Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera’s meteoric rise to superstardom has made her one of the country’s most popular and most bankable stars. Born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain from a Spanish father and a Filipina mother, she spent her infancy in Europe. Her parents separated when she was two years old, and her mother decided to bring her daughter home to the Philippines. Marian was practically raised by her maternal grandmother when her mother went back abroad for work.

Marian pursued her acting career after finishing her Psychology degree at the De La Salle University-Dasmarinas. Her first acting gigs were for afternoon soap operas produced by TAPE Inc. and GMA Network, which include Pinakamamahal with Oyo Boy Sotto.  She also starred in the afternoon drama Muli and the primetime TV show Super Twins. Her biggest break came in 2008 when she was cast in the starring role of local remake of the hit Mexican telenovela Marimar, where she starred opposite Dingdong Dantes, who played Sergio. The role marked her status as the country’s hottest young actress. 2008 proved to be Marian’s year, and she won numerous awards for her work in the show, as well as several product endorsements. She was also named as the country’s sexiest woman by FHM magazine, and was also included in the “hottest” list of Maxim and Uno magazine.

Marimar also helped cement her loveteam status with Dingdong, and their pairing is considered as one of the most popular and profitable in showbiz. The Marian-Dingdong loveteam has created legions of fans, and GMA-7 was quick to capitalize on it. Right after her breakthrough role in Marimar, Marian was cast in the lead role in the TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel, where she played the beautiful mermaid. Dingdong was again cast as her partner.

She is currently starring on the movie One True Love opposite Dingdong and Iza Calzado. Marian is also included in the cast of Shake, Rattle and Roll X, an entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Filmfest.

Controversies

Marian was said to be the cause of the breakup between Dingdong and singer Karylle. It was rumored that the loveteam partners have fallen in love in real life, although both Dingdong and Marian denied the allegations. At present, Marian Rivera is being hounded by gossips alleging that she is currently pregnant and the father is none other than Dingdong Dantes, a charge that she vehimently denies.