Ariel Rivera

Filipino singer, songwriter and actor (born 1966)

Jose Ariel Jimenez Rivera, professionally known as Ariel 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, actor, and Aliw award winning artist. He is dubbed as "Kilabot ng Kolehiyala", a title formerly bestowed upon Hajji Alejandro, a popular Filipino singer in the 1970s.

Rivera was a graduate of architecture in Canada and he was also an undergraduate of Psychology before his singing talent was accidentally discovered while he was on holiday in the Philippines. 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 1991, 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. 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.

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 Iyo (1996), Ikaw Pala Ang Mahal Ko (1997) and Bata, bata Pa'no Ka Ginawa? (1998).

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).