Marian Rivera received an early birthday gift in the form of the Best Actress award at the Cinemalaya 20 Awards Night on Sunday, held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay Cinema 1.
Rivera, who celebrated her 40th birthday on Monday, was honored for “her spirited portrayal of a public school teacher risking life and limb to protect the sanctity of the ballot.”
She shared the award with Gabby Padilla from “Kono Basho” directed by Jaime Pacena II.
In her acceptance speech, Rivera expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Cinemalaya community, her GMA family, and particularly to director Kip Oebanda.
“From the very start of our shooting, I felt your 100 percent trust in my ability to portray Teacher Emmy. So thank you, Direk Kip,” she began.
Rivera also acknowledged the film’s staff and crew, praising their dedication and concern during the intense six-day shoot.
“I felt their love, care, and guidance to ensure my safety. No matter how heavy the emotions were in each scene, they never left me and always made sure I went home in good shape, even if I was battered and bruised. Thank you to all the cast members who were with me in this film. You were all amazing,” she continued.
Rivera then specially mentioned her husband, Dingdong Dantes, who supported her decision to take on the challenging role.
“I asked him, ‘Mahal, Cinemalaya made me an offer. Should I accept it? Can I handle it?’ And in just less than a minute, he said, ‘You have to do it, you have to show them who you are.’ Thank you, Dad, for believing in me, and to my kids who were always so excited every time I came home, asking about what happened during the ‘Balota’ shooting days. My youngest even counted my bruises every day when I got home.”
Balota’ follows the story of Emmy, a teacher who flees into the wilderness with a ballot box during a violent election. PHOTO FROM CINEMALAYA.ORG
Finally, she also dedicated the award to all the teachers who perform their duties to protect people’s vote.
“To all the brave Teacher Emmys out there, who do everything to protect the people’s vote, even at the cost of their own lives, Teacher Emmy, this is for you. Mabuhay po kayo. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” Rivera ended.
Rivera, known for her glamorous roles, underwent a dramatic transformation for “Balota,” foregoing makeup and performing her own stunts without a body double.
The film which follows the story of Emmy, a teacher who flees into the wilderness with a ballot box during a violent election. She described the role as one that rekindled her fulfillment in her craft.
According to Cinemalaya, “Balota,” along with “Gulay Lang, Manong!” emerged as the top box-office performers of this year’s edition.
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Marian Rivera celebrates Mexican-themed 40th birthday
In celebration of her 40th birthday, Marian Rivera held an early Mexican-themed party with her family.
Her husband, Dingdong Dantes, shared clips from the celebration on Instagram on Sunday, where he showed the two of them dancing, enjoying the festivities with food and drinks, and even sharing a sweet kiss.
The party was attended by family members and their children, Zia and Sixto.
“Cuarenta,” Dantes captioned one of the photos of Rivera.
With husband and No. 1 supporter Dingdong Dantes
Birthday girl and Cinemalaya Best Actress awardee, Marian Rivera INSTAGRAM PHOTO/DONG DANTES
With husband and No. 1 supporter Dingdong Dantes
Fans and celebrity friends such as Julie Anne San Jose, Ruru Madrid, Christine Babao, Cherry Pie Picache, Joross Gamboa, and Liz Uy also extended their warm birthday wishes in the comments.
Rivera went on to receive the Best Actress Award for her role in “Balota” at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
She noted that the award served as a perfect early birthday gift.
It was just in an August 8 episode of Dantes’ game show “Family Feud” where Rivera and their two children surprised him with cakes and flowers for Dantes’ birthday. He turned 44 years old last August 2.
“Everyone knows that August is special to me because, you see, it’s not just my birthday; it’s also Marian’s birthday month,” Dantes said in the show.
The celebrity power couple married in 2014. They welcomed their first child, Zia, in 2015, followed by Sixto in 2019.
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