For nearly a decade, one of Marian Rivera’s quiet yet impactful advocacies has been helping children with cleft lips and palates. She has long supported Smile Train Philippines, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free corrective surgeries.

Marian takes pride in being part of this life-changing mission.

“Ten years na kasi ako sa Smile Train, e, at sa napag-uusapan namin… Actually parang last year naka-two million silang libreng operasyon ang naibigay natin sa mga bata,” she shared.

Her goal is to inspire more people to donate, ensuring that even more children can receive the free surgeries they need.

In her words, “Bakit natin ito ginagawa? Nire-remind natin ang lahat na libre lang ang ngumiti.

“At siyempre nananawagan din tayo dun sa mga mabuting puso na, alam mo yun, puwede silang mag-donate para mas marami tayong batang matulungan, mabigyan natin ng libreng operasyon.

“Dahil alam natin kung gaano pahalaga ang mapangiti natin sila.”

On October 4, 2024, Marian Rivera led the lighting ceremony of the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, commemorating Smile Train’s 25th anniversary and celebrating the #WorldSmileDay.

She was joined by Smile Train executives: (L-R) Vaninna Davidson, communications manager; John Manuel Flores, rain area director for Southeast Asia; Felix Grimares, program director; Florizza P. Buclatin, chief of the Cultural and Public Affairs Division of the National Parks Development Committee; and Tess Fajardo, administration manager.

Marian Rivera for Smile Train

(L-R) Vaninna Davidson, Communications Manager of Smile Train Philippines; John Manuel Flores, Smile Train Area Director for Southeast Asia; Marian Rivera, Smile Train Ambassador; Felix Grimares, Program Director of Smile Train Philippines; Florizza P. Buclatin, Chief of the Cultural and Public Affairs Division of the National Parks Development Committee; and Tess Fajardo, Administration Manager of Smile Train Philippines. 
Photo/s: Nikko Tuazon

Some members of the press remarked that in real life, Marian truly embodies the role of “Super Ma’am,” a superhero character she played in 2017.

But Marian simply wants to set a good example to her children, Zia and Sixto, and walk the talk when she teaches them compassion.

She said, “Parang gusto ko din kasi, not naman pressure for them, pero gusto ko makita nila kung ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng totoong buhay.

“Ang totoong buhay, e, pag i-extend ng tulong sa ibang tao dahil yun yung fulfillment na makukuha mo talaga… yung tumulong ka sa iba.”

Marian Rivera children

(L-R) Marian Rivera’s children Sixto and Zia 
Photo/s: @marianrivera on Instagram

And it has always been a pleasure for her to be of help.

“Basta ako, hanggang kaya ko i-extend kung ano meron ako, gusto ko i-extend iyan sa kanila.

“At sabi ko nga, every time na nag-birthday ako, gusto ko sila, isa sa mga nandoon to celebrate talaga with them.

“Iba yung pakiramdam ko, especially, love na love ko talaga yung mga kids.

“So sabi ko talaga hindi puwedeng hindi ko i-extend ito sa kanila. Hindi ako kumpleto pag walang Smile Train.”

Marian shared a message of hope for individuals with cleft-related conditions, urging them to reach out to Smile Train Philippines.

She said, “Twenty-five years na ang Smile Train at patuloy pa rin tayong nagbibigay ng mga libreng operasyon para sa mga batang nangangailangan.

“Sabi nga namin, kung may problema sila, kung may kailangan sila kontakin lang nila si Smile Train…

“At ang gagawin namin ia-assist talaga at i-extend namin kung anong puwede namin maitulong sa kanila.”