Marian Rivera congratulates Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards

Marian Rivera extended her heartfelt congratulations to Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards for the success of their film, Hello, Love, Again.

At Esquire Philippines’ “Man At His Best” event, where she was recognized as Actress of the Year, Marian conveyed her happiness about the success of Kathryn and Alden’s new movie.

“Congratulations sa kanila!” Marian exclaimed in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and Nelson Canlas of GMA News during the event held at Hilton Manila on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Marian went on to express her hope that more Filipinos will support local films, particularly, as she noticed an increase in people watching local movies following the successful commercial release of her 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival entry Balota, as well as Hello, Love, Again.

She said, “Sabi ko nga, after Balota, nakakatuwa kasi ito na yung momentum ng mga tao na talagang sumusuporta ng mga pelikulang Pilipino.

“Sana’y ipagpatuloy ng mga Pilipino ang pagsuporta sa kapwa natin.”

Marian is optimistic that the enthusiasm for local films will carry over to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, starting December 25, 2024, and hopes that more Filipinos will embrace and support Filipino cinema overall.

In her own words, “Hanggang Metro Manila Film Festival. Lahat ng sasali, sana panoorin ng mga tao.”

She added, “Actually, sa lahat, sa lahat ng mga gagawa ng Pilipino, we wish luck natin silang lahat.”

At press time, Rewind, Marian’s movie with husband Dingdong Dantes shown in December 2023, holds the record of highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.

However, industry experts say that there is a big possibility that KathDen’s Hello, Love, Again will be able to break DongYan’s record.

MARIAN RIVERA: ESQUIRE PHILIPPINES’ ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

Meanwhile, Marian shared her deep gratitude to the team at Esquire Philippines for honoring her as “Actress of the Year” for her performances in the films Balota and Rewind.

Marian said, “Nakaka-proud kasi alam ko itong award na ito regarding Balota.

“So, maraming salamat sa mga huradong nag-judge at, alam mo yun, na kinonsider nila ako for this award.”

Marian Rivera 
Photo/s: Troy Ang

Marian also expressed her gratitude to those who continue to watch her film, now in its fifth week and still featuring block screenings.

She said, “Actually, ngayon may mga block screenings sa school, pero today may block screening yung mga ibang endorsement ko. Hanggang ngayon.”

In an earlier interview with PEP, Marian said that Balota deeply influenced her as an actress, inspiring her to pursue projects that challenge her creatively and artistically.

She said, “Of course, kung kayo ay may wake-up call sa Balota, ito naman ang aking wake-up call sa paggawa ng mas maraming magagandang pelikula.”