Marian Rivera reveals seeing a sign before winning Cinemalaya Best Actress

Marian Rivera said that she saw a sign before she was named Best Actress at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her work in “Balota.”

In her GMA Integrated News interview with Aubrey Carampel, which aired on "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the Kapuso Primetime Queen narrated that she and her husband, Dingdong Dantes, were on their way to the festival when she saw it.

“May nakita ako sa labas, parang isang verse ng bible siya na, ‘Kung para sa ‘yo, ibibigay para sa ‘yo.’ Sabi ko, ‘Wow, ano kaya itong message na ‘to ni Lord sa ‘kin?’” Marian said.

Suddenly, Dingdong held her hand.

“Sabi niya, ‘Yan, ano man ang mangyari, binigay mo ‘yung best mo, para sa ‘kin, ikaw ang Best Actress.’ So dun pa lang, sabi ko ay, OK na ako,” she said.

Marian won the award alongside Gabby Padilla for "Kono Basho." 

"Higit sa award, ang regalong natanggap ko ay ang muling pagliyab ng aking pagmamahal sa paggawa ng pelikula, dahil sa inspirasyong ibinigay sa akin ng Cinemalaya community," Marian said on Instagram after her win.

Dingdong also joined Marian in celebrating her success and wrote, “I am so proud of you, my wife,” on his social media account.

“Balota” will be screened in Philippine cinemas again starting October 16 with a new cut.

Aside from Marian, the "Balota" cast includes Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Raheel Bhyria, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel Saracho, Sue Prado, Mae Paner, and Gardo Versoza.

"Balota" was directed by Kip Oebanda. It was produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group.—Carby Basina/LDF, GMA Integrated News