Palawan Group of Companies Welcomes Primetime Queen Marian Rivera as New Ambassador

THE PALAWAN Group of Companies (PGC) - home to trusted brands like Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry, and the fast-growing digital wallet PalawanPay - proudly welcomes Philippine TV and movie queen Marian Rivera as its newest brand ambassador.

Palawan Group of Companies executives during the media launch event (L-R): Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer; Robert Ben Castro, Chief Operating Officer;  Karlo Castro, President and CEO;  Angelita Castro, Deputy Chairman and Co-Founder; Bobby Castro, Founder and Chairman; Lilian Castro-Selda, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer; and Korina Castro-Fernando, Chief Human Resources Officer, alongside newest brand ambassador, Marian Rivera.

Renowned for her strong family values and practical approach to managing finances, Marian embodies the qualities that make her an ideal partner for PGC. This collaboration goes beyond a typical endorsement - it is a shared mission to empower communities and promote financial literacy among Filipinos.

"This partnership means so much to me. It is my pleasure to partner with a Filipino company that resonates with my values. Plus, I admire how Palawan continues to innovate to make financial transactions easier and more accessible for our sukis,” Marian shared.

Karlo M. Castro, the President and CEO of PGC, also expressed his excitement over the partnership: "We’ve always looked for someone who truly represents what Palawan stands for - resilience, hard work, and success. Marian’s journey, the sacrifices she has made, and her dedication to her family and career mirror Palawan’s own story. Gano’n din ang Palawan - laging nagsisikap, laging nandyan para sa mga Pilipino.”

Marian agreed wholeheartedly and said, "Milyon-milyong Pilipino na ang suki ng Palawan. Pinagtibay na ng panahon ang kanilang serbisyo. Gaya ko, nag-e-evolve rin ang Palawan - laging may bagong inaalok, pero hindi nakakalimot sa pinanggalingan. Sa buhay, mahalaga ang pagbabago para sa growth natin, pero dapat lagi tayong grounded sa core values natin.”

Growing Priorities and Evolving Roles

Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes.

With the brand's new tagline, "Subukan Na at Patunayan! I-Palawan Mo na ‘Yan,” Marian's launch as PGC’s new ambassador could not come at a more opportune time. As she approaches her 20th year in showbiz, Marian remains a symbol of resilience, hard work, and grace — qualities that align seamlessly with the brand.

"Nung nagsisimula ako, career lang talaga ang focus ko. Mahirap sa simula, pero dahil sa tiyaga at pagpupursige, unti-unti kong narating ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang. Maraming challenges, pero sulit lahat. Masaya ako kung nasaan ako ngayon - proud ako sa naging journey ko,” she emphasized.

Now a 40-year-old mom of two, Marian embraces this new chapter of her life with open arms-navigating the journey of motherhood while taking on deeper, more meaningful roles as an actress. Similarly, as the Palawan Group of Companies approaches its 40th anniversary, it continues to evolve, expanding beyond its roots in Palawan Pawnshop and Palawan Pera Express Padala, proving that growth and transformation are essential to lasting success.

Palawan Group of Companies President
and CEO Karlo M. Castro.

“Nagbago na rin ang priorities ko - lalo na ngayong may pamilya ako. Iba na rin ang projects na tinatanggap ko. Mas may lalim at meaning, kagaya ng Rewind (2023) at Balota (2024). Pero kahit nagbabago ang mga roles ko, ako pa rin si Marian - mas mature, pero grounded pa rin,” she shared.

For Marian, growth isn’t just about personal success - it’s about being smarter and more responsible with money, especially now as a hands-on mom, wife, and businesswoman.

"I handle our household expenses and business ventures regularly. To stay organized, I prioritize budgeting and use financial apps to track our income and spending. Each week, I set time to review our financial goals and adjust as needed. This keeps me focused and ensures we’re making smart money decisions,” she added.

So when PGC approached her to become an ambassador, the decision was easy. "I said ‘yes’ because I believe in their mission to provide accessible financial services to every Filipino. Their values align with mine - family, community, and empowerment."

Inspiring Financial Literacy

(L-R) Host Nikki Viola, Palawan Group of Companies President and CEO Karlo M. Castro, Marian Rivera-Dantes, Chairman and Founder Bobby Castro, and Group Marketing Head Bernard Kaibigan.

Beyond promoting the brand, Marian hopes to inspire her fans to take charge of their finances.

"I want to be a role model by encouraging my supporters to manage their money wisely. By partnering with Palawan, I hope to inspire more Filipinos to make informed financial decisions for their families and future."

Of all PGC’s services, Marian admits Palawan Express Pera Padala is the most helpful for her: "It’s a reliable, fast, and affordable way for families to send and receive money - lalo na sa mga OFWs na gustong suportahan ang pamilya nila dito sa Pilipinas. It’s heartwarming to know that through this service, families stay connected and supported, kahit magkalayo."

Whether it’s sending money, securing loans, or making payments through PalawanPay, Marian believes PGC’s services help ease financial burdens and empower families to focus on what truly matters - their well-being and future.

With the aforementioned new tagline, "Subukan Na at Patunayan! I-Palawan Mo na ‘Yan!" and Marian Rivera-Dantes leading the charge, PGC continues to champion financial empowerment and community support - proving once again why it remains one of the most trusted names in the country. (PR)