LOOK: Marian Rivera confirms Miss Universe 2021 judging stint and relates own pageant experience
Earlier today, GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes confirmed the good news – she is part of this year’s selection committee of the 70th edition of the annual international pageant, Miss Universe.
Asked how she was tapped for the task and what her initial reaction was, Marian told Random Republika, “Nag-reach out sila through my management. ‘Huh, totoo ba?‘ yan ang unang reaction ko bago ako kinilig nang malala nung na-realize ko na kung gaano kalaking invite ito.” The Kapuso actress-endorser-entrepreneur is flying to Eilat, Israel for the judging stint.
GOING FILIPINIANA
One of the things fans are surely excited about is Marian’s look for the coronation night. Without spilling the details yet, she teased about her plans when asked. “Abangan na lang nila ang mga magiging outfit ko. Pero for sure, I’m going to be wearing gowns or dresses na gawa ng mga Filipino designers,” she said. Marian, a brand ambassador for a large FIlipino brand promoting local products from different regions of the country, has been an active advocate and staunch supporter of clothing made from locally sourced materials.
Aside from the new experience and opportunity to represent the country before a global audience, Marian is also looking forward to meeting the Miss Universe 2021 candidates. She shared, “Na–eexcite akong ma-meet ang mga naggagandahang candidates at malaman ang mga kuwento nila. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na you get to hear their stories and know their culture.”
Given how remarkably beautiful she is, I could not help but ask about Marian’s personal pageant experience. Readily, she revealed, “May experience ako sa pageantry nung bata ako. I think elementary, high school, and college meron. Masaya siya pero hindi madali kaya ganun na lang ang paghanga ko sa mga nasa pageant industry.” Understanding where the candidates are coming from as she experienced the pageant struggles herself gives Marian added credibility.
Of course, we could not let Marian go without her sharing with us how she maintains the beauty the whole world, or universe, rather, is about to see. She happily indulged, “Secret? Parang hindi naman secret na masaya ako with what I do and with what I have. Basta nandiyan ang pamilya ko, ang asawa ko, yung dalawang chikiting, lagi akong happy. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung dahilan, ine-enjoy ko ang buhay as it is. Live your life to the fullest, ika nga nila.“
The Miss Universe 2021 pageant is happening on December 12, 2021 in the Middle East. Reigning Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico will be crowning her successor.
