Marian Rivera earns support from fellow celebrities after defending herself against bashers who criticize her Miss Universe 2021 judging stint because of her English skills.
On December 3, the Kapuso actress confirmed that she would be part of the judging panel for the Miss Universe 2021 held at Eilat, Israel, on December 12.
Following this confirmation are critics who questioned her qualifications to judge the international beauty pageant and mock her English skills.
Rivera admitted that English is not her primary language but, the actress is unbothered because she knows that she is true to her core.
“Aaminin ko, hindi naman English ang first language ko kundi Filipino. At kinuha nila ako dahil sa aking body of work bilang isang Filipina. Basta ang masasabi ko lang, at kilala niyo naman ako na hindi ako mapagpanggap. I-eexpress ko ang sarili ko sa naaayon sa nararamdaman ko,” Rivera said.
With her statement, fellow celebrities have showered their support for Rivera.
Actress-dancer Sugar Mercado pointed out that Rivera’s viewpoint will enlighten people that English will never measure a person’s intelligence.
Oh pak 👊👊💥☺️ salamat Sugar
Marian Rivera pic.twitter.com/MXcXKLYnth
— Marimar (@mariadongmarian) December 6, 2021
Singer Kakai Bautista and Comedian Donita Nose agreed to Mercado’s comment about Rivera and expressed her admiration for the actress.
Eh kahit si Donita Nose ☺️👊 ( IG post po ito ni Sugar)
Salamat po 😁😊😊
Marian Rivera pic.twitter.com/E51kf1XlaQ— Marimar (@mariadongmarian) December 6, 2021
Comedian Boobay and Actress Ana Feleo also congratulated Rivera for being one of the judges.
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Julia Anne San Jose, Kim Molina, Chynna Ortaleza, and Aiko Melendez also showed some love for Rivera in her Instagram post that confirmed her participation in the beauty pageant as a judge.
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On December 7, Rivera arrived in the host country Israel, and she was accompanied by her husband, Dingdong Dantes.
She is set to join several pre-pageant activities before the final night on December 12, where the Philippines’ bet Beatrice Luigi Gomez will compete for the country’s 5th Miss Universe crown.