Actress Marian Rivera says she would like to do another movie with long-time boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, but she doesn’t want to go into business with him.
“It’s just that we already have the same line of work. If we also run a business together, that’s another thing we will have in common so what else is there to talk about?” Rivera told tabloid! in Dubai, where she held a concert last week with Rachelle Ann Go, Christian Bautista and Julie Anne San Jose.
What kind of movie with Dantes does she have in mind?
“Probably heavy drama because Dingdong and I have never worked together in a heavy drama film,” she said. “Dingdong is a great dramatic actor so I want to challenge myself to work with him in a similar role,” she added.
The couple do have plans of settling down, and when that happens, Rivera is eyeing a church wedding. “We’re going there but I think the time is not right since we have just signed a deal with GMA,” she said.
Rivera revealed that the TV network has two projects lined up for her this year.
“When I am back home, GMA will talk to me about the projects: a sitcom and a soap opera,” she said without revealing details about the concept, except “we are still polishing it”.
It’s been a busy year for Rivera, who stars in the upcoming movie Kung Fu Divas, which is also her first project as a producer. The movie opens in theatres in the Philippines on October 2.
“I believe in the project and I get to work with Ai-Ai de las Alas, the queen of comedy, so there is no reason why I shouldn’t produce it,” she said.
Sexiest person
As this year’s FHM’s Sexiest Person of the Year, Rivera is comfortable in her own skin. During this interview, she’s dressed simply, yet elegant in a printed summer dress, the sleeves almost covering her elbow. Her white sandals reveal bare toenails that match her fingernails. Her hair is brushed back and tied to reveal a face with minimal make-up.
She exuded charm, charisma and sex appeal, explaining why she’s twice won the FHM title and recently the Celebrity of the Year on Yahoo! Philippines — both through popular vote.
“I offer this honour to everyone who voted for me,” Rivera said. “No matter how sexy or beautiful I am, if no one votes for me, it’s useless.”
Her legion of loyal fans in the Philippines and abroad are active on social media networks. On Facebook, there are several fan pages under her name, with one page alone getting nearly three million likes. “Let’s all vote for Marian Rivera in Starmometer 100 Most Beautiful Women 2013,” a post on the fan page said on Monday, which got nearly 12,000 thumbs up before noon.
With a busy career, a blooming love life and an army of fans, is there anything else she wants in life?
“I am happy with what I have. If anyone asks me what else I want to happen in my life, I would say I don’t have to ask. Instead, I just need to be thankful.”
Quick fire with Marian
Her dream wedding
“I would like a church wedding where I am walking towards the altar to God.”
Her thoughts on marriage
“Marriage is a commitment. You really need to pray to make marriage work.”
Comedy vs drama
“It’s not easy to make people laugh. As for [drama] acting, you must know the flow. I love both.”
Memorable experience of Dubai
“Going to the most beautiful mall I’ve ever visited — The Dubai Mall.”
Her career with All Access to Artists
“Happier and more open to opportunities, which is what I want. I think it is important to be surrounded by good people who guide you about the right things to do.”
Her secret to staying fit
“I am taking Zumba classes, and Muay Thai.”
Her secret to staying beautiful
“Just be yourself. Be happy. Be transparent. Do what you feel. I love and wanted everything that has happened in my life. You reflect how you feel and people can see that.”
Beauty product she can’t live without.
“Maxi-Peel toner and moisturiser.”
Her beauty tip
“After every taping I remove any traces of make-up, and I apply toner, moisturizer and lip balm. It’s my routine before I go to bed every night.”
Why she does charity works
“I don’t really like talking about my advocacy because I do these things not to impress people but because I believe that when you are blessed, you have to share your blessings.”
Why she has a soft spot for the elderly
“Probably because I grew up with my grandmother.”
On her relationship with her grandmother
“I love her so much, the way I love myself.”
The other part of Marian most people don’t know.
“I love sketching. I want to formally take up art lessons one day. My favourite medium is charcoal. My favourite subject is nude figures of women.
Her message to fans in the UAE
“Thank you for loving me, supporting me and praying for me. [You] are one of the reasons why I am where I am now.”
