Marian Rivera

Marian Rivera Dantes (born Marian Gracia y Rivera, August 12 1984, Madrid, Spain), known professionally as Marian Rivera, is a Spanish-Filipina commercial model and actress.

Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso, a Spaniard, and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina from Cavite. Her parents separated when she was two years old, after which her mother brought her to the Philippines where she grew up. 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. After graduating, she worked for National Institute of Mental Health in Mandaluyong City where she gave out medicines, examinations and evaluation to patients, among others.

In August 2014, while a live airing of Rivera's dance program, Dantes, her longtime boyfriend, made a special guest appearance in the show. Dantes, on the other hand, made a surprise live proposal to Rivera. It was the second proposal by Dantes; the first one was in Macau.[18][19]To marry him, she had to be received into the Roman Catholic Church via conditional baptism as her baptism in Spain was not recognized as valid.

On December 30, 2014, she married Dingdong Dantes. The wedding, held at Cubao Cathedral, Quezon City, was dubbed "The Royal Wedding" when broadcast by GMA Network. In April 2015, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.

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 Tony Tuviera commission her for roles in the afternoon TV soap operas Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat, and Pinakamamahal.

In 2007, Rivera auditioned for and won the lead role in GMA Network's adaptation of the popular Mexican series MariMar. Opposite Dingdong Dantes, the show became the highest-rated prime time drama show on Philippine television at that time and launched Rivera to stardom.