Marian Rivera dedicated her Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress Plum to the teachers who sacrificed themselves to protect the votes of the nation, saying her character in “Balota” was a fulfilling experience.

Rivera and “Kono Basho” star Gabby Padilla tied for Best Actress at the film festival’s closing ceremony at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Sunday, August 12 — which incidentally took place a day before the Kapuso actress’ 40th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day.

The actress also said her award is dedicated to her character, Teacher Emmy, who is a teacher manning a particularly violent election, and to all the teachers who give their lives to protect every vote.

“Sa lahat ng Teacher Emmy na matapang na ginagawa ang lahat para protektahan ang boto ng sambayanan — kahit sarili nilang buhay ang ilaan sa panganib — Teacher Emmy, para sa’yo to. Mabuhay po kayo. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino,” she said.

(To all the Teacher Emmys who bravely do everything to protect every vote — even if their own lives are at stake — Teacher Emmy, this is for you. Long live everyone. Long live Filipino films.)