MANILA — Best Actress winner Maris Racal delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments at the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards, using her speech to talk about resilience, rebuilding, and choosing to move forward.
Racal earned the award for her performance in Sunshine, a film that tackles difficult themes related to abortion and personal hardship. She admitted that taking on the role came with significant responsibility and required deep compassion for the character’s journey.
At the start of her speech, the actress paid tribute to fellow nominees Mylene Dizon, Barbie Forteza, Angelica Panganiban, and Charo Santos-Concio, describing the nomination itself as a privilege.
As she spoke about Sunshine, Racal revealed how closely she related to the character’s struggles.
“Sunshine had so much potential and such a bright future, but she stumbled and made mistakes. That feels very familiar to me.”
The actress became visibly emotional while recalling periods in her own life when she felt she had lost everything and questioned whether she should keep going.
“You ask yourself if you should stop, if you’ve been erased—but the answer is no.”
She said the story of Sunshine reminded her that dreams can survive even after painful setbacks.
“Sunshine chose to keep fighting for her dreams.”
Racal dedicated her trophy to director Antoinette Jadaone, the film’s production team, and women who continue to stand up for themselves despite challenges.
“This is for every Sunshine in the world, for every woman who chooses herself, and for everyone who has fallen and found the strength to rise again.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, with many praising the honesty and vulnerability of her remarks.
Earlier that evening, Racal had said she was excited to watch the reactions and speeches of other winners. She admitted she did not expect to experience that moment herself.
When announced as Best Actress, she expressed astonishment and shared the recognition with her fellow nominees, whose performances she said she deeply admired.
Racal was also seen warmly applauding when Rico Blanco was named one of the Best Supporting Actor winners. She later said she was genuinely happy for him and regretted that he had already left the venue before she received her own award.
Looking ahead, Racal said she hopes to return to romantic comedies while continuing to explore more demanding and varied roles. Though she kept details of her upcoming project private, she assured supporters that new and exciting work is coming soon.
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