Marian Rivera (born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is an award winning television and movie actress, commercial model and product endorser of Spanish-Filipino descent. Her father is a Spaniard named Francisco Javier Gracia while her mother is a Filipina named Amalia Rivera. Her parents separated when she was 2 years of age. Consequently, she and her mother settled in Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, where the future actress grew up. Marian began her career as a commercial model. After which TAPE Inc., signed and casted her in a series of 3 afternoon soaps for the GMA Network: Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal. Oyo Boy Sotto was her leading man in these three aforementioned soaps. GMA Network then casted her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli and the primetime telefantasya Super Twins. But her biggest break came when she won the title role of Marimar, the remake of the Mexican telenovela which starred Thalia. She auditioned and bested all other young stars who were vying for the highly-coveted role. Marimar is currently and consistently the highest rating show on Philippine primetime TV according to AGB Nielsen. Her team-up with one of GMA Network's most bankable young actors, Dingdong Dantes (playing Sergio Santibañez in Marimar), proved to be a huge success. GMA Network Executives dubbed her as "The Next Big Star." She is now tagged as Philippine's Primetime Princess after her successful debut starrer.
