Fresh from her Best Actress win at the 2025 FAMAS Awards, Marian Rivera was brimming with gratitude during her interview with GMA News and PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on August 26, 2025, at the exclusive launch of Pop Mart Philippines’ Hello Moon pop-up in SM Mall of Asia Arena.
"Ibinigay naman ni Lord. Sobra-sobra pa. Siyempre eto yung ano, sabi ko nga palagi, walang hanggang pasasalamat talaga ito.
"And, siyempre, kung meron ka man gustong i-celebrate na iyong tagumpay na yun, ay kasama talaga is yung pamilya talaga."
After her FAMAS win, is she setting her sights on a new career goal?
"Yun yung maganda, e, minsan maganda na wala ka na lang goal.
"Na kung ano na lang yung dumating na projects at ibigay sa iyo ni Lord ay tatanggapin mo na lang nang buong-buo.
"Siguro kapag kabataan mo, marami ka dapat i-goal.
"Pero sa puntong ito sa buhay ko, kumbaga, kung ano yung nandiyan na project at maganda, subukan. Kung wala, okay lang."
MARIAN RIVERA ON BALOTA's lasting impact
Nearly a year after Balota hit cinemas—and with the film once again gaining traction on social media as corruption dominates the headlines—the award-winning actress had another reason to grateful: The movie continues to make an impact, especially in inspiring educated voting.
"Nakakataba ng puso. Nakakataba ng puso kasi, sabi ko nga, ang sarap gumawa ng isang pelikula na—iba-iba kasi tayo pag gumawa tayo ng pelikula, may iba-iba tayong dahilan.
"This time, yung Balota ang dahilan nito ay you contribute for your country. So, yun talaga ang ginawa ng Balota.
"Kahit ako mismo na ako na yung gumawa as Teacher Emmy, sabi ko nga, marami akong realization at marami pa ako nalaman tungkol sa ano ba talagang totoong kalagayan ng ating lipunan.
"So, nandoon ako na parang hanggang ngayon, very thankful pa rin ako.
"And, of course, with Direk Kip pa rin na walang hanggang pasasalamat talaga."
Direk Kip Oebanda directed Balota.
Asked if she expected the film’s reach, Marian said she did not.
When the Kapuso actress decided to take on the project, her focus was on delivering raw, honest emotion as Teacher Emmy.
In her words: "Hindi, hindi kami nag-expect, pero sabi ko, ang sarap gumawa ng isang pelikula na hindi mo iniintindi yung itsura mo...
"Na ginagawa mo lang dahil sinasabi kung anong kailangang mong maramdaman sa bawat eksena.
"So doon lang talaga ako, yung flow talaga ng sitwasyon, doon ko lang talaga dinaan lahat."
Will there be a sequel or another collaboration with Direk Kip?
She cited scheduling conflicts, "Busy yun, e, may gagawin siya, yung Bar Boys 2!"
Regarding her next film, she kept the details under wraps, saying: “Secret!”
MARIAN RIVERA: SPACE MOLLY HELLO MOON POP-UP EXHIBIT
Meanwhile, Marian also celebrated the grand opening of Pop Mart Philippines’ Space Molly: Hello Moon pop-up at the SM Aura in Taguig City.
This marked the third time she was tapped to lead the toy store’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
View this post on Instagram
Although she downplayed the "Pop Mart Queen" tag of the netiznes, Marian said she was simply thrilled to open blind boxes, hunt for rare pieces, and score her target art toys.
"Sabi ko nga, e, parang nabubuhay yung pagkabata ako kapag pumupunta ako sa Pop Mart lalo na kapag nakikita ko o bumibili ako ng mga gusto ko talaga.
"So nandoon ako sa excited akong magbukas ng mga box, kung ano yung inside lalo na kapag, siyempre, kapag hinahanap mo yung secret doon sa box."
Read: Marian Rivera downplays "Pop Mart Queen" title
The pop-up exhibit came at the perfect time as Molly, created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong, is currently Marian’s favorite Pop Mart IP character.
"Ito nga ngayon yung gusto ko, e. Si Molly ngayon ang aking favorite. Si Zia ngayon ang Labubu, so nagpalit kaming dalawa ngayon. Ako ngayon ang Molly."
Marian also eyed several Hello Moon pieces at the exhibit, including the 400% and 1000% Hello Moon figures priced at PHP22,500 and PHP59,000, respectively.
Before the opening, she had already received her 1000% Mega Royal Molly Velvet Flowers figure.
Meanwhile, here's the list of Mega figures available for purchase at the pop-up exhibit:
- Mega Space Molly Refraction Display Box — PHP4,400.00
- Mega Space Molly Irregular Shaped Floor Rug — PHP7,280.00
- Mega Space Molly Hello Moon Multifunctional Lanyard (Metal Version) — PHP2,900.00
- Mega Space Molly Hello Moon Multifunctional Lanyard (Bearded Version) — PHP2,900.00
- Mega Space Molly Hello Moon Blanket — PHP6,000.00
- Mega Space Molly Hello Moon Ambient Moon Lamp — PHP15,500.00
- Mega Space Molly 400% Hello Moon — PHP22,500.00
- Mega Space Molly 1000% Hello Moon — PHP59,000.00
- Mega Royal Molly Velvet Flower 400% — PHP12,500.00
- Mega Royal Molly Velvet Flower 1000% — PHP135,000.00
- Mega Space Molly 400% Robot — PHP22,500.00
Read more: