Against All Odds: The Vindication of Maris and Anthony
Following the controversy involving Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings—sparked by Anthony’s girlfriend, Jam Villanueva, exposing their alleged liaison dangereuse—the success of their film Sosyal Climbers (SC) seems to serve as a form of vindication.
The movie is currently the No. 1 film on Netflix, a triumph that comes despite the controversy, as it was filmed long before Jam’s revelations.
In SC, Maris and Anthony take on the roles of con artists Jessa and Ray, characters who are living a lie—yet their on-screen chemistry feels undeniably real. Their body language speaks volumes, as if asking, Why me? Why you? Why not?
Adding to their streak of success, their series Incognito is the second most-watched TV show on Netflix, while Maris’ film Sunshine recently won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at Berlinale 2025.
The unexpected turn of events highlights just how unpredictable and ever-changing the “Marites culture” can be. Once the targets of online scrutiny, Maris and Anthony are now being celebrated as the industry’s latest success stories.
