Marian Kapuso forever

MANILA, Philippines — A smiling Marian Rivera, who was stunning in her body-hugging lace dress, added a feel-good vibe to the sunshiny yet cool weather last Feb. 5 when she appeared before select members of the entertainment press a couple of minutes after renewing her contract with GMA network.

Present at the contract signing with Marian were GMA network chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, president and COO Gilberto Duavit, SVP for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable, CFO Felipe Yalong as well as Triple A executives Rams David and Mike Tuviera.

Marian said that never did she imagine herself jumping to another network, knowing how GMA has been all out in supporting her since she started her career as a Kapuso in 2007. In fact, her mother network had prepared an audio-visual presentation that showed how Marian has evolved from a newbie starring in fantasy shows until the present where the actress has proven her talent in dancing as well as in the drama and comedy acting departments.

“I cannot think of any possible reason for me to transfer (to another network),” began Marian. “First of all, it was GMA that gave me the break. Secondly, I will forever be grateful to them; forever ’kong tatanawin na utang na loob na kung anuman meron ako ngayon ay dahil sa GMA ‘yun. The kind of trust they have in me when it comes to projects is more than enough so what else could I ask for? Binigay na lahat ng GMA so there is no reason for me not to stay.”

After her three-day respite, Marian is certain that the coming months will be the start of her meetings with the network concerning the different projects being lined up for her. It doesn’t matter to the 33-year-old actress whatever GMA has decided for her to start working on.

“GMA has been very transparent in dealing with me. They explain everything to me and I fully trust them as to the kind of roles they have in mind for me. GMA has been with me all these years. It’s where I was able to build a career, form relationships... until I had a husband and a child. That’s why I feel confident that I am in good hands. Whenever Triple A (headed by her manager Tony Tuviera) and GMA have a talk, panatag talaga ang loob ko.” She, too, takes delight in the fact that the network doesn’t meddle in her personal life. Proof to that is the non-existence of a pregnancy clause in her newly-signed three-year contract.

Perhaps, curious minds are beginning to conclude that Marian is being accorded by the network with all the best since she is the Kapuso Primetime Queen. For some, it would easily make their heads too big for their hats. But not for Marian who feels the weight of the title “Queen” bestowed on her.

“Actually, it’s a big word yet I’m thankful. But for me, what’s important is how I am able to inspire people through my work, especially now that I already have a daughter (Zia, now three years old). It’s a big responsibility for me to show what is good and what is right. I want to set a good example to the children because they, for sure, imitate whatever they see on TV. Ngayong nanay na ako, gusto ko gumawa ng mga may kabuluhan di lang sa trabaho kundi sa pagtulong na din sa iba.” 

 No wonder, Marian is willing to share with younger artists how she was able to achieve the success she’s been enjoying these days. “I am very proud to say that I started with TAPE until the time I got to work here, with a mother role as my first TV assignment. That means, the character you play is not so much the basis of your success but it’s how you are able to show your best in every character (you are portraying) and how you show your love for your work.”

Asked if there is one project wherein sees herself being paired up again with husband Dingdong Dantes, Marian said a sitcom would be great but she would rather not work with him either in the big or on the small screen.

“It’s not that I am avoiding (the opportunity) to work with Dong but I think it would be healthy for both of us if we work separately. You see, we are together at home at kung magkasama pa kami sa work nganga na lang kaming dalawa dahil wala na kaming pag-uusapan so it’s better for us not to be together in a show so when we go out for a date, there is more to talk about (laughs).”

Speaking of date, Marian revealed that she and Dingdong plan to go out on a romantic date during their three-day getaway. Unlike in recent years, when Marian preferred to stay at home than having some nightouts, she shared that she can now afford to go to bars with her husband to unwind. She said, “We now have more time together since I’ve already passed that (difficult) stage of pregnancy, giving birth to Zia. Lumalaki na si Zia, nakakausap na, kumakain na mag-isa so naiiwan-iwanan na and I have overcome the separation anxiety. Sabi ko nga, I’m back, ha,ha,ha.”