Marian Rivera: From Biscuits to Stardom

It all started with a biscuit commercial and the rest is history.

Who thought that the unknown but beautiful model in a biscuit commercial is now the most popular actress in the Philippines? Call it luck, and Marian Rivera is indeed very lucky.

She was then noticed by GMA-7 bigwigs and given a break. She first starred in an afternoon soap opera Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako. It was followed by "Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat" and "Pinakamamahal" opposite Oyo Boy Sotto. Another afternoon shows followed namely "Muli" with Alfred Vargas and "Super Twins".

She debuted in the big screen through a Regal Films horror movie entitled "Pamahiin" along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania. Nevertheless, only a few have noticed Marian Rivera at that time.

Then came the big break. In 2007, GMA-7 was doing the Philippine remake of the popular Thalia starrer "Marimar". Marian joined the audition for the title role alongside big names in the Philippine showbiz. Marian surprisingly captured the
coveted role and started taping opposite Dingdong Dantes.

The program debuted on the small screen on August 13, 2007 and garnered 36.6% in the TV ratings, the highest in its time slot. The show captivated the Filipino audience that it sit in the top of the TV rating charts during its airtime. Due to the success of Marimar, she was awarded as the PhenomenalTV Star in the 38th Box Office Entertainment Awards.

In the same year she starred in two MMFF movie entries "Bahay Kubo" and "Desperadas".

In 2008, she starred in a movie opposite Richard Gutierrez entitled "My Best Friend's Girlfriend" which became a box office hit. She also played the role of "Dyesebel" with Dingdong Dantes which also made to the no.1 spot in the TV ratings.

In second year in a row, she again starred in an MMFF entries, "Shake, Rattle & Roll X" and "Desperadas 2". Her tandem with Dingdong Dantes debuted in the big screen with the movie "One True Love" which was also a certified box office hit.

In 2009, she started it with "Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang" with Dingdong Dantes and the show premiered on the top spot of the Philippine TV ratings.

Controversies also came along to her career but with Marian Rivera's strong personality, she can withstand them all and look forward for a brighter showbiz career.

Annalyn Sabido is the owner of the fan sites for KC Concepcion, Marian Rivera, Luningning of Wowowee, Roxanne Guinoo,Cagayan de Oro City and the blog Pinoy Celebrity News.