Body Talk with Marian Rivera

Como estas?

“Muy bien, gracias!”

Oh, hablas Español!

“Si, hablo Español.”

Por que?

“Soy Español.”

I’m talking to Marian Rivera, said to be The Next Big Thing after the premiere last Monday of the GMA 7 Tagalized version of Marimar, and trying to brush up on my un poquito knowledge of Spanish. I wanted to find out if Marian did know Spanish because her detractors have been saying that her “Spanish background” is just, you know, “press release.”

In fact, Marian Rivera Gracia was born in Madrid where her parents have been working. An only child, she first came home when she was 12 and studied here. She finished BS Psychology in La Salle. Every year, she would go to Madrid for vacation. While here, she stays with her lola in Cavite. She joined showbiz in late 2005.

After three soaps by TAPE (Pinakamamahal, Agawin Mo Man ang Lahat and Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako) and two by GMA (Muli and Super Twins), GMA tapped Marian for the coveted title role on Marimar, the Mexican telenovela starring Thalia (who must have given birth to her first baby with her husband, former Sony Music boss Tony Mottola) which kept the whole country glued to the TV more than a decade ago.

For the record: Almost all young stars of GMA auditioned for the role, including Angel Locsin, but Marian beat them hands down.

Did she really “steal” the role from Angel?

“I don’t think so. I heard that the role was intended for her but she had to back out because she was going to London to study.”

Angel’s loss is Marian’s gain. She’s perfect as Marimar, isn’t she?

How did Marian prepare for the soap which got a whopping 36 percent-plus rating on its opening?

“I had a hair extension, I got a tan, I attended a Marimar workshop, I took dancing lessons under Tita Geleen (Eugenio),” said Marian who is a good swimmer (some scenes require her to go underwater). “During the workshop, I was made to watch tapes of Marimar. I was in grade school when it was on TV, so I didn’t have time to watch all of it. All I remember is that Thalia is sexy and is a good dancer. I also remember Fulgoso, the talkative dog.”

Marian is a Leo (Aug. 12, same birthday with Aga Muhlach). She stands 5’4”, weighs less than 100 pounds, measures 36-24-36, and wears extra-small shirt and size-7 shoes.

How do you cope with the hectic shooting schedule of Marimar (mostly in Zambales)?

“Okay naman so far.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“Three to four hours. I take power naps. But I don’t feel tired at all dahil masayang ka-trabaho ang mga kasama ko — direk Joyce (Bernal) and direk Mac (Alejandre), and Dingdong (Dantes), my leading man.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I thank God for all the blessings.”

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“I look at myself in the mirror.”

Your favorite sleep wear?

“Boxer shorts and spaghetti top.”

How’s your diet?

“I eat anything, mostly Filipino food. Yes, I take three meals a day, but just a little for dinner. I love chocolates but I’m trying not to eat too much so I won’t gain weight. I love fruits. My favorites are longgans, apples, oranges, mangoes, all kinds of fruit. And vegetables, too, especially okra fried crispy. Masarap isinasawsaw sa toyo.”

What vitamins do you take?

“Multi-vitamin.”

How much water do you take everyday?

“I’m a water person. I take lots of water. I seldom take soda or juice(s). Water lang talaga.”

What workout do you do?

“Aerobics and dancing.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My butt.”

What part is vulnerable?

“My eyes. They are sensitive. Medyo malabo, that’s why I have to wear contact lenses. I am astigmatic.”

And what part do you think needs improvement?

“My thighs. They look big.”

And what part of a guy’s body do you look at first?

“Not just a part but his whole body.”

What other qualities do you like in a guy?

“A nice smile.”

And what turns you off?

“Braggarts.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I used to have a regular massage in the spa but now I hardly have time for it. I just listen to music, any kind of music. My favorite singer is Regine Velasquez.”

Do you have a nightlife?

“No. I’ve always been a homebody.”

Love life?

“None. There are suitors but I tell them that my priority is my career.”

Aren’t you afraid of the sun like most women?

“I love the sun. In preparation for Marimar, I stayed under the sun without applying sunblock.”

How do you take care of your skin?

“I use moisturizer. Lots of moisturizer. Even the soap that I use has moisturizer.”

How often do you see your doctor?

“Very seldom.”

Your dentist?

“Very often.”

Dermatologist?

“I have none. But I do get a scrub every now and then.”

Favorite city?

“Of course, Madrid. I love the parks which have lots of kids and birds.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Cavite. When I see my lola, nawawala ang pagod ko. I am a Lola’s Girl.”

What’s your outlook in life?

“Positive. I’m a happy person. Masayahin ako. I don’t let problems get me down. If I have a problem, I cry once and I feel all right again.”

Name three guys you think have nice bodies.

“Dingdong Dantes. Brad Pitt. Orlando Bloom.”

And three women...

“Dawn Zulueta. Gelli de Belen. Pia Guanio.”

Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire/like him?

“I flash him my Marimar smile and then I look away.”

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