Jose Ariel Jimenez Rivera (; born September 1, 1966), is a Filipino singer, songwriter and actor.
Rivera was born in Manila, Philippines but has since migrated with his family to Canada. He has since become a successful singer-songwriter, and actor. He is dubbed as "Kilabot ng Kolehiyala", a title formerly bestowed upon Hajji Alejandro, a popular Filipino singer in the 1970s.
Career Music career Rivera was a graduate of architecture in Canada and he was also an undergraduate of Psychology before his singing talent was accidentally discovered by Vehnee Saturno while he was on holiday in the Philippines singing at a cousin's wedding. In 1989, Musiko Records & BMG Records (Pilipinas) Inc. (now known as Sony Music Philippines) signed Rivera to their label. His self-titled debut album was released after two years. The first single, "Sana Kahit Minsan" was a No. 1 pop-r&b crossover hit. The album went 3× platinum. In 1992, he quickly released his second album, Simple Lang. This album also went 3× platinum.
In 1994, Rivera began recording new material for his next album, Photograph. Photograph was released in 1995. His album reached Gold status in the Philippines. Due to his acting commitments, he wasn't able to release albums as frequently as he did before, but in 2008, he released Once Again, which continued nine original songs and covers of "Kung Ako na Lang Sana" and Michael Bolton's "Go the Distance".
Acting career In 1992, Rivera tried acting. His first starring role in the film Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal earned him a Best Supporting Actor award in the 1992 Metro Manila Film Festival. He landed a lead role opposite Sharon Cuneta in 1993's "Ikaw". He also co-starred in Isang Sulok Ng Mga Pangarap (1994); Anghel Na Walang Langit (1995); Minsan May Pangarap: The Guce Family Story (1995); May Nagmamahal Sa'yo (1996), Ikaw Pala Ang Mahal Ko (1997) and Bata, bata ... Pa'no Ka Ginawa? (1998). In 1999, he played the title character of Rama in the staging of Rama at Sita – The Musical by SK Entertainment at the University Theatre. For most of the 2000s, he acted in GMA teleseryes.
Personal life Rivera has two older siblings (Leo and Gemma), and two younger siblings (Orven and Marvin).
He married actress Gelli de Belen, on December 22, 1997, in Santuario de San José, and both did a film released five months before their marriage entitled "Ikaw Pala Ang Mahal Ko". The couple has two sons: Joaquín Andrés (born January 29, 1999) and Julio Alessandro (born November 6, 2000).
Discography
Ariel Rivera Simple Lang Paskong Walang Katulad Paskong Walang Katulad Photograph Getting to Know Aawitin Ko Na Lang In My Life Platinum Hits Once Again
Filmography Film Year Title Role 1992 Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal David 1995 Minsan May Pangarap: The Guce Family Story Aldo Guce Jessica Alfaro Story 1996 May Nagmamahal Sa'yo Nestor 1997 Ikaw Pala ang Mahal Ko Tonyboy Balmaceda 1998 Bata, Bata… Pa'no Ka Ginawa? Raffy de Lara 2009 Padre de Pamilya Joselito Mirasol 2014 Shake, Rattle & Roll XV Alberto 2015 Everyday I Love You Dr. Rex "Anthony" Madrigal 2017 Love You to the Stars and Back Mika's father2019 Ang Sikerto ng Piso Ronnie Damaso 2021 Love Is Color Blind Fidel
Television Year Title Role 1989–1995 Sa Linggo nAPO Sila Main host / performer 1990–1992 Manilyn! Live 1995–2003, 2011–present ASAP 1998–1999 Mula sa Puso Rafael Buencamino 1999–2001 Saan Ka Man Naroroon Angelo Cabrera (antagonist) 2003 Narito ang Puso Ko Amoroso San Victores 2004 Magpakailanman: The Willy Garte Story Willy Garte 2004–2005 Forever in My Heart Michael Bernabe 2005 Ang Mahiwagang Baul 2005–2006 Sugo Samuel 2006 Now and Forever: Duyan Mateo 2006–2007 Atlantika Barracud (antagonist) 2007 Fantastic Man Danny / Tadtad (antagonist) 2007–2008 Carlo J. Caparas' Kamandag Abdon Serrano (antagonist) 2008—2009 Luna Mystika Simon / Ybarra 2009 Rosalinda Alfredo Del Castillo 2010 Sine Novela: Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? Daniel Bustamante 2010–2011 Inday Wanda Daddy Lee2011 Mula sa Puso Don Fernando Pereira Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tap Dancing Shoes Luciano Mata Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig Arnel2012 Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin Maurice Del Castillo E-Boy Gabriel Villareal Maalaala Mo Kaya: Flash Cards Fidel 2012–2013 Ina, Kapatid, Anak Julio Marasigan 2013 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Saranggola Eddy 2013–2014 Maria Mercedes Santiago Del Olmo 2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Marriage Contract Leo Bautista 2014–2015 Bagito Gilbert Medina 2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sapatos Roel 2015–2016 Doble Kara Ishmael Suarez 2016 Born for You Mike Sebastian 2016–2017 Hahamakin ang Lahat Nelson Solano / Alfred Benitez2017 Mulawin vs. Ravena Panabon Sunday PinaSaya Himself/guest performer2019 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Jersey Abner Ipaglaban Mo: Caregiver Mario Garcia 2019–2020 Sandugo PC/MSgt. Eugene Reyes 2020 A Soldier's Heart Gen. Victor Mondejar Maalaala Mo Kaya: Drawing Rey Lunch Out Loud Himself / Judge of Kantrabaho 2021 Unloving U Henry Acosta 2022 The Fake Life Onats Villamor† 2023 Can't Buy Me Love Raul 2024–25 Shining Inheritance Tony Villarazon 2025–26 FPJ's Batang Quiapo PLtCol. Orlando Gonzales (antagonist)
Awards Best New Male Artist - Awit Awards, 1991 Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist, 1992 Best Supporting Actor – Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, Metro Manila Film Festival, 1992 Music Video of the Year - "Tunay na Ligaya", 1997 Best Vocal Performance of the Year by a Duet/Group - "I Don't Love You Anymore" with Lea Salonga, 1999 Outstanding Lead Actor - Forever in My Heart, 2nd Golden Screen Awards, 2005 Best Actor - Parola, Bahaghari Awards
References