Rosemarie Joy Garcia-Smith (born April 15, 1985), better known by her stage name Diana Zubiri, is a Filipina actress. She was discovered by Seiko Films when she was 15, years after applying for work in Japan. She then had sexy roles in various films by Seiko. In October 2002, Zubiri became widely known in the Philippines after posing on the top of the EDSA–Shaw flyover in Mandaluyong, wearing only a two-piece bikini. That photo shoot for FHM Philippines sparked controversy and prompted the then Mayor of Mandaluyong, Benhur Abalos, to file charges against Zubiri and FHM but it was later withdrawn after an apology.[1]

Diana Zubiri-Smith
Born
Rosemarie Joy Garcia

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

In 2005, Zubiri slowly departed from sexy films and proceeded to become a TV actress in GMA Network. One of her notable roles was portraying Divina in the drama series

Linlang and Danaya in the Encantadia fantasy series. She was also a regular cast member in the sketch-comedy program, Bubble Gang and starred in drama series including Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita, Danny Zialcita's Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? and Nita Negrita.

In 2012, after nine years of staying at the GMA Network, she transferred to its rival network ABS-CBN and signed a 3-year exclusive contract.[2] During her younger years, Zubiri applied multiple times at ABS-CBN's Talent Center before applying for Japan but she was rejected.[2] In 2015, she returned to her home network, GMA Network.

Biography

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Personal life

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When Zubiri was eight years old, her father left her and her elder sister.[3] Her mother at Olongapo, who maintained a sari-sari store, took care of them.[3] The family later transferred to Fairview, Quezon City and rented a house, where Zubiri stayed during her younger years. Her mother remarried[3] and bore a child that became Zubiri's halfsister.[4]

Zubiri was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo but later converted to Roman Catholicism during her early part of her show business career.[5] In 2012, it was reported that she studied theatre arts at Miriam College.[6] [7] On May 10, 2015, Zubiri married her longtime boyfriend Andy Smith in New Manila, Quezon City.[8][9] They have a daughter named Aliyah Rose born on August 14, 2016.[10]

Zubiri sold one of her souvenirs to Jayson Luzadas or Boss Toyo for $400 (P 23,417). The subject memorabilia is an October 2002 photo shoot of her donned bikini top and panties at EDSA-Shaw flyover for FHM Philippines.[11]

Later career

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After a few sexy flicks, Zubiri became a GMA Network artist, appearing as a regular cast in Bubble Gang, a sketch comedy television program. She also appeared in Encantadia as Danaya, the diwata that holds the Jewel of the Earth. She later reprised that role in Etheria and Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas.[citation needed]

Zubiri co-starred as "Ingrid" on Asian Treasures alongside Angel Locsin, Robin Padilla, and Marvin Agustin. She was also a cast member on GMA Network's Bubble Gang, and previously dated Bubble Gang co-star Wendell Ramos. From that point, Zubiri was considered a full-fledged TV-movie celebrity and no longer considered a sexy star.[12]

When Seiko Films, her home studio, closed down in late 2007, she became a freelancer and appeared in her first Regal Films movie, Shake, Rattle & Roll X, a 34th MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) entry which also included her film One Night Only under OctoArts Films.

Comeback

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After two years of not being in films and on television, Diana went back on TV via Jillian for GMA Network and starred alongside drama queen Claudine Barretto. In December 2010, Diana has been cast to GMA Network mid-season television pilot Nita Negrita as part of the regular cast member.[13] In March 2012, Zubiri won the Best Performer Award from the Young Critics Circle for her performance in the film Bahay Bata where she played a nurse. The film itself would go on to win the Jury Prize at the Deauville Asian Film Festival in France, held on March 7–11, 2012.[14] It was confirmed that Zubiri signed a contract with ABS-CBN and would have a teleserye with Gerald Anderson and Cristine Reyes.[2] After the expiration of her contract with ABS-CBN, she starred in a number of episodes of Karelasyon that were aired in GMA Network.

In 2016 after Zubiri's showbiz hiatus she returned to GMA Network via the remake of Encantadia as LilaSari, one of the major antagonists and got a supporting role as Isabel in D' Originals.

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Producer
2002 Itlog Sally Seiko Films
Bakat Annie
Kasiping Rowena
2003 Liberated Pauline
2004 Liberated 2 Fatima
2005 Bikini Open Gail
2006 I Wanna Be Happy Tish
2007 Silip Tess
2008 One Night Only[15][16] Vivian OctoArts Films and Canary Films
Shake, Rattle & Roll X Acacia Regal Entertainment
2011 Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat Alex
2012 Bahay Bata Nurse Sarah
2014 Feng Shui 2 Woman Star Cinema and K Productions
2016 Die Beautiful Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum, APT Entertainment, TheIdeaFirst Company, October Train Films
2019 Mystified Kathalina iflix, Sanggre Productions

Television

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Year Title Role Notes Network
2003–2009 Bubble Gang Herself Guest Appearance GMA Network
2005 Unang Hirit
Encantadia Sang'gre Danaya Main Cast
2005–2006 Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia Reyna Danaya
2006 Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas
Ang Pagbabago Herself Lead Hostess
Now and Forever: Linlang Divina Agustin Supporting Cast
2007 Asian Treasures Ingrid Vargas / Urduja Main 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-Almeda Main Cast / Antagonist
Dear Friend Various Roles Lead Role
2010–2011 Jillian: Namamasko Po Francine Sanchez
2011 Nita Negrita Danica Supporting Cast
Futbolilits Florentina Extended Cast
Amaya Kapid
2012 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apoy Yoli Lead Role ABS-CBN
Wansapanataym: Wansapana-Ride Madelyn Versoza
2013 Juan dela Cruz Peru-ha / Saragnayan Supporting Cast / Primary Antagonist
Toda Max Alex Lead Role
Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin Carla Melendez Main Cast
2014 Ipaglaban Mo: Akin ang Asawa Ko Marjorie Lead Role
Home Sweetie Home Susie Samonte Lead Role / Former Cast
2015 Baker King Sonia San Miguel Supporting Cast TV5
Wagas: Terry and Jonjon Love Story Terry Lead Role GMA News TV
The Ryzza Mae Show Herself Guest Appearance GMA Network
Karelasyon: Cougar Lara Lead Role
Karelasyon: Status Symbol Trixie
2015–2016 Marimar Julianna Corcuera-Aldama Extended Cast / Antagonist
2016 Tonight with Arnold Clavio Herself Guest Appearance
Dear Uge: Faking Girls Lani De Vera Lead Role
2016–2017 Encantadia LilaSari Main Cast / Antagonist / Protagonist
2017 Magpakailanman: Justice for the Battered Child Linda Lead Role
Magpakailanman: OFW on Death Row Sally Ordinario-Villanueva†
Karelasyon: Magnanakaw ng Puso Monet
D' Originals Isabel "Sabel" Buenaventura Extended Cast / Antagonist / Protagonist
Wagas May Lead Role GMA News TV
Tadhana: Ang Batang Refugee Melinda GMA Network
Super Ma'am Gilda "Jill" Magpantay Extended Cast / Antagonist
2018 Victor Magtanggol Freya Special Participation
Cain at Abel Young Precy Guest Cast / Antagonist
2019 Dragon Lady Almira Sanchez-Atienza / Lavender Del Fuego Supporting Cast / Protagonist
Dear Uge: Kalma Mama Maya Lead Role
Beautiful Justice Athena "Queen A" Vergara Guest Antagonist

Awards and recognition

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FHM ranking

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From her first appearance in the magazine in June 2002 as Girls of FHM, six months later she became a cover girl of FHM, when she posed on the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard flyover, she has consistently ranked at FHM Philippines' annual survey (FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World). She has appeared in an FHM Calendar with Maui Taylor of Viva Films and Aubrey Miles of Regal Films. Until 2011, Diana has constantly remained at the top ten of the list. She also appeared in the FHM editions of Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.[17] In September 2014 she return to cover FHM for the fourth time, as part of first of four part FHM special, along with Rachel Anne Daquis, Myrtle Sarrosa and Andrea Torres.[18] For 13 years, Zubiri still included in the list grabbing Rank No. 19, however she not participate at the FHM BroCon event at the SMX Convention Center.

Year Award Category Result Won by
2002 FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Woman Ranked # 90 Assunta de Rossi
2003 Ranked # 1 PH Finest Herself
2004 Ranked # 3 Cindy Kurleto
2005 Ranked # 4 Angel Locsin
2006 Ranked # 4 Katrina Halili
2007 Ranked # 7 Katrina Halili (2)
2008 Ranked # 5 Marian Rivera
2009 Ranked # 13 Cristine Reyes
2010 Ranked # 16 Angel Locsin (2)
2011 Ranked # 23 Sam Pinto
2012 Ranked # 37 Sam Pinto (2)
2013 Ranked # 54 Marian Rivera (2)
2014 Ranked # 27 Marian Rivera (3)
2015 Ranked # 19 Jennylyn Mercado

Other awards

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On June 27, 2012, Zubiri accepted her Young Critics Circle award for Best Performance at the ceremonies held at the University of the Philippines.[19][20] After receiving the award, she jokingly said that it is the only award she ever got after her sexy pictorial in FHM since 2002.[6][19]

Year Film Award/Critics Award/Nomination/Category Nominated Work Result
2012 Young Critics Circle award Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role Bahay Bata Won
35th Gawad Urian Awards Best Actress Nomination Bahay Bata Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Numbers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 2, 2008. Archived from the original on October 31, 2009. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c "Diana Zubiri stages Kapamilya comeback". ABS-CBN News. September 7, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Diana Zubiri: The enchantress in her own Encantadia". GMA News. GMA Network. August 10, 2007. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  4. ^ "Diana Zubiri: The enchantress in her own Encantadia". Philippine Entertainment Portal. January 27, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  5. ^ Nuñez, Julie Ann (September 29, 2006). "DIANA ZUBIRI: ANG PAGBABAGO". filmacademyphil.org (in Tagalog). Film Academy of the Philippines. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "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.
  7. ^ "DIANA ZUBIRI, MARAMING BESES NA-REJECT SA AUDITION?!". November 19, 2023 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ "WATCH: Diana Zubiri and Andrew Smith's wedding video". Rappler. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  9. ^ Inquirer, Philippine Daily. "Diana Zubiri's second bliss". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  10. ^ "LOOK: Diana Zubiri gives birth to baby girl". ABS-CBN News. August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 22, 2016.
  11. ^ "Diana Zubiri recalls sexy EDSA flyover shoot, sells copy to Boss Toyo". Philippine Daily Inquirer. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  12. ^ "Diana Zubiri: The enchantress in her own Encantadia". GMA News. GMA Network. August 20, 2007. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  13. ^ "Diana Zubiri balik Kapuso". Pinoyparazzi (in Filipino). February 7, 2011. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  14. ^ "Indie film 'Bahay Bata' wins in France". ABS-CBN News. March 13, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  15. ^ Nitz Miralles (August 13, 2008). "Diana Zubiri and Iya Villania join Katrina Halili in "One Night Only"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ "Diana Zubiri in Singapore, HK, and Thailand". Philippine Entertainment Portal. December 29, 2006. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
  18. ^ Ashlie Mahinay (September 17, 2014). "Diana Zubiri - FHM Cover Girl September 2014". FHM Philippines. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  19. ^ a b 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.
  20. ^ "Diana Zubiri to receive Best Performance award from Young Critics Circle". Philippine Entertainment Portal. June 18, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
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Preceded by FHM Cover Girl
(September 2014)
Succeeded by