Celebrity Galore

Marian Gracia Rivera, more popularly known as Marian Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain

to Francisco Javier Alonso Gracia, a Spaniard, and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina.

When her parents separated two 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 in Spain as an OFW and Marian was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite.

Rivera attended Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Psychology.

Rivera first starred in afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network including Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal (with Oyo Boy Sotto). She played mother roles in the Philippine-Malaysian afternoon drama Muli (with Alfred Vargas) and in Super Twins.

In 2006, Rivera signed an eight-picture contract with Regal Films. She starred in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania.

Rivera was seen in two MMFF movie entries in 2007 – Bahay Kubo and Desperadas.

In 2008, Rivera starred in her first leading lady role with Richard Gutierrez in the hit blockbuster romantic-comedy My Best Friend’s Girlfriend.

Rivera was most recently seen in the movie One True Love where she shared top billing with perennial leading man, Dingdong Dantes, and her Desperadas co-star, Iza Calzado. Fortunately, the movie earned in the box-office, and even manage to enter the Top 3 Box-Office Heavy Drama films of the year.

Rivera is once again a lead star in two 2008 MMFF entries – as Courtney in Desperadas 2, and as Nieves in the Shake, Rattle & Roll X episode with the same name.

Source [ Wikipedia ]