The GMA 7 actress, mother of two, and Smile Train ambassador is one of the selection committee members in the 70th edition of the pageant.
Actress and mom of two, Marian Rivera, has been chosen as one of the judges in the 70th edition of Miss Universe. The pageant is happening in Israel on December 13, Manila time. Marian herself confirmed the news during an interview on 24 Oras, Friday, December 3.
“Sobrang happy ako kasi s’yempre minsan lang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makabilang ka sa isang mahalagang okasyon sa buong mundo,” the actress said.
(I am very happy because it’s once in a lifetime to attend an important event watched around the world.)
“Mag-jujudge man ako pero ang pananaw ko dito nandoon ako para ma-appreciate at masaksihan ko ang kagandahan ng mga kababaihan sa buong mundo. Siguro hindi lang yung kagandahan nila pati na rin yung katapangan nila na maibalik yung humanity sa ating mundo.”
(I’ll be judging but from my perspective, I am there to appreciate and see all the beautiful women around the world. It’s not just about beauty but also the courage they have to bring back the humanity within.)
The actress also mentioned that Francis Libiran will be dressing her up.
Because she will be flying to Israel soon, Marian admitted that it will be hard to be away from her two kids, Zia and Sixto.
“Isa yan sa pinakamahirap kong gagawin pero siguro balang araw, maiintindihan nila yung kahalagahan nung sakripisyo na ito.”
(It’s one of the most difficult things I’ll be doing. But I know one day, they’ll understand this sacrifice I made.)
Marian earlier hinted about her judging stint. She posted a photo and the caption “honored” followed by a crown and universe emoji.
Husband Dingdong Dantes chimed in with the comment “Miss U.”
International recognition
Marian joins the growing list of Filipinos who have judged in the pageant. Some of the past Filipinos who took part as judge include singer Kuh Ledesma, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, boxing champion and senator Manny Pacquiao, and Tony and Laurence Olivier award-winner Lea Salonga.
Marian, one of GMA 7’s biggest stars, started her career in supporting roles. She then landed the role of Marimar, GMA 7’s adaptation of the beloved Mexican telenovela starring Thalia. She would later do several shows such as Carmela, Amaya, Dyesebel, Darna, and Endless Love.
Several of Marian’s shows were broadcast in Asian countries. These include Vietnam, Korea, and Cambodia and have also been shown in other countries. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen previously met the actress and Dingdong during his Manila visit in 2017.
The actress, who is currently hosting Tadhana, is also a sought-after endorser and entrepreneur with her floral business FloraVida.
She is active with various charity work as well such as Make-A-Wish Philippines and as one of the ambassadors for Smile Train in the Philippines. She has been lauded by Forbes Asia as part of its Top 100 Digital Stars in 2020.
The country’s representative to the Miss Universe pageant is Beatrice Luigi Gomez who hopes to win the 5th crown following Catriona Gray’s win in 2018.
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