Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings admit they are still overwhelmed with the warm reception towards their “Can’t Buy Me Love” characters Irene and Snoop — or SnoRene to their fans.
Starting from the constant cat-and-dog arguments, Snoop and Irene find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences in personalities and economic status. One highlight in their love story arc was Snoop promising Irene that he would work hard to give her a good life, despite him not “having a lot of money” compared to his best friend Bingo (Donny Pangilinan).
“Bilang 10 years na ako sa industry, noong inoffer sa’kin si Irene Tiu, I was so happy. Sabi ko sa [sarili] ko, ibibigay ko lahat ng kaartehan ko sa character na ‘to,” Racal told reporters at a finale press conference weeks before the finale was aired on a streaming platform last May 7.
(Even though I’ve been in the industry for 10 years, I was so happy when Irene Tiu was offered to me. I told myself that I would give everything I had for this character.)
The singer-actress is also thankful for the positive reception of SnoRene. Even though their characters’ love story was planned “from the beginning,” she didn’t expect that it would create a huge impact on the public.
“Natuwa ako kasi sa result ng SnoRene. Doon ko na-realize na sa bawat eksena na binibigay sa inyo, ibigay mo lahat. Ibigay mo ang best mo. Kasi you’ll never know what will happen,” she said.
(I’m happy with the result of SnoRene. It made me realize that with every scene given, you have to give your all. Give your best shot. Because you never know what will happen.)
Jennings, who had shown appreciation of SnoRene fans on multiple occasions, said bringing Snoop to life taught him to be more appreciative of the things happening in his life.
“Ang natutunan ko kay Snoop is appreciate ang mga bagay-bagay. ‘Yun kasi makakalimutan once ang dami mo nang ginagawa sa buhay mo. Ang mga maliliit na bagay,” he said.
(What I learned from Snoop is to appreciate things. Because once you get so caught up in life, you tend to forget them, and the little things in life.)
The rising star also expressed his love for Snoop, saying it would be hard for him to let his “Can’t Buy Me Love” character go.
“Mahal na mahal ko si Snoop. Hindi ko siya mabibitawan. And ‘yung nabuo naming samahan, kakaiba. Feeling ko kahit tapos na ‘yung ‘Can’t Buy Me Love,’ babalik at babalik si Snoop sa’kin,” he said.
(I love Snoop very much. I will never let him go. Also, the bond I formed with my co-stars was very different. Even if ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ ends, Snoop will always find his way back to me.)
Belle and Kaila on SnoRene
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of a feminine care brand event, their “Can’t Buy Me Love” co-stars Belle Mariano and Kaila Estrada admit that they, too, are fans of SnoRene.
“I, myself, am a fan of SnoRene. Ang cute nila (They’re so cute). Their humor just aligned” Mariano said.
Estrada said she’s “so happy” seeing how much their tandem was loved by the public while hoping that it’s the start of new things to come for Racal and Jennings.
“We’re honestly so happy for them. Ang husay nina Maris and Anthony. They really just clicked,” she said. “Their timing [is really good], and we’re really rooting for them. We hope there will be projects coming up. I’m pretty sure there will be and we’re so excited for them.”
