Diana Zubiri

Last updated

Diana Zubiri
Born
Rosemarie Joy Garcia

(1985-04-15) April 15, 1985 (age 39)
Bulacan, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
OccupationActress
Years active2002–present
Known for Danaya in Encantadia
Carla Melendez in Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin
LilaSari in Encantadia (2016)
Isabel in D' Originals
Spouses
Alex Lopez
(m. 2008;died 2010)
Andy Smith
(m. 2015)
Children3

Rosemarie Joy Garcia-Smith (born April 15, 1985), better known by her stage name Diana Zubiri, is a Filipina actress. She began her acting career in the early 2000s when she starred in various erotic movies produced by Seiko Films. She is widely recognized for her role as Danaya in the 2005 fantasy drama series Encantadia .

Contents

Early life and education

Rosemarie Joy Garcia is born on April 15, 1985 in Bulacan, Philippines. When she was six or seven years old, her father abandoned their family. Since then, her mother at Olongapo, who maintained a sari-sari store, took care of them. The family later transferred to Fairview, Quezon City and rented a house, where she stayed during her younger years. [1] Her mother remarried [1] and bore a child that became her halfsister. [2]

Zubiri was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo but later converted to Roman Catholicism during her early part of her show business career. [3] She finished with a theater arts degree at Miriam College. [4] [5]

Career

Zubiri was discovered by Seiko Films at the age of 15, years after applying for work in Japan as an entertainer. She later starred in various sexy films produced by the company. Zubiri became well-known to the public in October 2002 when she posed atop the EDSA–Shaw flyover in Mandaluyong, wearing only a two-piece bikini for the men's magazine FHM Philippines . This photoshoot stirred controversy, leading the then-mayor of Mandaluyong, Benhur Abalos, to file charges against Zubiri and the magazine. However, the charges were later withdrawn following an apology. [6]

In 2003, she became a semi-regular host in the noontime show Eat Bulaga! which lasted until 2005. [7] She also became a mainstay on the long-running sketch-comedy show Bubble Gang until 2009.

Starting in 2005, she began taking on acting roles in various shows on GMA Network. Zubiri's major acting breakthrough came with the 2005 fantasy drama series Encantadia , where she portrayed Danaya, the diwata who holds the Jewel of the Earth. [8] She later reprised the role in the spin-offs Etheria and Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas . In 2007, Zubiri starred in the action-adventure series Asian Treasures alongside Angel Locsin and Robin Padilla.

When Seiko Films shut down in late 2007, Zubiri became a freelancer. By this time, she had retired from making adult-themed films, with her final one being in the film Silip alongside Polo Ravales and Francine Prieto. She appeared in her first Regal Films movie, Shake, Rattle & Roll X , a 34th Metro Manila Film Festival entry, and starred in One Night Only under OctoArts Films. She also appeared in the drama series Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita and Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? during this period.

After a two-year absence from both film and television, Zubiri made her return in 2010 with the comedy fantasy series Jillian: Namamasko Po . The following year, she appeared in several drama series, including Nita Negrita and Amaya . [9]

In 2012, Zubiri signed a three-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN. Notably, during her early career, she had applied multiple times to ABS-CBN's Talent Center before ultimately seeking opportunities in Japan. In March of that year, Zubiri won the Best Performer Award from the Young Critics Circle for her role in the indie film Bahay Bata, where she portrayed a nurse. The film also won the Jury Prize at the 2012 Deauville Asian Film Festival in France. [10]

In 2013, Zubiri joined the cast of the action-fantasy series Juan dela Cruz . Later that year, she starred in the drama series Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin alongside Gerald Anderson, Dawn Zulueta, and Cristine Reyes.

After her contract with ABS-CBN expired in 2015, she returned to GMA Network, where she appeared in episodes of Karelasyon and joined the cast of the 2015 remake of Marimar . In 2016, she portrayed one of the major antagonists in the remake of Encantadia , the series she first starred in 2005. She continued to take on supporting and guest roles in various GMA series, including D' Originals , Super Ma'am , Victor Magtanggol , Cain at Abel , Dragon Lady , and Beautiful Justice .

Zubiri took a brief hiatus from acting but made her return to television in 2024, joining the cast of the drama series Mga Batang Riles. [11]

Personal life

On May 10, 2015, Zubiri married Australian businessman-model Andy Smith in New Manila, Quezon City. [12] [13] They have a daughter named Aliyah Rose born on August 14, 2016. [14] After giving birth to her third child in 2020, Zubiri and her family moved to Adelaide, South Australia where the couple run a talent agency for a global social live-streaming platform. [15]

Zubiri sold one of her souvenirs to Jayson Luzadas or Boss Toyo for $400 (₱23,417). The subject memorabilia is her donned bikini top and panties used in her controversial photo shoot at EDSA-Shaw flyover for FHM Philippines on October 2002. [16]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleProducer
2002ItlogSally Seiko Films
BakatAnnie
KasipingRowena
2003LiberatedPauline
2004Liberated 2Fatima
2005Bikini OpenGail
2006I Wanna Be HappyTish
2007SilipTess
2008 One Night Only [17] [18] Vivian OctoArts Films and Canary Films
Shake, Rattle & Roll X Acacia Regal Entertainment
2011Ang Mundo ni Andong AgimatAlex
2012Bahay BataNurse SarahFound Films
2014SeparadosFive 2 Seven Entertainment Production and Alternative Vision Cinema
Feng Shui 2 Woman Star Cinema and K Productions
2016Iadya Mo KamiBG Productions International
2019 Mystified Kathalina iflix, Sanggre Productions
2020In the Name of the MotherRowenaHeaven's Best Entertainment

Television / Digital series

YearTitleRoleNotesNetwork
2003–2005 Eat Bulaga! HerselfHost GMA Network
2003–2009 Bubble Gang Mainstay
2005 Perfect: An Eat Bulaga Lenten Special Extended Cast
Encantadia Sang'gre DanayaMain Cast
Wag Kukurap: Food Trip/Caller ClaireLead Role
Wag Kukurap: Signs/Immoral Marie
Bahay Mo Ba 'To? HerselfGuest Appearance
2005–2006 Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia Reyna DanayaLead Role
2006 Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas
Ang Pagbabago HerselfHost
Now and Forever : Linlang Divina AgustinSupporting Cast
2007 Asian Treasures Ingrid Vargas / UrdujaMain Cast
2007–2008 Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan Carmela Langit / Princess Arianna of Avea / Arianna Impostor
2008 Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita Julie Maceda-San Juan
Sine Novela: Danny Zialcita's Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan Elsa Cervantes-AlmedaMain Cast / Antagonist
Dear Friend Various RolesLead Role
2010–2011 Jillian: Namamasko Po Francine Sanchez
2011 Nita Negrita DanicaSupporting Cast
Futbolilits FlorentinaExtended Cast
Spooky Nights: Parol AyraLead Role
2011-2012 Amaya KapidExtended Cast
2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apoy YoliLead Role ABS-CBN
Wansapanataym: Wansapana-Ride Madelyn Versoza
2013 Juan dela Cruz Peru-ha / SaragnayanSupporting Cast / Primary Antagonist
Toda Max AlexExtended Cast
Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin Carla MelendezMain Cast / Anti-Hero / Protagonist
2014 Ipaglaban Mo: Akin ang Asawa Ko MarjorieLead Role
Home Sweetie Home Susie SamonteMain Cast
2015Mac & ChizJayaGuest Appearance TV5
Baker King Sonia San MiguelSupporting Cast
Wagas: Terry and Jonjon Love Story TerryLead Role GMA News TV
Karelasyon: Cougar LaraLead Role GMA Network
Karelasyon: Status Symbol Trixie
2015–2016 Marimar Julianna Corcuera-AldamaExtended Cast / Antagonist
2016 Dear Uge: Faking Girls Lani De VeraLead Role
2016–2017 Encantadia LilaSariMain Cast / Antagonist / Protagonist
2017 Magpakailanman: Justice for the Battered Child LindaLead Role
Magpakailanman: OFW on Death Row Sally Ordinario-Villanueva†
Karelasyon: Magnanakaw ng Puso Monet
D' Originals Isabel "Sabel" BuenaventuraExtended Cast / Antagonist / Protagonist
Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko: Hans, Gretchen, and the Witch MamaSupporting Role
Wagas: Ghost MayLead Role GMA News TV
Tadhana: Ang Batang Refugee Melinda GMA Network
Dear Uge: Gulaman of My Dreams Myrna
Super Ma'am Gilda "Jill" MagpantayExtended Cast / Antagonist
Magpakailanman: Best Sisters Forever LinsieLead Role
2018 Magpakailanman: A Ghost From My Past Jade
Wagas: Lola Iska IskaSupporting Role GMA News TV
Stories for the Soul: Maghihintay ang Walang Hanggan LeilaLead Role GMA Network
Victor Magtanggol FreyaSpecial Participation
Cain at Abel Young PrecyGuest Cast / Antagonist
Tadhana: Linlang LeslieLead Role
2019 Tadhana: Tatlong Panganay Joyce
Dragon Lady Almira Sanchez-Atienza / Lavender Del FuegoSupporting Cast / Protagonist
Stories for the Soul: Uhaw na Tubig KathyLead Role
Dear Uge: Kalma Mama Maya
Beautiful Justice Athena "Queen A" VergaraGuest Cast / Antagonist
Magpakailanman: Yuki DebbieLead Role
2020 Tadhana: Bayad Danyos Rona
2024 Bblgang HerselfGuest Appearance
2025 Mga Batang Riles MayingSupporting Cast

Awards and recognition

FHM ranking

Zubiri made her first appearance in FHM Philippines in June 2002 as one of the "Girls of FHM." Just six months later, she became a cover girl for the magazine, posing on the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard flyover. She appeared in an FHM calendar alongside Maui Taylor and Aubrey Miles. She also appeared in the FHM editions of Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. [19]

In September 2014, Zubiri returned to the FHM cover for the fourth time as part of a special four-part series, alongside Rachel Anne Daquis, Myrtle Sarrosa, and Andrea Torres. [20]

For 14 consecutive years, Zubiri consistently ranked in the magazine's annual 100 Sexiest Women in the World list. She topped the list in 2003 where she was hailed the FHM Philippines' Sexiest Woman.

YearAwardCategoryResultWon by
2002 FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Women of the WorldRanked # 90 Assunta de Rossi
2003Ranked # 1 PH FinestHerself
2004Ranked # 3 Cindy Kurleto
2005Ranked # 4 Angel Locsin
2006Ranked # 4 Katrina Halili
2007Ranked # 7 Katrina Halili (2)
2008Ranked # 5 Marian Rivera
2009Ranked # 13 Cristine Reyes
2010Ranked # 16 Angel Locsin (2)
2011Ranked # 23 Sam Pinto
2012Ranked # 37 Sam Pinto (2)
2013Ranked # 54 Marian Rivera (2)
2014Ranked # 27 Marian Rivera (3)
2015Ranked # 19 Jennylyn Mercado

Other awards

On June 27, 2012, Zubiri accepted her Young Critics Circle award for Best Performance at the ceremony held at the University of the Philippines. [21] [4] [22]

YearFilm Award/CriticsAward/Nomination/CategoryNominated WorkResult
2012Young Critics Circle awardBest Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting RoleBahay BataWon
35th Gawad Urian Awards Best ActressBahay BataNominated

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References

  1. 1 2 "Diana Zubiri: The enchantress in her own Encantadia". GMA News. GMA Network. August 10, 2007. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  2. "Diana Zubiri: The enchantress in her own Encantadia". Philippine Entertainment Portal. January 27, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  3. Nuñez, Julie Ann (September 29, 2006). "DIANA ZUBIRI: ANG PAGBABAGO". filmacademyphil.org (in Tagalog). Film Academy of the Philippines. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Diana Zubiri delivers touching and hilarious speech". Philippine Entertainment Portal. June 29, 2012. Archived from the original on July 3, 2016. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  5. "DIANA ZUBIRI, MARAMING BESES NA-REJECT SA AUDITION?!". November 19, 2023 via YouTube.
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  9. "Diana Zubiri balik Kapuso". Pinoyparazzi (in Filipino). February 7, 2011. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  10. "Indie film 'Bahay Bata' wins in France". ABS-CBN News. March 13, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  11. "Diana Zubiri, Desiree Del Valle to team up in new project". ABS-CBN News. July 20, 2024.
  12. "WATCH: Diana Zubiri and Andrew Smith's wedding video". Rappler. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  13. Inquirer, Philippine Daily. "Diana Zubiri's second bliss". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  14. "LOOK: Diana Zubiri gives birth to baby girl". ABS-CBN News. August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
  15. "LOOK:Diana Zubiri on her simple Aussie life, advice to next gen 'Sang'gres'". Inquirer. January 10, 2024.
  16. "Diana Zubiri recalls sexy EDSA flyover shoot, sells copy to Boss Toyo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
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  18. Nora V. Calderon (August 14, 2008). "Diana Zubiri did not replace anyone in "One Night Only," OctoArts insider clarifies". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
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  22. Mario Bautista (July 3, 2012). "Beauty queen quickly becomes swellhead (see the section BEST ACTRESS FOR RUNNING)". Journal Online. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
Preceded by FHM Cover Girl
(September 2014)
Succeeded by