Maris Racal shared in a recent video statement that Anthony Jennings assured her he was single when their relationship began.
Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Maris revealed she developed feelings for Anthony in June, leading her to end her relationship with long-time partner Rico Blanco. Anthony had also informed her that he had broken up with his girlfriend, Jamela Villanueva.
Maris detailed that Anthony would openly act sweet toward her on set, often teasing her in front of their co-workers, further solidifying her belief that he was unattached.
“He told people close to me that he was single,” Maris said. “So I felt confident behaving in a certain way around him because, to everyone there, we were both single.”
A Growing Relationship and Public Controversy
Their bond deepened during a September trip to Italy, Maris recounted. However, things took a turn when cryptic posts from Jamela surfaced after their return.
Concerned, Maris messaged Anthony, asking, “Kumusta si Jam?” She clarified it wasn’t because she suspected they were still together but because she thought Jam might need support.
Maris admitted she repeatedly asked Anthony if he had reconciled with Jamela or still had feelings for her, but he consistently denied both.
Social Media Backlash
The actress began facing online criticism, particularly on TikTok, prompting her to urge Anthony to clarify their relationship status publicly. While Anthony assured her he would address it, he delayed making a statement.
“I didn’t want to be pushy,” Maris explained. “It wasn’t my story to tell, so I waited quietly.”
By Halloween, Maris and Anthony were seen being affectionate, which led to more backlash when Jamela posted indirect comments online. Maris said she begged Anthony to release a statement, but it wasn’t until days later—after their relationship had already begun to cool—that he publicly confirmed his breakup with Jamela.
“At that point, my feelings for him had started to fade,” Maris admitted.
Connecting the Dots
After screenshots of their private conversations went viral, Maris said she realized why Anthony had been hesitant to make a statement—he and Jamela were still together.
“I didn’t know. I was in the dark,” Maris said. She added that she now understands Jamela’s pain and anger, as they were both misled.
Maris attempted to reach out to Jamela in November but received no response.
The controversy erupted further when Jamela exposed Anthony’s alleged infidelity on Instagram, sharing screenshots of messages with Maris.
Maris and Anthony, who gained attention for their roles in Can’t Buy Me Love, are set to appear in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival movie, And the Breadwinner Is…