Marian Rivera radiated gratitude as she was honored as one of the country's most Elegant Filipinas.
The grand relaunch of the celebrated event took place on November 5, 2025, at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel’s grand ballroom.
Inspired by the iconic International Best Dressed List founded by fashion legend Eleanor Lambert, the Philippine counterpart is the brainchild of socialite and former politician Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco.
Now on its sixth edition, the Elegant Filipinas list first debuted in 2016 and was held annually until 2019.
In a press interview that included PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Marian expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you sa recognition.”
For Marian, the honor is more than a celebration of style—it’s a reminder that true elegance goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects character, especially the kindness one shows to others.
“Sabi ko nga, ito ay magsisilbing paalala na hindi dapat tumigil ang isang tao sa paggawa ng mabuti para sa kapwa niya."
Marian added that true elegance is also about authenticity.
"Elegance is yung kaya mong dalhin yung sarili mo na hindi ka nagpe-pretend. Para sa akin, iisa lang ang ibig sabihin nito. Walang masama sa pagiging totoo sa sarili mo at mahalin mo ang sarili mo bilang ikaw."
When asked how she would teach this to her daughter Zia, she said the most important rule is to be kind and treat everyone equally.
In her words: "Marami pa siyang kakaining bigas para matutunan niya ang lahat.
"Pero number one rule, kailangan talaga is maging mabait ka sa kapwa mo. Ito nga, you treat them equally."
Beyond the glamor, Tingting’s List continues to champion compassion.
This year’s festivities supported the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, reinforcing the event’s mission to merge beauty with benevolence.
For Marian, this makes the recognition even more meaningful: "Mas maganda kasi sa bawat ginagawa natin, it's not about beauty lang talaga. So, mas maganda pa rin na ine-extend natin yung tulong natin sa ibang tao. So, dun nagiging mas makabuluhan yung buhay natin."
ELEGANT FILIPINAS 2025
At the event’s mini press conference on October 29, 2025, Tingting shared the criteria for making it onto her prestigious list.
"An elegant Filipina, of course, is attractive because of her demeanor, her manners, but most especially, she’s not concentrated on herself,” she explained to Charlize Legaspi of PhilStar.
She continued, "She’s focused on the elegance of the purpose of her life."
Co-director of the event, Consul to Monaco and past awardee Fortune Ledesma, added her perspective: "For me, an elegant Filipina is defined by simplicity, grace, and good taste. It’s not only about how she dresses, but how she lives.
"You have to be charitable so that you’re aware of the needs of our less fortunate brothers and sisters."
Apart from Marian, this year’s roster shines with some of the country’s most accomplished women.
Among the 11 honorees are Megastar Sharon Cuneta, represented by her daughter KC Concepcion; Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey; and Department of Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez.
The list also includes Janet Olivarez, city nutrition action officer and wife of Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma, entrepreneur and consul of Montenegro; Joy Wambangco Rustia, founder of the Wamrus Group of Companies; Linda Ley, art collector and former businesswoman; and Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, president and CEO of GMA Films and GMA Worldwide.
Completing the line-up are Nikki Prieto-Teodoro, special envoy of the President to UNICEF, and Crystal Jacinto, entrepreneur and founder of Villa Medica Philippines, who also runs Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant and Wendy’s Philippines.
The evening was further elevated by a captivating runway presentation of fashion designer Albert Andrada.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Michelle Dee took center stage as his muse, while Miss Supranational Philippines 2026 Katrina Llegado and model-beauty queen Maria Isabela Galeria also made a striking appearance on the catwalk.
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