Marian Rivera grooves to the beat of life

There is an idea of a Marian Rivera. She is Queen-like, not only in her beauty or her ability to rule primetime television, but also in the way she conquers whatever life throws at her.

Super stardom came as a surprise to the woman we now call Kapuso Primetime Queen. Born in Madrid to a Spanish father and a Filipina mother, Marian stayed in Spain until she was two years old. She was raised in Cavite by her mom and grandmother.

Growing up, Marian had a pretty normal life. She recalls being a good student in grade school and high school. In college, she took up AB Psychology in De La Salle University Dasmariñas. By this time, she was already appearing in commercials, but showbiz just seemed like a remote possibility for her.

After graduating, Marian took her OJT in Mandaluyong Mental Hospital and worked there for four months. Her world completely changed when she was discovered by her current manager, Tony Tuviera.

Marian first appeared in the TAPE, Inc. series, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, followed by Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal. She also appeared in Muli and Super Twins.

One audition has changed Marian Rivera’s life. Out of the many Kapuso actresses who aspired to breathe life into Marimar, the character popularized by Mexican star Thalia, Marian Rivera stood out. In no time, Marian Rivera was catapulted into stardom. She danced like Marimar. She spoke like Marimar. She did not just portray Marimar well. She became Marimar. For the first time, she was paired with Dingdong Dantes and their chemistry was and still is a match made in heaven.

The rest, as they say, is history. From then on, Marian had a string of back-to-back hit teleseryes including Dyesebel, Darna, Endless Love, My Beloved, Amaya, Temptation of Wife and currently, Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw.

In the span of her career, she has done 15 movies and has won several acting awards for her performances on television. She was also voted as the sexiest woman in the country in a popular men’s magazine poll and is currently one of the most in demand endorsers.

Marian is definitely at the peak of her television and film career. But then again, there is more to Marian than her arresting presence or her undeniable acting ability. The multi-faceted star can also rule the dance floor.

So far, she has released two dance albums which have sold 45,000 copies, winning a Platinum award for her first album, Marian Rivera Dance Hits and a Gold for her second album, Retro Crazy.

Her famous single, Sabay Sabay Tayo has become an unforgettable part of Philippine pop culture. Recently, she also popularized the “Bubble Butt” dance craze.

In every step of the way in her showbiz journey, Marian grooved to where fate took her. With her positive outlook and passion for her craft, she danced to the beat of life and won.

-Text by Samantha Portillo, GMANetwork.com