Marian Rivera during the Cinemalaya 2024 closing ceremony. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Marian Rivera dedicated her Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress Plum to the teachers who sacrificed themselves to protect the votes of the nation, saying her character in “Balota” was a fulfilling experience.
Rivera and “Kono Basho” star Gabby Padilla tied for Best Actress at the film festival’s closing ceremony at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Sunday, August 12 — which incidentally took place a day before the Kapuso actress’ 40th birthday.
The actress also said her award is dedicated to her character, Teacher Emmy, who is a teacher manning a particularly violent election, and to all the teachers who give their lives to protect every vote.
“Sa lahat ng Teacher Emmy na matapang na ginagawa ang lahat para protektahan ang boto ng sambayanan — kahit sarili nilang buhay ang ilaan sa panganib — Teacher Emmy, para sa’yo to. Mabuhay po kayo. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” she said.
(To all the Teacher Emmys who bravely do everything to protect every vote — even if their own lives are at stake — Teacher Emmy, this is for you. Long live everyone. Long live Filipino films.)
In a brief interview on the sidelines of the ceremony, Rivera said working on “Balota” gave her a strong sense of fulfillment in herself and her career.
“Noong nagawa ko ang pelikula, parang bonus na lang ang tropeo. Pero ‘yung fulfillment sa paggawa ko ng ‘Balota’ sa harap at likod ng camera, ito ‘yata sa ilang years ko sa showbiz, ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang fulfillment sa sarili ko at sa trabaho ko,” she said.
(When I did the film, this trophy felt like a bonus. But the fulfillment in doing “Balota” on- and off-screen — throughout my many years in showbiz — this was the time I felt a strong fulfillment in myself and my work.)
New era
Rivera was giddy when asked if the Cinemalaya film marks a new era in her acting career, saying she’s open to taking such roles again. “Yii! Why not? Kung may magandang kwento (If the story is nice),” she said.
While thanking the film’s cast and crew, the actress said she’s grateful for working with people who gave their full support and trust to portray her character.
“Direk Kip [Oebanda], sa umpisa pa lang ng shooting natin, ramdam ko ang 100% na pagtitiwala sa’kin kung paano ko ia-arte si Teacher Emmy (Director Kip Oebanda, I felt your 100% trust on how I would portray Teacher Emmy the moment we started shooting) so thank you,” she said while referring to the film’s director.
“Sa crew, sa loob ng six days of shooting, ramdam ko ang pag-aalala, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa’kin na safe ako, na kahit anong bigat ang nararamdaman ko sa lahat ng eksena, hindi nila ako pinababayaan and mine-make sure nila na maayos akong uuwi kahit sugat-sugat ako. Sa cast, ang gagaling niyo,” continued Rivera.
(To the crew, I felt your concern, love, and guidance throughout the six days of shooting. You ensured that I was safe. Despite the hardships I felt in every scene, you never left me alone. They all made sure that I would come home safe even if I was wounded. To the cast, you were all great.)
Marian Rivera in a scene from “Balota.” Image: Courtesy of Courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines
Role of a lifetime
Choking back tears, Rivera then recalled how her husband Dingdong Dantes urged her to accept a role of a lifetime in “Balota.” Dantes was spotted in the audience getting teary-eyed as well.
“Hindi matatapos ang pagpapasalamat ko [kung hindi ko babanggitin] ang asawa ko. Kwento ko lang nang short. Sabi ko, ‘Mahal, may offer sa’kin ang Cinemalaya. Tatanggapin ko ba? Kakayanin ko ba?’ Sabi ng asawa ko — wala pang ilang minuto — ‘Kailangan mong gawin yan. Kailangan mong ipakita kung sino ka.’ Thank you, Dad,” she said. “At sa mga anak kong excited tuwing uuwi ako at ‘yung bunso kong binibilang ang sugat ko araw-araw tuwing uuwi ako, maraming salamat.”
(My acceptance speech won’t be complete without mentioning my husband. Here’s a short story. I said, “Love, I received an offer from Cinemalaya. Should I accept it? Can I handle it?” He immediately said, “You have to do it. You have to show who you truly are.” Thank you, Dad.)
Proud husband
Meanwhile, Dantes took to his Instagram page to congratulate his wife on her milestone.
“My seatmate, Cinemalaya 2024’s Best Actress. Fresh from her acceptance speech. I am so proud of you, my wife,” he wrote.
GMA, on the other hand, shared a clip of Dantes embracing Rivera after her accepting speech.
“Balota” revolves around the life of Teacher Emmy (Rivera) who was assigned as an election inspector in a small town. The residents in her hometown are voting for their new mayor, which is a tight race between a former sexy star and a land-grabbing tycoon.
The Kip Oebanda-helmed film also stars Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr Ranollo, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Gardo Versoza, and Mae Paner.