MANILA, Philippines — Marian Rivera credited her husband and fellow actor Dingdong Dantes as one of the reasons she took on a role in Kip Oebanda’s “Balota,” which won her Best Actress at the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

The actress shared the award with Gabby Padilla of “Kono Basho” for a historic joint-win in the film festival’s 20-year history.

In “Balota,” Marian plays Emmy, a teacher volunteering at an election who runs into the wilderness to protect a ballot box after violence erupts in her town.

During her acceptance speech at the Cinemalaya 2024 closing ceremony held in Ayala Malls Manila Bay last August 11, Marian held back tears as she expressed gratitude to Kip and the rest of the “Balota” team, quipping the bruises she sustained over six days of shooting were all worth it.

Marian then shared an anecdote of when Kip approached her with the role of Emmy, she consulted Dingdong on whether she should accept a lead role in a Cinemalaya film.

She said Dingdong adamantly pushed for Marian to take it “para ipakita ano kaya mong gawin,” ultimately leading to a Best Actress plum.

The actress also mentioned in her speech that the award was an advanced 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day gift as she turns 40 years old on August 12.

Marian ended her speech by paying tribute to individuals like Emmy who put their life on the line to protect the sanctity of democracy.

After the ceremony, Marian told members of the press including Philstar.com the Best Actress win was made more special because Dingdong was present to see her accept a Balanghai trophy.

While Marian was being interviewed, Dingdong told other media people how proud he was of his wife, while Gabby found it amusing and equally special to share the Best Actress award with Marian.