Marian Rivera is Palawan Group of Companies' new ambassador

The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) has officially welcomed Philippine primetime queen Marian Rivera as its newest brand ambassador.

The company, which includes Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry, and the fast-growing digital wallet PalawanPay, sees Rivera as the perfect fit for its mission to empower Filipinos through accessible financial services.

Known for her strong family values and practical financial management, Rivera expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership in a media conference saying, "Before everything else, we had an intimate lunch, so I got to know them better — their true mission and vision for Filipinos. We talked about so many things, and I was really amazed by the story of [co-founders] sir Bobby and ma'am Angie Castro. Can you imagine? With just P40,000 as their initial capital, they were able to grow it. Why? Because of their dedication and hard work — that's what truly matters."

"It's really inspiring to be surrounded by people like them who are committed to ensuring that every Filipino gets what they need. That's why it's such an honor for me," she continued.

Rivera emphasized the company's genuine commitment to helping others.

"They understand their values and their mission, which is to extend help to fellow Filipinos. Whatever it is, you can find it all in Palawan, and you won't have to look anywhere else," Rivera proudly added.

PGC President and CEO Karlo Castro, meanwhile, highlighted why Rivera was chosen as their ambassador, "In the Palawan Group, we carefully select someone who truly reflects the company's core values, and we clearly see that in Marian. First and foremost, she genuinely cares for Filipinos and our country. Secondly, she has a proven track record — reliable, just like what we're looking for. So for us, Marian is truly the perfect choice."

Bernard Kaibigan, PGC's Group Marketing Head, echoed the sentiment and said, "Beyond credibility and trust, it's essential that our endorsers can genuinely relate to our products. We choose endorsers who exemplify credibility, integrity, and trustworthiness — and Ms. Marian embodies all these qualities."

A shared mission of growth and financial literacy

As Rivera approaches her 20th year in showbiz, she remains a symbol of resilience, hard work, and grace — values that seamlessly align with PGC's own evolution.

"When I was starting out, my focus was solely on my career. It was difficult at first, but through perseverance and determination, I gradually achieved what I once only dreamed of. There were many challenges, but it was all worth it," Rivera recalled.

Now a 40-year-old mother of two, she embraces her evolving roles as both an actress and a hands-on mom. She recognizes that growth isn't just about personal achievements but also about financial responsibility.

"I manage our household expenses and business ventures regularly. To stay organized, I prioritize budgeting and use financial apps to track our income and spending. Every week, I set aside time to review our financial goals and make adjustments as needed. This keeps me focused and ensures that we're making smart financial decisions," she explained.

Beyond being the face of PGC, Rivera hopes to inspire Filipinos 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," she said.

She highlighted Palawan Express Pera Padala, which she considers the most beneficial service.

"It's a reliable, fast, and affordable way for families to send and receive money — especially for OFWs who want to support their families here in the Philippines. It's heartwarming to know that through this service, families stay connected and supported even when they're miles apart," she added.

For Rivera, choosing a trusted financial partner is essential.

"Go with someone you can truly rely on. As they say, just like gold undergoes a meticulous inspection, they ensure the same level of care — for you," she said.

"It's so important to choose a provider you can trust, one that won't take advantage of you. Reliability, speed, and accessibility to processes — Palawan makes everything easy. They provide all that and more."

Now nearing its 40th year, the company continues to expand beyond its roots in pawnshop and remittance services, showcasing the importance of adaptability in achieving success.

With the new tagline "Subukan Na at Patunayan! I-Palawan Mo na 'Yan!" and Rivera leading the charge, PGC continues its commitment to financial empowerment. The company also highlighted the rapid growth of its digital services, with PalawanPay surpassing 20 million registered users.