An emotional Maris Racal accepted the Best Actress award at the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards (The EDDYS) for her acclaimed performance in the film ‘Sunshine’, delivering a heartfelt speech about resilience, second chances, and choosing to move forward after life’s lowest moments.
Before expressing her gratitude, Maris first acknowledged her fellow nominees, saying it was already an honor to be recognized alongside some of the country’s most respected actresses, including Mylene Dizon, Barbie Forteza, Angelica Panganiban, and Charo Santos-Concio.
Reflecting on her award-winning role, Maris admitted that portraying ‘Sunshine’ carried enormous responsibility because of the film’s sensitive subject matter surrounding abortion.
She shared that from the moment she read the script, she knew the project would demand not only her skills as an actress but also compassion and understanding.
During her acceptance speech, Maris drew a poignant parallel between herself and the character she portrayed.
“Sunshine is a girl who had so much promise, who had big, big dreams, who had such a bright future—pero nadapa, nagkamali. This feels so familiar to me.”
The actress became emotional as she spoke about experiencing personal setbacks and the difficult journey of rebuilding herself.
“I know the feeling of losing everything. Matatanong mo sa sarili mo if titigil mo na lang ba. Burado na ba sarili mo—pero hindi.”
She added that, like her character, she ultimately chose to keep fighting for her dreams.
“Sa story ni Sunshine, pinili niyang mabuhay ang mga pangarap niya.”
Maris dedicated her trophy to director Antoinette Jadaone, the entire ‘Sunshine’ production team, and to women who continue to fight for themselves despite adversity.
“This award is for all the Sunshines in this world. Sa lahat ng mga kababaihan, sa karapatan natin piliin ang sarili natin. Sa lahat ng nadapa, bangon lang.”
Her speech drew applause from the audience, with many praising its honesty and emotional sincerity.
Earlier in the evening, Maris admitted she was simply looking forward to witnessing the winning moments of fellow nominees.
“Ang nilu-look forward ko tonight ay ang mga winning moments ng mga tao. It’s always beautiful to see their reactions, their speeches, at alam kong uuwi ako tonight feeling inspired,” she said before the ceremony.
When her name was finally announced as Best Actress, she could hardly contain her surprise.
“Ahh, ganito pala ang feeling!” she exclaimed while accepting the award.
She also shared the recognition with her fellow nominees, saying she deeply admired their performances.
Maris was likewise seen applauding warmly when Rico Blanco was announced as one of the Best Supporting Actor winners.
Asked about the recognition received by the singer-songwriter, she said she was genuinely happy for him.
“I’m genuinely happy for him at nakakatuwa dahil matagal na niyang gustong umakyat din.”
According to Maris, she was saddened that Rico had already left the venue with his family before she accepted her own award, so he was unable to witness her Best Actress victory.
Fresh from her latest acting milestone, Maris shared that she hopes to explore more genres in the future, including returning to romantic comedies while continuing to challenge herself with more diverse and demanding roles.
Although she declined to reveal details about her upcoming project, she assured fans that they can expect more exciting work from her in the near future.
