Marian Rivera wants to go indie

Having established a name in show biz—and what a big name it is—Marian Rivera feels it’s time she tried something different from the goody-two-shoes heroines she typically portrays.

For the GMA 7 actress, doing an indie film might be a great way to spice up her acting career.

“I want to experience something I haven’t done before. I would love to do an indie film in the future, especially if the material is good and the character suits me,” Marian told the Inquirer at a recent contract signing for her fragrance “Forever by Marian” from Tupperware Brands.

Safe roles

Marian admitted that she has been limited to accepting “safe” roles because she has an image to protect.

She recalled causing a bit of an uproar among some of her fans after taking on a rather provocative role in the GMA 7 series “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.”

But she said she’s now confident that “the fans and viewers will understand if I do more offbeat roles—for instance, an insane person or a prostitute. I want to explore.”

Anything goes

She doesn’t mind getting down and dirty, or shooting in unglamorous locations. She’s up for anything, the Filipino-Spanish beauty said.

Well, except nudity, she added. “Ay, ’di ko yata kaya ’yan (I don’t think I can handle that)!” she said, laughing.

Another thing that excites her about the prospect of doing an indie film is the opportunity to work with artists outside the Kapuso network stable.

She explained: “One of the bonuses of being in show biz is that you meet a lot of talented people. You learn from them and they eventually become your friends.”

Given the chance, Marian said she would like to work with veterans such as Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta and Dawn Zulueta. As for a leading man, Marian revealed that she fancies Coco Martin, whom she’ll be working with in a coming film to be produced by Regal.

“I was curious about him so I watched some of his work. His acting is very impressive,” Marian enthused. “Nowadays, it’s rare to see a male actor who can cry on the spot.”

Vacation

Some weeks ago, Marian took a much-needed breather from her hectic schedule. Together with boyfriend Dingdong Dantes, she visited Madrid, her birthplace, for a short vacation.

Born to a Filipino mother, Amalia Rivera, and a Spanish father, Francisco Javier Alonzo Gracia, Marian lived in the Spanish capital for two years before moving to the Philippines.

“I enjoyed our trip. Kung pwede nga lang ’di na umuwi (I didn’t want to come back here)!” she said. “It was very relaxing because, unlike here in Manila, no one knows me in Spain. I could actually commute!”

Extra special

While she makes it a point to go to Madrid every year, Marian’s recent trip was extra special. For the first time, she met and bonded with her paternal grandparents.

“Papa arranged the meeting. Nakakaiyak. Sa hinaba-haba ng panahon, sa wakas nakita ko rin sila. Parang nabuo ako bilang tao nung nakita ko sila (It was a tearful occasion. After a long time, at last I saw them. It felt like I became a whole person after I met them),” she said.

Since her Spanish is not as good as it used to be, Marian had to rely on technology to communicate with her grandparents, when her father wasn’t around to translate. She related, “I would type what I wanted to say in my phone’s translator, and then ask them to read it!”

What was their reaction when they found out that she’s a big star in the Philippines? “Of course they were happy,” said Marian. “But it’s funny because they weren’t really curious about what kind of actress I am. I guess show biz is a lot different there.”

Love life

Of course Marian’s grandparents also met Dingdong. She said they found him “respectful and a gentleman.”

Marian said her family, especially her father, doesn’t meddle in her love life. “Kahit sino, basta love ko at love ako, walang problema sa kanila (Whoever he is, for as long as I love him and he loves me, it’s no problem to them).”