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Maris Racal - Metro x Incognito

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737601594668DSC05887 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Maris Racal | Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/15/metro-style-digital-cover-kicking-off-2025-with-the-powerhouse-cast-of-incognito-1951" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Incognito</em></strong></a>, the latest action-drama series from <strong>ABS-CBN</strong>, prides itself in a stellar cast that includes the multifaceted <strong>Maris Raca</strong><strong>l</strong>. </p><p>Taking on a role unlike any she has ever played, Maris couldn’t hide her excitement when talking about this project that challenges her even in the littlest yet significant nuances. </p><p>Maris plays Gabriela Rivera, a multilingual spy and master of disguise—a character as stylish as she is formidable. “Her name alone is intriguing… She infiltrates groups,” Maris told <strong>Metro.Style</strong><strong></strong>. It’s such an exciting role that motivates her to push beyond her comfort zone and play up her charm and wit to fit Gab perfectly. </p><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/15/metro-style-digital-cover-kicking-off-2025-with-the-powerhouse-cast-of-incognito-1951" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Bold New Year: Kicking Off 2025 With the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Incognito’</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737601681090DSC05817 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">On Maris: Undergarment and skirt by H&amp;M, trench coat by ASOS</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Gabriela’s character showcases strength and sophistication, blending espionage with high fashion. “It’s like fashion meets action,” Maris mused.</p><p>As an artist with an eye for style, Maris was glad to have had the chance to incorporate her own spin into Gab. She shared, “I kind of styled myself. I got to style myself and decide what my hair was going to be like. My makeup, my clothes, everything. I did my own makeup in Italy, and even gave some input on styling.”</p><p>Due to prior commitments, Maris joined the cast of <em>Incognito</em> later than her castmates, so she had to hit the ground running and made sure to deliver every step of the way. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737601775271DSC05901 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/> </div><p>“I trained on my own [to catch up],” Maris said. The training for the cast included Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, a form of Filipino martial arts, knife and sword fighting, and tactical combat. Maris also performed a three-minute action sequence in stilettos—a feat she considers one of the most challenging moments of her career. </p><p>“I ran through the streets of Matera, Italy, wearing 4-inch heels,” she said of the grueling but rewarding experience filming <em>Incognito</em>, which has director <strong>Lester Pimentel Ong</strong> at the helm. <em></em></p><p>Despite the over-the-top plot, Maris believes their series can resonate with audiences because of its relatability. According to her, it’s realistic in the sense that it reflects what’s happening in the world—crime, oppression, and the fight for justice.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737601915553DSC05806 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737602764444DSC05126 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">On Maris Racal: Outfit by H&amp;M | On Kaila Estrada: Outfit by Inigo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The show’s narrative, which juxtaposes good overcoming evil, offers hope while highlighting human resilience. </p><p>Filming abroad in Matera, Italy was a one-for-the-books experience for Maris. She loved talking and working with the Italians. She said, “They&#x27;re so relaxed and very hospitable. They&#x27;re so warm and gentle with the tourists. Especially, <em>’yung nagka</em>-work <em>na kami,</em> the Italian production and the Filipino production, super <em>nag</em>-jive<em> lang ’yung </em>personalities <em>namin</em>. <em>Kasi</em>, Filipinos, ’<em>yung</em> characteristics <em>natin</em>, very close <em>sa</em> Italians.”</p><p><em></em><strong>ABS-CBN Studios</strong>, <strong>Star Creatives</strong>, and <strong>Studio 360</strong> produced <em>Incognito</em>, which also stars <strong>Richard Gutierrez</strong>,<strong> Ian Veneracion</strong>, <strong>Anthony Jennings</strong>, <strong>Kaila Estrada</strong>, <strong>Baron Geisler</strong>, and <strong>Daniel Padilla</strong><em></em><strong></strong>. It had a strong debut, topping the top 10 list of TV shows on <strong>Netflix Philippines</strong> shortly after it was released on the streaming platform last January 17. <em></em><em></em><br/></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737602162201DSC05845 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737602270118DSC04661 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false"><em>Incognito</em> cast members Maris Racal (as Gab Rivera), Anthony Jennings (as Tomas Guerrero), and Kaila Estrada (as Max Alvero)</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>From immersing herself in Italian culture to forming bonds with her castmates in their other filming locations, Maris described her <em>Incognito</em> journey so far as life-changing and career-defining. </p><p>She looks forward to more and more people following the series which has placed her in an adventurous role, teaching her to embrace challenges and do things that scare her. With <em>Incognito</em>, while Maris Racal elevates her craft, she also inspires people to face their fears and ultimately rise above challenges.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE2GcIhT-f5/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A16941822.5%2C%22ls%22%3A2286740.4%2C%22le%22%3A2286743.1%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="826" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EnYoygfojvs?si=2sllYDxBgtG0SAPB" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/22/-incognito-sees-kaila-estrada-dabbling-in-the-action-genre-for-the-first-time-1757" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>High-Octane Series &#x27;Incognito&#x27; Sees Kaila Estrada Dabbling In the Action Genre for the First Time</strong></a></div><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/22/incognito-reignites-ian-veneracion-s-passion-for-the-action-genre-1729" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>&#x27;Beyond My Expectations&#x27;—&#x27;Incognito&#x27; Reignites Ian Veneracion&#x27;s Passion for the Action Genre</strong></a></div><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/23/-incognito-showcases-a-different-side-of-baron-geisler-as-an-actor-1801" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>&#x27;Incognito&#x27; Showcases a Different Side of Baron Geisler as an Actor</strong></a></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/23/anthony-jennings-delivers-action-heart-and-humor-in-incognito-1805" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anthony Jennings Delivers Action, Heart, and Humor in &#x27;Incognito&#x27;</a></strong></div><div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/24/-incognito-takes-actor-daniel-padilla-to-new-heights-1736" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>&quot;A Breath of Fresh Air&quot;—&#x27;Incognito&#x27; Takes Actor Daniel Padilla to New Heights</strong></a></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/24/richard-gutierrez-further-cements-his-action-star-status-with-incognito-1748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richard Gutierrez Further Cements His Action Star Status With &#x27;Incognito&#x27;</a></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong><em>Incognito is now available for streaming on Netflix and iWantTFC. Catch new episodes from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.<br/></em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Photography by <strong>Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands</strong></p><p>Metro Head:<strong> Christina N. Lopez</strong></p><p>Editor-in-chief: <strong>Geolette Esguerra</strong></p><p>Sittings editors: <strong></strong><strong>Grace Libero-Cruz</strong> and <strong>Randz Manucom</strong></p><p>Fashion associate: <strong>Carla Buyo</strong></p><p>Creative direction by <strong>Chookie Cruz </strong></p><p>Styling by <strong>Adrianne Concepcion </strong>with <strong>Via Abarra</strong> and <strong>Cent Bermas</strong></p><p>Makeup by <strong>Jay Salcedo</strong> </p><p>Hairstyling by<strong> Gelo Cibrian</strong> </p><p>Videographer: <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></p><p>Interviewers: <strong>Ryan Christopher Claveria </strong>and <strong>Leigh Sofia Lazo</strong></p><p>Shoot assistant: <strong>Princes del Corro</strong></p><p>Shoot coordination: <strong>Noella Fonbuena</strong> and <strong>Red Dimaandal</strong></p><p>Shot on location at <strong>Ascott Bonifacio Global City</strong></p><p>Special thanks to <strong>Star Creatives</strong></p>

<p>"Fashion meets action" in Maris Racal's bold new role in "Incognito." </p>

"Fashion meets action" in Maris Racal's bold new role in "Incognito."

"Fashion Meets Action"—Maris Racal Takes on a Fab and Fierce Role in 'Incognito'

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"Fashion Meets Action"—Maris Racal Takes on a Fab and Fierce Role in 'Incognito'

Princes del Corro

Published January 23, 2025 06:10 PM PHT

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Updated January 24, 2025 06:22 PM PHT

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