Marian Rivera has just added another milestone to an already legendary career as the Kapuso Primetime Queen won her first Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Best Actress prize, which she shares with Gabby Padilla.

Marian’s top award was courtesy of her portrayal as Teacher Emmy in “Balota,” while Gabby was recognized for her performance in “Kono Bosho.”

In a report by GMA Integrated News’ Jade Yap, Marian sounded very thankful during her acceptance speech on Sunday, August 11, and acknowledged all the “Teacher Emmys” out there from whom the fictional character derives her cinematic traits of courage and passion for truth.

“Birthday ko po bukas. Salamat po sa napakagandang regalo. Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,” said Marian as she accepted the award.

"Sa lahat po ng Teacher Emmy na matapang na ginagawa ang lahat para maproktetahan ang boto ng sambayanan kahit pa ang sarili nilang buhay ang malaan sa panganib," she added. "Teacher Emmy, para sa 'yo 'to."

“Balota,” written and directed by Kip Oebanda, centers on the perilous escape of a teacher named Emmy who, while in the midst of a small town’s chaotic election season, has to run for her life as she aims to protect the the poll results-determining ballot box.

Since the release of the film’s official trailer, cinema critics and fans have commended Marian’s remarkable performance, with netizens on carious social media platforms quick to express their admiration for the Kapuso star’s acting prowess. 

“Can’t get enough of Marian Rivera!!! #Balota as an entry to #Cinemalaya is timely and relevant!!” said one X (formerly Twitter) user.

“Mabuhay ka Marian Rivera! Congratulations on winning the Best Actress awards for #Balota!” said another.

Dingdong Dantes, meanwhile, was palpably ecstatic for his wife’s achievement. While watching from the stands, a teary Dingdong could be seen filled with emotions as the multi-hyphenated actress thanked him in her acceptance speech.

"Sabi ko sakanya (Dingdong), 'Mahal may offer sa akin sa Cinemalaya, tatanggapin ko ba? Kakayanin ko ba?' Wala pang ilang minuto sabi ng asawa ko, 'Kailangan mong gawin 'yan, kailangan mong ipakita kung sino ka.' Salamat, Dad, sa pagtitiwala," Marian said.