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Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera has confirmed what the internet has been speculating about--she will be part of the Miss Universe 2021 judging panel.

During a media conference held today, December 3, the awarded star of shows like MariMar, Amaya, and Temptation of Wife and the host of television drama anthology show Tadhana said she is excited to head to Israel for Miss Universe and get to know the pageant's contestants.

Marian was chosen by the production less than a month ago, and then the choice was forwarded to the Miss Universe Organization who vetted her before asking her to be part of the selection committee.

Marian, who revealed that she used to compete in local pageants herself, said that this was a huge honor for her.

“Minsan lang ito dumating at bakit hindi ko tatanggapin? Mahirap iwan ang mga anak ko pero naniniwala ako na balang araw ay maiintindihan nila kung gaano ka-importante ito,” she said.

Marian also gamely addressed bashers who as early as now were questioning her being picked by the Miss Universe Organization as part of its selection committee.

“Hindi naman talaga English ang language ko kung hindi Filipino at pinili pa rin nila ako. I-express ko ang sarili ko naaayon sa nararamdaman ko sa araw na 'yon,” she explained.

She added, “Minsan lang mabigyan ng ganito kahalagang gagampanan sa isang organization na ganito. Malaking karangalan ito.”

Marian admits that she is still taking her duties as part of the selection committee one day at a time and that she is looking forward to appreciating the pageant's contestants.

“Nandoon ako para i-appreciate at maging saksi sa kagandahan ng mga babae sa buong mundo at katapangan nila na ibalik ang humanity sa gitna ng radikal na pagbabago na dala ng pandemya,” she said.

Marian is bringing with her not just her experience as an actress, entertainer, and host to the judging panel, but her experience as an entrepreneur as well, having recently launched her Flora Vida lifestyle line.

Earlier in the week, Marian had teased her role as a judge by putting up a cryptic post on her Instagram account.

Accompanying a photo of her wearing a red dress was a caption that read as “Honored” along with a crown and universe emoji, as well as the hashtag #Grateful.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marian Rivera Gracia Dantes (@marianrivera)

While not a confirmation, fans began to connect the dots, with a comment from Marian's husband, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, catching their attention.

Photo source: @marianrivera

Photo source: @marianrivera

Photo source: @olachua1

Marian becoming part of the Miss Universe judging panel puts her name alongside others with remarkable careers as well, such as Bozoma Saint John, who is currently the chief marketing officer of Netflix, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, Broadway diva Lea Salonga, and former Miss Universe winners like Dayanara Torres and Sushmita Sen.

While we wait for Marian's appearance on Miss Universe as part of the judging panel, take a look at photos of her that scream beauty queen in the gallery below.