In time for Satisfaction Month, Maureen Larrazabal expressed hope that same-sex marriage would already be authorized within the Philippines by the point the long-running GMA sitcom “Pepito Manaloto” reaches its twentieth anniversary.
Throughout a latest media roundtable celebrating the present’s sixteenth yr, Larrazabal was requested what she wish to see occur to her character, Mara, if the collection continues for one more 4 years.
“Sana if 20 years pa kami, I hope by then ma-legalize na ang same-sex marriage dito,” she mentioned.
Larrazabal performs Mara Quijanos, a transgender girl and the longtime girlfriend of Tommy Diones, portrayed by Ronnie Henares. The character has been a part of the sitcom since 2015 and has change into one of many present’s notable LGBTQ+ storylines.
READ: QCinema Satisfaction Movie Competition 2026 returns with seven award-winning queer movies
Requested what she loves most about Mara, Larrazabal mentioned many members of the LGBTQ+ group may relate to her character’s willingness to like regardless of heartbreak and disappointment.
“Sa karakter ko, might pinakamarami yung makaka-relate. Kasi, lalo na pag-LGBT, yung sobrang magmahal, tapos ibibigay lahat, kahit na naloloko,” she mentioned.
Larrazabal has beforehand spoken about her appreciation for portraying Mara, saying she instantly accepted the function as a result of she has many transgender mates and enjoys representing the group by the character.
The actress’ remarks come regardless of her personal perception that marriage just isn’t obligatory for each long-term relationship.
In a 2025 tv interview, Larrazabal revealed that she and her non-showbiz accomplice had been collectively for 22 years and had no plans to marry.
“We love one another. We’ll be collectively. It’s straightforward to fall in love, however to remain in love could be very tough,” she mentioned on the time, including that dedication issues extra to her than a wedding certificates.
Except for Larrazabal’s want for LGBTQ+ {couples}, different solid members shared hopes for the way forward for “Pepito Manaloto” ought to it attain one other main milestone.
“Ang pangarap din namin talaga yung magkaroon ng ‘Pepito Manaloto’ the film,” one solid member mentioned, joking that they’ve lengthy dreamed of bringing the sitcom to the massive display.
Created by Michael V., “Pepito Manaloto” premiered in 2010 and follows the lifetime of lottery winner Pepito Manaloto and his household.
Larrazabal, in the meantime, who’s been within the trade for greater than twenty years, can be a mainstay in “Bubble Gang.” /edv
