PHOTO: Instagram/marianrivera

Marian Rivera got us in tears today, not because of her acting skills—which are undoubtedly superb in all ways—but because of her acceptance speech during the recent Cinemalaya 2024 Awards Ceremony.

ICYMI, Marian won the Best Actress Award for this year’s Cinemalaya for her portrayal in the film, “Balota.” She shares the award with “Kono Basho” star Gabby Padilla.

Marian’s speech was long and full of gratitude. “Sa lahat po ng bumubuo ng Cinemalaya, marami pong salamat. To my GMA Family, thank you. Direk Kip [Oebanda], umpisa pa lang ng shooting natin ramdam ko ang 100% na pagtitiwala mo sa kakayahan ko kung paano ko i-aarte si Teacher Emmy. So thank you, Direk Kip,” the actress said at the beginning of her speech.

It meant everything to the 40-year-old Kapuso star as it was her first Cinemalaya recognition. Aside from that, the film was something that really tested her craft as an actress. But it was something that she had wanted to do for a very long time.

Supported by her husband, Dingdong Dantes, Marian accepted the project with genuine dedication. She mentioned how she consulted Dingdong when she received the offer to top-bill Balota. Marian recalled, “Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Mahal, may offer sa akin sa Cinemalaya, tatanggapin ko ba? Kakayanin ko ba?’ Sabi niya, ‘Kailangan mong gawin ‘yan, kailangan mong ipakita kung sino ka.’ Salamat sa pagtitiwala.”

Aside from her husband, Marian received all support and care from the film’s production staff, who exerted unwavering love for the actress throughout the filming process. She even revealed that they only had SIX shooting days to finish “Balota.” Yes, she reiterated: six days only!

Thanking everyone behind the camera and her fellow cast, “Sa lahat ng staff at crew, sa loob ng anim na shooting days, ramdam ko ‘yung pag-aalala—yes sorry to say that, six shooting days—ramdam ko yung pagmamahal, pag-aalala nila sa akin na safe ako, na kahit anong bigat ng nararamdaman ko, sa lahat ng eksena, never nila akong pinabayaan. Na-make sure nila na maayos akong uuwi kahit sugat-sugat ako. Thank you. Sa lahat ng mga cast na kasama ko rito, napakahusay ninyo.”

Facebook/Cinemalaya

Marian Rivera offers her award to Filipino teachers

The most important part of Marian’s speech was when she dedicated her award to the Filipino teachers. Marian’s character in the film is named Teacher Emmy. In its official trailer, Marian showcases a devastated and struggling teacher as she risked her life to protect the votes of the people through their voting ballots.

“Sa lahat po ng Teacher Emmy na ginagawa ang lahat para protektahan ang boto ng sambayanan, kahit pa ang sarili nilang buhay ang malagay sa panganib. Teacher Emmy, para sa’yo to. Mabuhay po kayo. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” Marian concluded in her speech.

Marian also received her award on August 11, 2024, exactly a day before her 40th birthday. What a great gift for the actress, indeed! Congratulations, Marian!