Marian Gracia Rivera was born on August 12, 1984 in Madrid. When her parents Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso and Amalia Rivera separated two years after Marian's birth, her mother left Spain and brought her daughter to live in Cavite.

Actor Dennis Trillo considers Marian his younger sister. "Parang kapatid ko lang po talaga si Marian," Dennis told the entertainment press. He and Marian are managed by Popoy Caritativo.

GMA Network's Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante considers Marian the sexiest, "pinaka-masayahin and bungisngis" of all the actresses who played Darna.

Carla Abellana and Geoff Eigenmann of the GMA-7 primetime series Rosalinda arrived together and were inseparable all evening. Talking to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that night, Carla insisted she and Geoff are "only friends."

Close showbiz friends gave their birthday wish for the celebrator: (Left to right) Dennis Trillo, AJ Dee, Mart Escudero, Carla Abellana, Geoff Eigenmann, Mura, Alfred Vargas, Mark Anthony Fernandez, and Iwa Moto.

A proud Popoy Caritativo stayed in the background for most of the evening, silently watching his ward enjoy her special occasion.

Marian was ecstatic to see her good friend, director Joyce Bernal. Joyce has worked with Marian and Dingdong in three series: MariMar (2007), Dyesebel (2008) and Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang (2009). Joyce's latest television project is Dingdong's upcoming primetime offering, Stairway to Heaven.

Loosening up and true to character, Joyce gamely sang The Eagles popular country-rock classic, "Hotel California" and Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine."

Carla Abellana exchanged pleasantries with Regal head boss Mother Lily Monteverde. In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Carla said she was  excited over her upcoming first movie, which will be produced by Regal Films.

 

Marian is flanked by Rosalinda stars Carla Abellana and Geoff Eigenmann. In an interview, Carla said that since Marian's Darna started airing, the rating of their drama series improved tremendously.

Marian's rumored boyfriend, Dingdong Dantes came from a rehearsal. She obviously didn't mind that he was late.

Marian and Dingdong were inseparable,  openly holding hands as the celebration went on. They even left together, with Dingdong giving Marian a ride.

 

Marian's birthday wish: "Basta maging happy lang at makaya kung anumang pagsubok, di ba. 'Tsaka 'yong family ko maging healthy and, of course, sa amin pa rin ni Dong [sana] maging happy pa rin kami."