As part two of Maalaala Mo Kaya’s special Father’s Day episode “Finding Papa” airs this coming June 19, Maris Racal shared how she relates to her role as a daughter searching for her father for more than two decades.

“Yung character ko is Jai and sobrang positive niya na babae, as in pag mabasa yung story niya ma-ri-realize mo na kaya mo bang maging ganito kung madaming challenges ang dumadating sa buhay mo? Iba siya. I can say that she’s build different kasi grabe yung emotional intelligence niya parang nakaya niyang harapin lahat ng challenges na yun,” she said.

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Growing up in Davao del Norte before joining showbiz, Maris said she has always shared a close relationship with her father Henry.

“Ako kasi very close ako sa papa ako and I cannot say that I’m a perfect daughter and I can’t say na perfect yung papa ko. So may mga times talaga na hindi kami okay. So dun nahanap yung common denominator namin ni Jai na lagi kaming naghahanap ng love of a father. Same kami ng nararamdaman although yung sa kanya more intense kasi hindi niya na-meet tapos 20 years niyang hinahanap,” she shared.

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Along with her five siblings, Maris said she feels lucky to be able to always feel close to her father even while growing up.

“Yung relationship ko sa papa ko hindi ko masasabi na sobrang strict si papa. Hindi rin siya yung papa na kino-control ka. He’s very chill, casual, funny, and dun ko nakuha yung pagiging makulit niya. Nung nag-meet kami, wala lang, endless conversations. Nagkakamustahan lang,” she said.