'Mataray pero nasa lugar': Marian Rivera on her image, public perception

MANILA, Philippines — Marian Rivera admitted that she is "mataray" but she knows her boundaries. 

The actress and her husband, Dingdong Dantes were the latest guests of showbiz columnist Ogie Diaz on his YouTube entertainment vlog. 

At the start of their more than 30-minute conversation, Ogie brought up the public image or perception that Marian has — that she is "mataray." 

"Mataray talaga ako," Marian said. 

"Mataray" can be used to describe a person with a sharp tongue.

When Ogie asked if it was a trait that she would not change if she were given the chance to turn back time, Marian clarified. 

"Hindi, kasi 'yung pagiging mataray ko naman ay arte-arte lang. Kumbaga eto lang ako kasi sa Cavite ganito talaga kami e. Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin hindi ako sweet, hindi ako malambing, hindi ako caring. 

"Siguro ganu'n lang 'yung perception pero 'pag nakikilala naman ako, baklang babae naman ako. So okay lang naman ako na ganon ako," Marian added. 

Ogie quipped that it may have been the reason why there were those who were afraid of her because of her image. 

Marian said it has sometimes caused people to misjudge her, but she appealed for people to work with her first to get to know her. 

"'Yan 'yung mahirap minsan kapag hindi mo kilala 'yung isang tao, talagang andali natin mag-judge e. Okay lang walang problema sa akin pero gusto ko maka-trabaho mo ako bago mo ako i-judge," she said. 

Ogie remarked about her being "mataray" but in the right place and time. 

"Oo pero nasa lugar. 'Pag ayaw ko talaga, transparent kasi talaga ako. Alam ni Dong ito. Nagbago na nga ako nu'ng nagka-anak ako. Minsan 'pag ayaw ko, tahimik na lang ako. Dati 'pag ayaw ko, ayaw ko. Very vocal ako e. 

"Pero siguro ang laki ng adjustment o ang laki ng naitulong sa akin na may anak ako na 'yung pasensya ko lalong humaba," she shared. 

It also came to her mind to think of her children. She said that she does not want her children to experience it or be misjudged. 

"Parang iisipin mo na lang 'pag ginawa ko ba ito, baka mangyari sa anak ko ito. Ayaw ko. So gagawin mo ng tama para hindi maranasan ng anak mo. 'Di ba may kasabihan sa probinsiya, 'Gagawin mo, babalik sa'yo o sa anak mo?'" Marian