(Photo screengrabbed from ABS-CBN YouTube channel)
What was meant to be a lighthearted segment turned into an unexpected viral moment for actress Maris Racal, who appeared momentarily rattled by a trivia question that unintentionally referenced her ex-boyfriend, Rico Blanco.
The moment happened during the July 13 episode of Rainbow Rumble, ABS-CBN’s zany new celebrity game show hosted by Luis Manzano. Racal was participating alongside her Sunshine co-stars Elijah Canlas, Meryll Soriano, and directors Tonet Jadaone and Dan Villegas. The show’s high-energy trivia segment took a surprising turn when Luis threw a curveball:
“Kumpletuhin ang title ng hit song ng 80s pop group Breakfast Club — Rico blank?”
Racal, clearly eager and competitive, hit the buzzer first — but quickly froze. “What? Rico what?” she blurted out, eyes wide and laughing nervously. The correct answer? Rico Mambo, a funky one-hit wonder from 1987. But the name “Rico” was all it took to momentarily trip up the actress.
The audience immediately picked up on the subtext, bursting into laughter and cheers. Luis, never one to miss a comedic opportunity, cheekily added, “Maris, hindi siya ha,” referring to Blanco — the OPM legend with whom Racal shared a five-year relationship before announcing their breakup in mid-2024.
Racal took the moment in stride, letting out a playful scream and joining in the laughter, proving she can take a little teasing in good humor. Her reaction quickly made the rounds on social media, with fans both amused and empathetic about the unexpected reference to her past romance.
The former couple, who went public with their relationship in 2021, had become one of showbiz’s most talked-about pairs — not only for their age gap but also for their musical collaborations and public chemistry. Their breakup was confirmed in July 2024, with both parties choosing to remain low-key about the reasons behind the split.
Despite the awkward moment on Rainbow Rumble, fans praised Maris for her grace under pressure and sense of humor — proving once again why she remains one of the industry’s most beloved young stars.