Pokwang Explains Why She Used Real Name Marietta Subong for Her Award-Winning Role in '2 Valid IDs'

Quick Chika: Pokwang is celebrating the nationwide release of her 2026 Cinemalaya entry '2 Valid IDs,' where she plays a poor Ilocos farmer with no ID to her name. She explained that she used her real name, Marietta Subong, instead of her showbiz name for the serious role, and revealed she tied with Ruby Ruiz for Best Actress at this year's Cinemalaya.

Some actors change their look for a serious role. Pokwang changed her whole name. And based on the awards she has racked up doing it, the trick clearly works.

Photo: PEP.ph

Why did Pokwang use the name Marietta Subong instead?

At an intimate presscon at Max's Restaurant in Quezon City last September 21, Pokwang explained her reasoning straight up:

Bakit Marietta Subong ang ginamit ko dito, hindi the usual na... kasi sabi nga nila, 'Pag Pokwang na ginamit dito, seryoso na.' At lahat ng pinagdaanan ni Sylvia rito, seryoso. Oo, kaya Marietta ang ginamit ko dito. Seryosong pagod, seryosong hirap yung pinagdaanan ni Sylvia.

In English: when the story gets this serious, she goes by Marietta. In '2 Valid IDs,' she plays Sylvia Ramos, a poor farmer from Ilocos who does not even own a single valid ID, a struggle that mirrors what a lot of marginalized Filipinos actually go through when dealing with government offices.

Has using her real name paid off before?

Definitely. Pokwang joked that whenever "Marietta" is credited, it usually means an award follows, and she is only half joking. She previously won Best Actress at the 6th QCinema film festival in 2018 using the name Marietta Subong, for the psychological horror drama "Oda Sa Wala."

Photo: Instagram / Cinemalaya

Did Pokwang win an award for '2 Valid IDs'?

Yes. She tied with Ruby Ruiz, who won for "Status: Rejected," for Best Actress at the Cinemalaya 2026 awards night held at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong last August 17, 2026. Pokwang admitted she gets nervous and kilig at the same time now that the film is finally reaching a wider, nationwide audience.

Nae-excite ako na kinakabahan ako kasi, finally. Wag kayong kabahan, andyan si God. Thank you.

Why this role means so much to her

It is easy to think of Pokwang only as the comedian who makes us laugh, but roles like Sylvia Ramos remind us she has range most people underestimate. Playing someone who has been failed by a system that should protect her is not easy, and doing it well enough to tie for Best Actress says a lot.

Have you watched '2 Valid IDs' yet? Tell us what part of Sylvia's story hit you the hardest.

Quick answers

Why did Pokwang use the name Marietta Subong in '2 Valid IDs'?

She said she uses her real name Marietta Subong for serious roles, and the struggles of her character Sylvia Ramos in the film were serious enough to call for it.

Did Pokwang win an award for '2 Valid IDs'?

Yes, she tied with Ruby Ruiz for Best Actress at the Cinemalaya 2026 awards night on August 17, 2026.

What is '2 Valid IDs' about?

It follows Sylvia Ramos, a poor farmer from Ilocos who does not have a single valid government ID, and the struggles that come with it.

Updated September 22, 2026. Sources and photo credits: PEP.ph. All photos belong to their respective owners.