Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera (pronounced: [maˈɾjan riˈβeɾa]), (born Marián Gracia Rivera on August 12,1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipina commercial model and actress, known for her roles in Marimar, Dyesebel, Darna, and Amaya.As a recording artist, Rivera has released two studio albums: the platinum hits Marian Rivera Dance Hitsand Retro Crazy. She has also starred in some box-office movies such as: My Bestfriend's Girlfriend, Tarot, You to Me Are Everything, and Panday 2.

In 2009, Rivera ranked #5 in Manila Standard's "2009 Top Celebrity Endorsers", #3 in "Top 10 Most In-demand Celebrity Endorsers in 2010 and was also included in 2011's Top 20 Endorsers. She was hailed as FHM's Sexiest Woman in 2008 and recently, for the second time this 2013 dethroning Sam Pinto as the Sexiest Woman in the Philippines.

Personal life

Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso, a Spaniard and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina from Cavite, Philippines.After her parents separated 2 years after her birth, her mother brought her to the Philippines where she grew up most of her life. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite. Rivera pursued her elementary and high school education at Saint Francis of Assisi College System, and spent her college education finishing Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in De La Salle University Dasmariñas.

Career

2005-06: Discovery and career beginnings

Rivera pursued ramp modelling during her elementary years, and later starred as commercial models for a beauty product, SkinWhite lotion and a biscuit brand, Sky Flakes.

She was discovered through her commercials by Tony Tuviera, TAPE Inc.'s executive producer. The management make her appear in an afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Networkincluding Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal with Oyo Boy Sotto as her leading man. GMA Network then cast her for motherly roles, first through Philippines-Malaysian drama, Muli together with Alfred Vargas. She made her first appearance in a film through OctoArts' Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues in 2005 where she played as a fairy opposite Sotto. Her second and last motherly role is through the network's fantasy series, Super Twins in 2007, acting also as villain on the latter part of the story. In 2006, Rivera signed a contract with Regal Entertainment and casted on her first ever antagonist role in a film along Dennis Trillo and Iya Villaniaentitled as Pamahiin.