Maureen Larrazabal hopes same sex marriage will be legalized in PH

In time for Pride Month, Maureen Larrazabal expressed hope that same-sex marriage would already be legal in the Philippines by the time the long-running GMA sitcom “Pepito Manaloto” reaches its 20th anniversary.

During a recent media roundtable celebrating the show’s 16th year, Larrazabal was asked what she would like to see happen to her character, Mara, if the series continues for another four years.

“Sana if 20 years pa kami, I hope by then ma-legalize na ang same-sex marriage dito,” she said.

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Larrazabal plays Mara Quijanos, a transgender woman and the longtime girlfriend of Tommy Diones, portrayed by Ronnie Henares. The character has been part of the sitcom since 2015 and has become one of the show’s notable LGBTQ+ storylines.

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READ: QCinema Pride Film Festival 2026 returns with seven award-winning queer films

Asked what she loves most about Mara, Larrazabal said many members of the LGBTQ+ community could relate to her character’s willingness to love despite heartbreak and disappointment.

“Sa karakter ko, may pinakamarami yung makaka-relate. Kasi, lalo na pag-LGBT, yung sobrang magmahal, tapos ibibigay lahat, kahit na naloloko,” she said.

Larrazabal has previously spoken about her appreciation for portraying Mara, saying she immediately accepted the role because she has many transgender friends and enjoys representing the community through the character.

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The actress’ remarks come despite her own belief that marriage is not necessary for every long-term relationship.

In a 2025 television interview, Larrazabal revealed that she and her non-showbiz partner had been together for 22 years and had no plans to marry.

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“We love each other. We’ll be together. It’s easy to fall in love, but to stay in love is very difficult,” she said at the time, adding that commitment matters more to her than a marriage certificate.

Aside from Larrazabal’s wish for LGBTQ+ couples, other cast members shared hopes for the future of “Pepito Manaloto” should it reach another major milestone.

“Ang pangarap din namin talaga yung magkaroon ng ‘Pepito Manaloto’ the movie,” one cast member said, joking that they have long dreamed of bringing the sitcom to the big screen.

Created by Michael V., “Pepito Manaloto” premiered in 2010 and follows the life of lottery winner Pepito Manaloto and his family.

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Larrazabal, meanwhile, who’s been in the industry for more than two decades, is also a mainstay in “Bubble Gang.” /edv