Marian Rivera lights up Rizal Monument for Guinness record attempt

Marian Rivera stands before the Rizal Monument in Manila. ARMIN P. ADINA

Actress Marian Rivera took a break from her Kapuso Primetime Queen role to become part of an attempt to mark a Guinness World Record, to lead the celebration of the “World Smile Day.”

The celebration kicked off by illuminating landmarks in more than 60 countries to break the current record standing at 56. For the Philippines, the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park in Manila was chosen.

Rivera urged the public to donate to Smile Train, a nonprofit charity organization focused on providing free corrective surgery to children with cleft lip and palates, to help those in need. In 2023, about two million free procedures to correct cleft lips and cleft plates among children were done under the project.

“We are just reminding everyone that to smile is free. And of course, we’re calling on those with good hearts to donate so we can help more children, provide them with free surgery, because we know how important it is to make them smile,” Rivera told a group of reporters who witnessed the event.

Rivera further said that even her children, Zia and Sixto, were onboard with the effort. “I want to show them what real life really means. Real life is extending help to others, because of the fulfillment you receive.”

INQUIRER.net also got to ask the actress what makes her smile. “You know, life is just simple. Whatever you have, be grateful… Sometimes when you want a lot, and ask for a lot, you do not get satisfied with your life, you will not be happy. Whatever there is, be thankful for it and be happy,” she said.

Rivera is also looking forward to the commercial release of her hit Cinemalaya film “Balota,” that earned for her a Best Actress award from the festival.

She shared that director Kip Oebanda made different edits on the film for the commercial theatrical run. “Balota” will have its commercial theatrical release on Oct. 16.