Marian Rivera opens up about insecurities, English fluency
Metro Manila, Philippines – Actress Marian Rivera was candid about overcoming self-doubt - from physical insecurities to confidence in speaking English.
In a conversation with journalist Karen Davila on YouTube, the actress shared how growing up in Cavite shaped her view about her limited English fluency, and why she did not consider it a personal setback.
"Siguro yung pagsasalita ng English kasi very big deal iyan sa atin. Pero kasi ‘di naging problema sa akin iyon. Sa Cavite, ‘di naman kami nag-English doon, kahit sa school namin ‘di nag-English lahat," Rivera said.
[Translation: Speaking English is a big deal for us, but it has never been an issue with me. In Cavite, we didn’t speak English, even in school, not everyone spoke English.]
She said she only saw the need to be proficient in English when she moved to Manila and began working in show business.
Rivera even joked that her daughter, Zia, has been teaching her to speak the language.
"Turo ng anak ko iyon, siya nagsasabi sa akin," she added.
[Translation:That’s my daughter’s teaching - she’s the one correcting me.]
The Kapuso primetime queen said she has always been grateful for the support of her husband and family about conversing in English.
"Nasasabi ko iyan sa kanya, kaya sobrang mahal ko ang asawa ko sabi niya, 'No, mahal ka namin bilang ikaw, hindi mo kailangan baguhin ang sarili mo,'" she said.
[Translation:I tell him that, and that’s why I love my husband so much. He tells me, ‘No, we love you for who you are - you don’t need to change yourself.]
However, Rivera acknowledged that people can hone their skills if they want.
"You can improve yourself in speaking fluently in English. Ang daming mga teachers na pwede magturo sa iyo pero parang okay na ako na ganito ako, dito kasi yung komportable ako," she said.
[Translation: There are many teachers who can help you improve your English, but I think I’m okay. This is where I’m comfortable.]
Rivera said she is glad that her daughter has solid communication skills.
"Sabi ko sa anak ko, 'Anak, yung weakness ko ikaw na ang sumalo.' Kasi yung anak ko super fluent in English with a British accent. ang dami kong natutunan sa anak ko," she added.
[Translation: I told my daughter that she is compensating for my weakness. My daughter is super fluent in English with a British accent. I learn a lot from her.]
Rivera also admitted to struggling with self-confidence regarding her height and hips, but she has since learned to embrace and love herself.
Rivera (born Marian Rivera Gracia-Dantes) is married to actor Dingdong Dantes (born Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Gonzales Dantes III). They have two children, Zia and Sixto.
