Marian Rivera

With her gorgeous looks and acting prowess, here's a girl who has what it takes to have staying power in showbiz.


Early life:

Marian Gracia Rivera, more popularly known as Marian Rivera born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain. Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain. Her father is a Spaniard named Francisco Javier Gracia Alonzo and her mother is a Filipina named Amalia Rivera. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in the Philippines. 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.

Education:

Rivera attended local private schools in Cavite including Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college. She had a 3-month practicum at the National Mental Hospital, after which she graduated with a degree in B.S. Psychology.

Personal:

Nickname:Yan-yan

Showbiz Anniversary: 2005

*1. Her favorite funny movie is Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle!
2. She named her two cars “Cariño” and “Amigo.”
3. She won dance competitions in school.
4. She used to have a pet Shi Tzu, but she had to give it away because she is allergic to dogs.
5. Her comfort food is anything chocolate.

Her most treasured item :Sto. Niño ball that she brings with her at all times. It was given by her mother, and she considers it her lucky charm!

Bet you didn’t know! Marian talks to her cars, and she believes they give her good luck!

q & a

On the spot:

Why did you enter showbiz? “Actually, hindi ko inisip kahit kailan na magsho-showbiz ako, kasi alam kong sobrang hirap [dito]. Dumating na lang sa point na dinala lang ako ng kapalaran ko na dito ako dapat.”

What’s your biggest dream? “Sino ba naman ang hindi may gustong sobrang maayos ang buhay, di ba? At siguro napatunayan ko na sa sarili ko na kaya kong tumayo sa sarili kong paa na hindi ako umaasa sa kung ano mang mayroon kami. Syempre lagi kong iniisip na lahat ng bagay, hindi forever. Kaya ako, gusto ko magkabahay ako at magka-business. Para kahit anong mangyari sa akin, may fallback ako.”

Who or what is your inspiration? “Yung mga taong nakapaligid sa akin na sobrang nagtitiwala sa akin at sobrang mahal ako. Na alam kong [masaya] sila kung saan man ako nandito ngayon.”

Describe yourself in three words. “Makulit, kalog, kaibigan.”