Is Pokwang ready to love again?
MANILA, Philippines — Pokwang, whose real name is Marietta Subong, is one proud mother to her eight-year-old daughter, Malia O’Brian, whom she intends to give the freedom to choose her own path. Should Malia decide to enter showbiz or pursue a career as a performer in the future, Pokwang said she will fully support her daughter’s decision.
Malia is Pokwang’s youngest daughter with her former partner, American actor Lee O’Brian. The comedienne-actress also has an older daughter, Ria Mae, from a previous relationship.
“May betsin kasi ang matris ko kaya ang ganda-ganda niya (Malia),” the comedienne-actress quipped during an interview at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 presscon event held earlier. “First of all, I want her to be a responsible citizen. It’s true. If she wants to be an actress or whatever, it’s up to her as long as she’s happy. Mama is always here.”
Pokwang scrolled through adorable photos of Malia on her phone, beaming as she showed them off. “Pak! Pak! Pak!” she flexed.
“She has a bit of a comedian in her, too,” Pokwang told The STAR with a laugh, adding that she’s also a performer who has a natural flair for singing and dancing. “In fact, at school, lagi siya yung bida-bida. ‘Mom, I’m gonna dance Gabriela by Katseye.’ Kung ano-ano na lang. Alam mo na mana-mana. Pero ang ganda, ibigay na natin.”
When queried about her love life, Pokwang said, “Yan ang hindi maganda. Haha! ‘Wag na, ‘wag na.” She added that she prefers to focus on her craft and her business. “All by myself na lang.”
Does it mean that she is giving up on love?
“It’s up to God. If it were up to me, I’d rather not. Yaan mo na yan,” she stated.
Pokwang stars in Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan’s “2 Valid IDs,” one of the entries in the ongoing Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections.
Written by Abet Pagdagdagan Raz, the film also features Meryll Soriano, Joey Marquez and Zaijian Jaranilla.
The social drama tells the story of Sylvia (played by Pokwang), a poor farmer who is unable to claim a remittance because she lacks the required two valid IDs. She finds herself in a situation that challenges her character, beliefs and morality.
“It’s only in the Philippines that we are asked to show two valid IDs to get another ID. What happens to those who don’t have any? What happens to the people trapped in a chaotic and inhumane system?” direk Ma-an raised these questions in a statement.
“‘2 Valid IDs’ is more than a story of bureaucracy, it is a reflection of the truth where access to basic needs is hindered by poverty, excessive red tape, rigid rules and a system that demands documentation rather than urgency and compassion. Hence, many Filipinos are pushed into a world of ‘fixers,’ forged identities and moral compromise. They are doing this not because of selfishness but out of necessity and love,” she added.
The film is described as “a cry for empathy, reform and a more humane way of treating the most vulnerable,” calling on the public to “look at our institutions and ourselves with a greater kindness, some added sensitivity and more humane concern.”
Pokwang shared that she could deeply resonate with the social issues mirrored in the film, recalling the loss of her six-year-old son, Shin, who died from a congenital brain ailment in 1998. At the time, she was unable to return home in time to be with her son due to her employment contract while she was working in Abu Dhabi.
“Ang haba-haba ng pila tapos hihingan ka pa ng valid IDs at kung ano-ano pa. When my son died, lumapit kami sa PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) to ask for (financial) help, other hospitals but…,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “You will see in the film the struggles ng pinanganak sa laylayan.”
When asked how many IDs she currently has, Pokwang said she has her PhilHealth and postal IDs and a passport. “My national ID, sa awa ng Diyos, wala pa.”
Cinemalaya’s nine full-length and 10 short films are currently screening until Aug. 18 at the Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Gateway Cineplex and Ayala Malls Cinemas.
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