Photo credit: Rico Blanco

In an emotional and candid moment at the Star Magic Spotlight event, Maris Racal confirmed her breakup with Rivermaya's vocalist and chief songwriter, Rico Blanco.

"Rico and I are over," she revealed, her voice trembling as she responded to questions about their relationship status.

Maris didn't hold back when sharing her fears and the challenges she faced in making the announcement. "I'm so scared, I'm really scared," she confessed.

"There are so many questions about him, and I am tired of smiling and nodding. I'm so scared because if I announce it, it's real. Rico and I are over."

Her voice broke as she continued, "It's fresh. It's been a few weeks and the loneliest, emptiest weeks I have experienced in my life."

When pressed about what led to their split, Maris said, "I don't have a short answer for it. I can't sum it up in one statement because it's not that simple—it's a really complicated situation. Rico and I, our universe was so beautiful. It was full of love, laughter, music, and everything spontaneous. In our five years together, we were always on the same page. I don't know what happened to me. Maybe I turned to the next page and saw a new perspective on life. I had visions of who I want to become, how I want to evolve. I'm so curious about the world."

Maris continued, "The truth is, I am going through changes, and we all know that changes can be either good or bad. What I hate about change is that it's inevitable. You can't escape it, and the only thing you can do is face it and confront it. It's been lingering in the back of my mind."

Recalling the difficult conversation with Rico, she shared, "I told Rico about it. I told him my problems, my issues in life, and he took it like a man. It was a very difficult talk because I love him so much, I love him and he loves me, but I have so many questions about my life and how I will move forward with him. I have so many questions about myself. It was so difficult. But it was a very polite separation."

"Until the very end of our relationship, it was full of love, full of understanding, and Rico is one of a kind. If only I could skip through my 20s, you know, but I can't. I have to face it, I have to sit with my feelings and acknowledge my changes," Maris added.

Addressing rumors about her onscreen partner Anthony Jennings, Maris clarified, "Anthony is out of the picture. It's just me and Rico. Mainly me—I'm the issue."

Maris concluded her statement with a heartfelt plea to the public, "I would like to humbly ask the public to look at us, Rico and I, with understanding and love because we're both grieving. We can't control people's opinions, but please don't direct your hate towards Rico because he's too precious for that. If you guys wanna throw some punches, I'm ready to take them."