Maris Racal broke down in tears during the finale press conference of the hit action-drama series ‘Incognito’, held recently in Quezon City.
With just a few weeks left before the series wraps up, emotions ran high as the cast and crew reflected on their journey together.
Racal, who played the fierce and enigmatic Gabriela “Gab” Rivera, couldn’t hold back her emotions while thanking those behind the scenes. “Sorry, medyo na-stun ako, noong nagpasalamat na si Chang Des sa mga tao behind the camera,” she said. “Sobrang… noong tiningnan ko ang mga cameramen ngayon, sobrang thank you sa bonding, sa friendship na nabuo, as in.”
She paid tribute to the crew, stuntmen, creatives, and promo team, saying they deserved the utmost respect.
“Kami yung mga astig tingnan… tough tingnan, but in reality it’s the crew… sa kanila ‘yung respect ko talaga,” she added, with a laugh, “Sa cast, okey lang, eh. Hahaha!”
Her voice cracking, Maris shared how much the show meant to her: “Now that we’re saying goodbye, I just want to say, making this series, making Incognito has saved me. You have no idea how much you saved me, kung paano ako nag-grow as an actor. Salamat sa pagbigay sa akin ng role na Gabriela Rivera!”
Known as a “master of disguise,” Gab Rivera became an empowering role for Racal, who underwent three months of tactical and hand-to-hand combat training to bring the character to life. Her portrayal was praised for its intensity, especially during one of the show’s iconic opening scenes— a fight sequence filmed in cold Baguio weather while clad in lingerie.
Speaking about her Day 1 nerves and determination, Maris said, “There’s no room for hesitation — you have to prove yourself to be considered [as] Gab Rivera. It’s really amazing, the biggest blessing, a dream come true, and I’m grateful.”
As ‘Incognito’ nears its finale, Maris admitted that saying goodbye to Gab is her biggest challenge yet.
The action-packed drama also stars Daniel Padilla, Kaila Estrada, Ian Veneracion, Baron Geisler, Anthony Jennings, and Richard Gutierrez. It follows seven misfits recruited into a covert military unit called Kontraks, tasked with missions too dangerous or politically sensitive to be handled officially.
For Maris Racal, ‘Incognito’ wasn’t just another project — it was a turning point. “You gave me something I’ll never forget,” she said, holding back tears as the room applauded her vulnerability and passion.
