Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera Gràcia-Dantes (Tagalog: [ˌmaɾjɐn ɾɪˌbɛːɾɐ ˈdantɛs]; born 12 August 1984) is a Filipino model, actress, singer, host, and dancer best known for her portrayals of leading heroines and her performances in romantic dramas films and television series. Widely regarded in the entertainment industry as the "Primetime Queen" and the "Queen of Philippine Movies of Her Generation" for her sustained commercial success and contributions to Philippine cinema, Rivera's accolades include three FAMAS Awards, five PMPC Star Awards for Television, a PMPC Star Awards for Movies, two PAFTA Awards ten Box Office Entertainment Awards, and a Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Award, including nominations from Asian Television Awards, Luna Awards and Metro Manila Film Festival.^[1]

Early life and education

Marian Rivera Gràcia was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gràcia Alonso, a Spaniard, and Amalia Rivera, a native Tagalog from Cavite. Her parents married and eventually divorced when she was three years old, after which her mother brought her to the Philippines where she grew up. However, her mother had to continue with work commitments abroad and Rivera was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera, in Maragondon, Cavite.^[1]

2004–2008: Career beginnings

Marian Rivera pursued ramp modelling in her elementary schooling years then later as TV commercial model for SkinWhite Lotion, Sky Flakes Biscuits, and other labels. These commercial appearances led TAPE Inc. executive producer Antonio Tuviera commissioned her for roles in the afternoon TV soap operas Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat, and Pinakamamahal. Rivera made her first supporting role film appearance through OctoArts' Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues in 2005 as the fairy Alyssa.^[1]

2009–2014: Rise to fame

In 2009, she released her first single, "Sabay Sabay Tayo" under her second album Retro Crazy. The single and the album both received a Gold Award and later on a Platinum Record Award from PARI.^[1]

2014–2022: Later years

Rivera returned to prime time with a heavy-drama project titled as Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw (formerly Catarina) broadcast by GMA Network on 27 January 2014, wherein she was paired with Alden Richards.^[1]

2023–present: Film and television comeback and social media presence

In 2023, Rivera was announced to star in Rewind, a 49th Metro Manila Film Festival film entry. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her multiple "Best Actress"^[1]

Philanthropy

In 2009, Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, with assistance from Yes Pinoy Foundation, Philippine National Red Cross and Philippine Marines went to Cainta, Rizal to help the victim of Typhoon Ondoy. Aside from being a volunteer in GMA Network's telethon, she helped repacking relief goods from the GMA Kapuso Foundation, a charitable institution from the network.^[1]

Business

Rivera opened her first business, Flora Vida, an online flower shop in 2017. Each flower arrangement is creatively and designed by Marian herself. In 2020, she expanded her floral arrangements business into, Flora Vida Home, which sells furnitures, table runners, placemat, curtains,^[1]

Public image

Rivera was declared as FHM Magazine's Sexiest Woman in 2008. With her victory, the FHM staff clarified that contrary to popular impression, Rivera was already being eyed by FHM even before her career skyrocketed because of Marimar. Before arising as top 1 in the Top 100 list, she was already listed in the list in 2006 and 2007 at #38 and #24 respectively.^[1]

Personal life

In August 2014, during a live airing of Rivera's dance program, her longtime boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, made a special guest appearance and made a surprise wedding proposal to her. It was the second proposal by Dantes; the first one had been in Macau. In order to marry him, she had to be received into the Catholic Church via conditional baptism; her initial baptism in Spain was considered invalid since the administering denomination was not on the list of those recognized as giving valid baptisms by the Church in the Philippines.^[1]