The ongoing controversy surrounding Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings has unexpectedly brought singer Rico Blanco into the spotlight.
The former boyfriend of Maris has been the subject of memes and online discussions after the scandal involving his ex-girlfriend, Jam Villanueva, and the revelation of private messages between Maris and Anthony.
Rico Blanco’s name was unexpectedly brought up after a photo of him appeared online, where he was seen looking serious at his desk. Behind him, his computer allegedly displayed screenshots of messages and photos between Maris and Anthony that were leaked by Jam. The photo quickly went viral, with many netizens creating memes about the situation.
Some online users expressed their support for Rico, offering messages of encouragement. One wrote, “Nagmahal ka lang ng totoo, Sir, lahat tayo dumadaan sa pagsubok sa pag-ibig.” Others took a more sarcastic tone, commenting: “Buti ka pa sir Rico anlaki ng screen mo,” alluding to the increased attention the image has brought him in light of the scandal.
my only take away from this is that the timeline is going to romanticize rico blanco again as if that man isn’t a whole weirdo from dating someone half his age and i hate it
— janna (@sausageeggnchz) December 3, 2024
the wildest part of this maris issue is her performative sadness during her break-up with rico blanco :/
imagine saying she felt her “loneliest & emptiest” during that time tapos she’s cheating pala.
cheaters, hays.#MarisRacal pic.twitter.com/AsYsu8onVD
— Yuan (@yuangonzalex) December 4, 2024
hugs to rico blanco at kay jam ☹️
kayo anthony at maris, pwede na kayong magkan2tan 6 feet underground
— olive (@oliviarieg0) December 3, 2024
People praising how Rico Blanco maturely handled the Maris situation, bro is 50!!!
— AC (@acforzee) December 4, 2024
I’m a Rico Blanco fan, but all these posts praising him for not exposing Maris are kind of “invalidating” and “judging” what Jam did.
Well, Jam is one strong woman for what she did. Kudos to her for standing up for herself and exposing cheaters. They got what they deserved.
— Joanna (@jmnodado) December 4, 2024
Despite some defending Rico, there were many who criticized both Maris and Anthony, with others continuing to express their anger over the situation. Some even speculated that the drama could have long-term consequences for everyone involved, including Rico.
Rico Blanco’s maturity is on another level. He never exposed Maris. Never spoke ill of her even after everything she’s done. That kind of love is rare. He chose to protect her and rise above despite the age.
Caption by: Prince Dennmarc Umpad#MarisRacal pic.twitter.com/vykMwwarKZ
— COGAN (@cogan_go) December 3, 2024
Sis Maris, Rico Blanco made you his world, prioritized you, and showered you with so much love and then you ended up with a nobody na pinagkakasya ka lang as kabit at ginagamit ka professionally? Sis, the downgrade you don’t deserve. Sana matuto ka na dito.
— pam (@_incognitofan) December 4, 2024
The scandal has not only affected the personal lives of Maris and Anthony but has also raised concerns about their professional futures. The two stars, who are involved in several major projects, have seen their public images shift drastically due to the leaked messages.
Among their upcoming ventures are a major online series with Ian Veneracion and Daniel Padilla and Vice Ganda’s entry for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). However, some fans have reported that promotional posters for Vice Ganda’s movie have already removed Maris and Anthony’s images, citing the negative impact the scandal may have on the film’s reception.
There are also reports that the scandal may be affecting the production of their upcoming online series, with insiders revealing that Jam’s decision to share the messages caused major disruption among the team.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Maris and Anthony’s future media appearances are under scrutiny. Sources suggest that the two will attend an upcoming media conference for Vice Ganda’s MMFF film, but they will be restricted from addressing the scandal directly. It is rumored that after the Q&A session, they will be quickly escorted off the stage to avoid further questions.
Xian Gaza, a well-known social media personality who was one of the first to suggest that there was a romantic relationship between Maris and Anthony, has shared his thoughts on the matter. He shared, “Ang lesson na mapupulot natin sa Maris-Anthony issue: ‘Yang partner mo, kesyo lalaki pa yan o babae, nagchi-cheat din yan.” He added that Anthony’s failure to delete the messages led to the situation escalating further, saying, “Si Anthony hindi nagde-delete eh. Tine-treasure ata every moment.”
As the public continues to debate the issue, many are questioning the long-term impact on the careers of Maris, Anthony, and others involved.
