Kapamilya actress Maris Racal. 

MANILA  --Kapamilya actress Maris Racal, who stars as a gymnast in Antoinette Jadaone's film “Sunshine,” revealed that she trained for over a year to prepare for the role.

 “I was not flexible. I'm not the most flexible. So challenging sakin. I really pushed my limits and trained for it. Kahit mahirap, pinilit ko,” she explained in an interview at the event of a cosmetics brand in Antipolo City, Friday afternoon.

 “It was made through blood, sweat, and tears. Talagang pinaghirapan namin. 2020 pa yung script. It made me very emotional because one year ako nag train. Nakita ko pelikula, trailer iba dating sa akin. Maganda story,” she added. 

Despite juggling numerous projects, Racal  was determined to squeeze gymnastics training into her already packed schedule. 

“At the time 3 hours ako mag train then sesegue taping ng “Can’t Buy Me Love,” tas mag shoot ako Sunshine, One of the busiest times of my life,” she said.

 According to the actress, the experience gave her a newfound admiration for athletes. 

“I was also there to observe athletes and gymnasts. Grabe yung dedication nila. I only do 3 hours of training, they do 8 hours. Kailangan talaga dedication and burning passion. Hanga ako sa athletes kahit anong sport yan. Lalo na gymnastics— Medyo life threatening,” she said. “Kailangan mentally strong ka.” 

While they have wrapped up the  shoot for “Sunshine,” Racal shared that she still continues her training. Apart from enjoying it, she finds that it benefits her career.

 For example, the actress mentioned that the skills she developed through gymnastics helped her prepare for an upcoming action series.

 “So may training din ako, tactical, Muay Thai, Knife fights, stunts, MMA, lahat,” she revealed. 

“Alam mo gymnastics training ko, ang dami na-unlock sa akin core power siya eh. Kaya ko siya gawin ng di masyado nahihirapan,” she added.

 With the movie meaning so much to her, the actress said she hopes to attend the film's premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Racal said she is currently trying to fix her conflicting schedules to make it possible.

 “Pinaglalaban ako. Nanawagan ako Sana. I am still hoping makapunta ako. Meron schedule conflict a year ago, so hanggang ngayon nilalaban pa din. Sana makapunta ako,” she said.

 >> LINK: https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/9/5/maris-racal-still-hoping-to-attend-world-premiere-of-sunshine-in-toronto-1706