With how extremely talented, impressively versatile, and awesomely brave she is in taking on interesting and diverse roles, there’s definitely no doubt that Maris Racal is one of the biggest stars of her generation.
And from astounding us as a budding Olympian gymnast in her critically acclaimed film “Sunshine,” she has indeed entered her action star era as she takes on the role of the optimistic and gutsy neophyte policewoman Paula “Ponggay” Garcia in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”
As we look forward to seeing how her character will fare in the well-loved action-drama series, let us first revisit Maris’ stellar teleserye journey through the years via this episode of Kapamilya Update.
Fresh off her “Pinoy Big Brother All In” 2nd Big Placer finish in 2014, she immediately scored an acting project via the family drama series “Hawak Kamay,” wherein she played the supporting character Wendy.
The following year, she endeared us as the vivacious and congenial girl named Junalyn in the daytime inspirational teleserye “Oh My G!” She also joined the cast of “Ningning” in 2015, wherein she took on the role of Niña Buenaflor, the tender yet palaban teenage friend of the titular character played by then-child star Jana Agoncillo.
In 2016, she once again charmed viewers as Jenny, the obedient younger sister of lead character Wilma (Pokwang) in the comedy-drama series “We Will Survive.”
She then had the opportunity to take part in the long-running primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2017, as she played the supporting role of Rona Carreon. Her appearance may be limited, but her character was pivotal in the plot twist of the first season, for it was she who inspired her father, Colonel Roy Carreon (Art Acuña), to speak up against the corrupt and wicked Tuazon family.
It was also in that same year when Maris got cast in the afternoon soap opera “Hanggang Saan,” wherein she captivated us as the adorable Nessa, the love interest of one of the main characters, Domeng (Yves Flores).
In 2019, she truly amused Kapamilya viewers with her portrayal of the sassy and fierce Peachy Ann Mabunga in the primetime family soap opera “Pamilya Ko.”
The stellar actress then did two iWant original series in 2022. From playing the role of Ria, who yearns to be loved back as well by the man with whom she has an unrequited affection in “The Goodbye Girl,” Maris went on to endear us as Jen, the spunky young woman who was moving on from her breakup with her boyfriend in “How to Move on in 30 Days.”
A year later, she further earned everyone’s admiration in “Can’t Buy Me Love” through her impeccable portrayal of the now-iconic Irene Tiu. Her versatility as an actress indeed shone in this series, as she didn’t only get to showcase her dramatic chops but also her flair as a kontrabida and a comedienne.
And this 2025, Maris’ star has indeed glowed brighter as she entered her action star era, starting off with the action-drama series “Incognito.” She totally astounded us with her portrayal of the femme fatale Gabriela “Gab” Rivera, who is not only fluent in speaking a few languages but also skilled in doing stunts and handling weapons.
Just a couple of months after that series concluded, she’s poised to amaze ardent Kapamilya fans anew with her appearance in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” wherein she’s expected to showcase her surefire acting performance and action prowess as Patrolwoman Paula “Ponggay” Garcia.
Is Maris’ Ponggay going to be a friend or a foe of Coco Martin’s character, Tanggol? Let us all find out by watching “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5 and iWant.