10 Things We Love about Marian Rivera

As this star turns 27, Female Network lists the traits that make her special, from her honesty to her independence. By Belle Yambao

Marian Rivera's name might constantly be embroiled in controversy, but no matter what hardships come her way, this actress always comes out on top. Her epicserye, Amaya, continues to have high ratings, and her relationship with Dingdong Dantes is still going strong.

Today, as Marian celebrates her 27th birthday, Female Network lists 10 things we admire about her. Any things you want to add, FNites? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.

1. SHE'S SEXY.

Despite never having posed for the magazine, Marian topped FHM Philippines's annual list of 100 Sexiest Women in the World in 2008, and she continues to place prominently in the polls every year. More than her stunning mestiza looks and her fit bod, it's Marian's feisty personality that we find sexy. She knows how to handle herself, and she's not afraid to let everyone know it.

2. SHE'S VERSATILE.

When it comes to acting, Marian doesn't let herself get boxed into just one role. Marian has played everything from cheerful mermaids to enigmatic seductresses to gentle heroines, and the list doesn't end there. She's even done comedies, and we're sure she's excited to keep moving forward with her career.

3. SHE'S A DEDICATED GIRLFRIEND.

Marian made the effort to clear her schedule so that she could spend boyfriend Dingdong Dantes's birthday with him this year. Despite being busy with shootings, she cooked his favorite dishes for him and even bought him a watch that hadn't been released in the Philippines yet. Now that's what we call dedication!

4. SHE'S HONEST.

"Ang hirap magpanggap na hindi ka naman yung ganung tao. Mas gusto ko, lahat na e-express ko. Wala akong dapat ikahiya (It’s hard to pretend you’re someone you’re not. I like being able to express everything. I don’t have anything to be ashamed of),” Marian once told Women's Health. True to her word, Marian's life has always been an open book, and she freely gives her opinions on things that matter to her.

5. SHE'S A FIGHTER.

Marian's straightforward personality has gotten her heat from her critics more than once, but for her, what matters is that she's fighting for something she believes in. "Kapag tama ang ginagawa ko, ipinaglalaban ko. Matapang talaga ako (If I know what I’m doing is right, I’ll fight for it. I’m really fierce)," she says.

6. SHE'S OPEN TO CRITICISM.

You can't please everyone--that's a fact of life. And Marian knows this better than most. When veteran actress Vivian Velez criticized her portrayal of Proserfina in Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Tadyang last year, she accepted the criticism gracefully and acknowledged Vivian's opinions. "Lahat naman po tayo may personal na opinyon. So, irerespeto ko na lang siya (Everyone has their own personal opinion, so I'll just respect hers)," she is quoted as saying.

7. SHE'S GRATEFUL FOR HER FANS.

Marian doesn't forget her fans, who continue to support her even when she's facing controversy. At her advanced birthday party on August 7, Marian celebrated the occasion with her fans, PEP.ph reports. At their request, she sang for them, after which, she gave away gifts to lucky fans who answered trivia questions.

8. SHE'S A HARD WORKER.

Despite her network's full trust in her capabilities, Marian continues to push herself to prove she's worthy of their praise. Just this year, Marian was crowned GMA-7's Primetime Queen at the press conference of her epicserye, Amaya. Marian had tears in her eyes when they showered her with praises about her work ethic at the show's press conference. She vowed to work even harder to get good results.

9. SHE'S PERSISTENT.

Marian has gone through a lot of hardship to get to where she is now, and she's successful because she's never given up. "Gawan mo ng paraan para makuha mo [yung gusto mo], gawan mo lahat (Do what you can to get what you want, do everything)," she once said in an interview for Cosmopolitan Philippines.

10. SHE'S INDEPENDENT.

Marian lives alone, and she loves doing her household chores herself. (with no yaya and P.A) “Feeling ko kasi, du’n ko nararanasan ’yung parang normal na tao. Kapag nasa taping ako, sobrang pina-pamper ako. So pagdating sa bahay, ’eto ’yung mundo ko! ’Eto ako! Ako, mag-mo-mop. Ako, mag-va-vacuum (I feel like I experience being a normal person at home. When I'm on set, they pamper me. At home, it's my world, and I get to be who I am. I mop. I vacuum),” she told Women's Health.