There were cryptic posts and speculations going around that Marian Rivera will be one of the judges in the 70th Miss Universe pageant, to be telecast worldwide on Dec. 12 (Dec. 13 Manila time).
Today, Dec. 3, Marian confirmed that yes, it's true. She will be flying to Israel on Dec. 6 with her whole glam team and looks forward to a busy schedule meeting as well as interviewing all the candidates.
Marian revealed that she will be bringing about nine pieces of luggage containing gowns and outfits made by her favorite Filipino designers, as she wants to represent the country in the best way she can." On the coronation night itself, she will don a gown especially made for her by Francis Libiran.
"Nasa alapaap ako ngayon. Tinuturing ko itong malaking karangalan. Nakakataba ng puso at hindi pwedeng hindi ko ito tanggapin," the Kapuso celebrity stated.
She added that the coming Miss Universe pageant is an important occasion for everyone in the world to come together and "show their humanity" especially in the wake of the two-year pandemic which has affected the lives of so many.
On the Philippines' Miss Universe representative Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Marian advised Beatrice to "just do your best. We will pray for your success."
On her bashers who comment that she is not fluent in English: ""Kilala nyo ako. Hindi ako mapagpanggap na tao. Inaamin ko naman that English is not my first language. But I have my body of work to be proud of as an actress and as a woman."
Marian is also one of the few top artists in showbiz who's active in philantrophy. She was appointed by Congress as Ambassador for Women and Children with Disabilities and is also an active supporter of Smile Train.
It was three weeks ago when the call from Miss Universe producers came, requesting Marian to be part of the Miss U Selection Committee, said Michael Tuviera of Triple A, the artist company which manages Marian and other top Kapuso stars.
Marian said yes, even though she has not gone out of her house much as part of her family's anti-Covid health protocols.
On record, Marian will be joining other accomplished Filipinas who were chosen to judge the Miss Universe pageant, among them Lea Salonga, Kuh Ledesma, and Pia Wurtzbach.