.
Her Sunshine-Bright Dress at the Berlinale
To this day, we adore the silk sampaguitas on Racal’s Jot Losa number. The floral garland formed the neckline of her dress for the 2025 Berlinale, where Sunshine had its European premiere. What a beautiful way to pay homage to our country.
Her Cher Moment at the Opulence Ball 2024
There’s no doubt that Cher is a fashion icon with her long history of memorable looks. For the Opulence Ball 2024, Racal chose one of the singer’s stage costumes from 1979 as her inspiration, with designer Russel May Cordero recreating the silver-fringed attire.
Her Fiery Red Farewell at the Can’t Buy Me Love Finale
And who can forget the sharp-tongued Irene Tiu, who was honestly too funny to completely hate thanks to Racal’s portrayal? The actress wore a formfitting Joseph Palma dress to the Can’t Buy Me Love finale media conference, baring her shoulders and midriff. The interesting part? The design reportedly referenced Killing Eve (2018). Now, that’s an unexpected crossover.
We hope Maris Racal’s Gawad Urian win leads to more opportunities to do the work she loves. And if those occasions happen to involve another beautiful gown or two, all the better. We’ll be keeping an eye out, as always.
Photos from MEGA ARCHIVES and MARIS RACAL (via Instagram)
Recommended Video
Latest Posts
Latest Issue
