Marian Rivera is a judge in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant

You've heard it right!

Marian Rivera has received the prestigious honor to judge the 70th Miss Universe pageant happening on December 12, 2021 in Israel.

The Kapuso Primetime Queen confirmed the news on Friday, saying she felt "honored" and "thankful" to be part of the global pageant’s selection committee.

"Minsan ka lang siguro mabigyan ng pagkakataong makabilang sa isang mahalagang okasyon kung saan doon magsasama-sama [lahat], at syempre, bitbit mo 'yung bandila ng [Pilipinas]," she told the GMA News Online over Zoom.

"So, para sa akin, isang malaking karangalan siya, kaya naman buong-buong puso ko talaga tong tinanggap."

[You don't often get the chance to be part of an important occasion, where the whole world comes together, and you are there to represent the Philippines. It's such a great honor and that's why I whole-heartedly accepted the offer.] 

Marian is scheduled to fly for Israel on December 6, and is set to take part in several activities before the grand coronation on December 12. The Philippines is represented by Beatrice Gomez, the first openly out member of the LGBT+ community to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

The actress has yet to reveal exact details in her itinerary, but she is "very excited" to get to know all the beautiful hopefuls from different parts of the world. 

Dubbed as the Philippine television's "primetime queen," Marian Rivera is a renowned actress, TV host, model, endorser and entrepreneur loved by many for her unforgettable roles and timeless beauty. She is also known as a supportive wife and partner to actor and TV host Dingdong Dantes, as well as a hands-on mother to their two children Zia and Ziggy.

Apart from headlining multiple Filipino dramas over the years, she is currently the host of GMA-7's weekly anthology program "Tadhana," which features inspiring stories of overseas Filipino workers OFWs.

As part of this year's Miss Universe selection committee, the Kapuso actress now joins the ranks of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who was chosen as a judge in 2017, and Broadway star Lea Salonga, who was part of the panel in 2011.

Congratulations, Marian! — LA, GMA News