Maja Salvador

Maja Ross Andres Salvador was born in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines, on October 5, 1988.{{cite web |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/157306/maja-salvador-a716-20210329-lfrm4 |title=Maja Salvador: Real talent, Real gem |author=Siazon, Rachelle |website=Pep.ph |date=March 29, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2024}} Her father, Ross Rival, is of Spanish German ancestry. Salvador is a member of a family of actors which includes her father, uncle Phillip Salvador,{{cite web|last=Alip|first=Nap|title=Salvador family: Is Maja indifferent towards her clan?|url=http://www.balita.ca/2011/05/salvador-family-is-maja-indifferent-towards-her-clan/|publisher=Balita.ca|access-date=October 25, 2013}} and half-brother Jon Hernandez.

Salvador started her career in show business lightly. She played a minor role in It Might Be You (2003–2004), a series starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. For the series Salvador garnered her first nomination for Best New Female TV Personality. After It Might Be You, Salvador then started appearing in ASAP (2003–2020). She then started pairing up with other teen actors such as Rayver Cruz, John Wayne Sace, and Hero Angeles for the now defunct teenage television series Nginiig (2004–2006). Salvador, along with Cruz, Sace and Angeles, were all hosts of the series.

She then reunited with co-stars Rayver Cruz and John Wayne Sace for another teen-oriented television series. Salvador became part of the cast of Spirits (2004–2005), portraying the role of Gabby, an overachiever kid whose sunny ways ensures she is liked by everyone she meets. Salvador starred in several episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya, a drama anthology series, and gained a nomination for Best Single Performance by an Actress for an episode entitled Regalo (2006). In 2006, Salvador made her film debut in the horror themed movie Sukob. She was nominated and won several awards for the movie, including Best Supporting Actress award. The film is considered one of the most scariest horror Filipino films made of all times. It topbilled actress Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto.

After the success of her first film, Sukob, Salvador then starred in the Philippine comedy film First Day High (2006), opposite Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Geoff Eigenmann and Jason Abalos.{{cite news|last1=Avante|first1=Wells|title=Maja in high spirits|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/11164/maja-in-high-spirits|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|access-date=October 5, 2017}} Shortly afterwards, she then became part of the cast of Sa Piling Mo (2006) playing the role of Marisa. Salvador gained even more fame after starring in the prime time series Pangarap na Bituin (2007).{{cite news|last1=Garcia|first1=Rose|title=Maja Salvador tries singing in 'Pangarap Na Bituin'|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/14527/maja-salvador-tries-singing-in-pangarap-na-bituin|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|access-date=October 5, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Corpuz|first=David|title=Maja Salvador's Top Five|url=http://www.cosmo.ph/celebs/buzz-list/maja-salvadors-top-five/|publisher=Cosmo.ph|access-date=October 25, 2013}} The series is the 2nd highest Musical Prime Time series after Sharon Cuneta's Bituing Walang Ningning. She then gained even more popularity after starring in One More Chance (2007), reuniting with It Might Be You co-stars John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. Salvador received a nomination for Movie Supporting Actress of the Year. Salvador then starred in Susan Roces's Pataying Sa Sindak Si Barbara (2008), alongside Kris Aquino, Jodi Sta. Maria and veteran actress, Susan Roces.

After portraying several supporting roles in movies and television series, Salvador got her first leading role in Nagsimula sa Puso (2009–2010). The series revolves around a teacher named Celina who falls in love with her own student. This is the first partnership of love-team Maja Salvador and Coco Martin. Salvador stars opposite Nikki Gil, Jason Abalos and Jaclyn Jose. While also doing this series, she was also, at the time, also starring in the child-themed series May Bukas Pa (2009–2010), with child actor Zaijian Jaranilla. Salvador became a well known name after playing the roles of "Celina Fernandez" and "Stella Rodrigo".

Salvador experienced career expansion after playing several minor and supporting roles. She became the leading lady of Sam Milby during the 11th installment of the Precious Hearts Romances series. She, along with Milby, starred in the series entitled Impostor (2010). Shortly after, Salvador got another leading role in the miniseries of Wansapanataym entitled Inday sa Balitaw (2010).{{cite web|last1=Franco|first1=Bernie|title=Maja Salvador hopes to give justice to her role in Inday Sa Balitaw|url=http://push.abs-cbn.com/2010/9/14/fresh-scoops/maja-salvador-hopes-to-give-justice-to-her-role-in-75707|website=Philippines' Ultimate Showbiz Hub (PUSH)|access-date=October 5, 2017}} Salvador played the title role in the inspirational family drama film, Thelma (2011). She received 2 awards for the category of Best Actress for the film. Besides that, Salvador was also nominated twice.

She then became part of the cast in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011). Reuniting with her Nagsimula sa Puso leading man, Coco Martin, Salvador also starred with Andi Eigenmann, Martin del Rosario and veteran actress Lorna Tolentino. The series made Salvador's profile grow even more. After the successful finale of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, Salvador joined the cast of My Binondo Girl (2011–2012) as an antagonist, reuniting for her First Day High co-star Kim Chiu. She played the role of Amber Dionisio, a rival of Jade (Chiu). Salvador then starred in the film My Cactus Heart (2012) with Xian Lim and Matteo Guidicelli, who she once starred with in the comedy-romance television series My Binondo Girl.

Shortly after My Cactus Heart, Salvador then became part of the cast in the anthology comedy film 24/7 in Love (2012). For her part in the film, Salvador was paired up with actor, Diether Ocampo. Their part in the film is about an officer worker (Salvador) and her boss (Ocampo) who then fall in love. The film involved showing some nude scenes including Diether Ocampo's posterior showing with Salvador in the room. She then returned to television and starred in another installment of the Precious Hearts Romances series. Salvador was once again the starring role and the series was entitled Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin (2012). She starred alongside Jason Abalos and Patrick Garcia.

Salvador then paired up with Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Enchong Dee in the critically acclaimed prime time television series Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012–2013).{{cite news|last1=Cruz|first1=Marinel|title=What Maja has learned in 10 years in show biz|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/115459/what-maja-has-learned-in-10-years-in-show-biz|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=October 5, 2017}} Portraying the role of Margaux Marasigan, she plays the main anti-heroine of the series. The series scored a great beginner rating of 25.8%, while the finale episode showed great appreciation from viewers garnering a 42.9% final episode. Following her successful portrayal in the series, Salvador received two nominations for Best Drama Actress for her role as Margaux. After Ina, Kapatid, Anak, Salvador did another comedy film and collaborated with Paulo Avelino and Jake Cuenca in Status: It's Complicated (2013), a remake of the 1979 comedy Salawahan.

File:Maja Salvador in Toronto 2014 01.jpg

In 2014, Salvador became part of the highly controversial prime time television series, The Legal Wife, starring alongside veteran actress Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales and JC de Vera. She plays main antagonist of the series being the mistress of Adrian (Rosales) and rival to Monica (Locsin).{{cite web|title=Angel Locsin returns to primetime TV via 'The Legal Wife'|url=http://test.entertainment.abs-cbn.com/tv/updates/pr-angel-locsin-returns-to-primetime-tv-via-the-legal-wife|website=ABS-CBN Entertainment|access-date=October 5, 2017}} For her involvement in The Legal Wife, Salvador got nominated for Best Drama Actress. Towards the end of the year, Salvador starred in the daytime television series, Give Love on Christmas (2014–2015). She did the second installment of the series and it was titled The Gift of Life.

After Give Love on Christmas, Salvador's first project of 2015 was the critically acclaimed drama Bridges of Love, which showed in Latin countries including Peru. Salvador plays the lead role, Mia, who is torn between two lovers, Gael and Carlos, who are fighting for her love and are unknowingly biological brothers. She stars with Jericho Rosales, Paulo Avelino, Carmina Villarroel and veteran actor Edu Manzano. The series started off with a great beginning with a 21.9% in ratings and ended off with a 26.9% finale. For her portrayal as Mia, she got nominated once for Best Drama Actress, while winning the award three times in 2015–2016. While filming Bridges of Love, Salvador also starred in the movie You're Still the One (2015), opposite Richard Yap, Ellen Adarna and Dennis Trillo. The story focuses on the life of Elisse (Salvador) and how she is torn by choosing the right man who came at the wrong time or the wrong man who came at the right time.

Salvador then reunited with her Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin on-screen partner Coco Martin for a new project. She starred in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015–2016) opposite Susan Roces, Bela Padilla, John Prats, Arjo Atayde, Jaime Fabregas, Albert Martinez, Eddie Garcia and Agot Isidro. The series is one of the most highly rated television series ever produced by ABS-CBN by getting a 41.6% on its pilot episode. Salvador portrayed the role of SPO1 Glen Corpuz who is Cardo's (Martin) childhood best friend and police partner who secretly admires him. However, in August 2016, Salvador departed from the series with her contract ending. Her character was replaced by Yassi Pressman. She reprises her role for the comedy television series Home Sweetie Home (2016) as Glen Corpuz.

After her character's departure from Ang Probinsyano, Salvador plays the lead protagonist of the series in Wildflower (2017 – February 2018). In the series, she portrays the strong willed and vengeful Lily Cruz. The series occupied the pre-primetime slot, which is before ABS-CBN's flagship news show TV Patrol from February 2017 – February 2018. The series enjoys high ratings with 20.1% for its pilot episode{{cite news | url= https://instagram.com/p/BQeq4UhhE35/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BQeq4UhhE35 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription| title= WILDFLOWER TV RATINGS (February 13, 2017) | date= February 14, 2017 | work= instagram.com/wildflowerabscbn | access-date= February 16, 2017}}{{cbignore}} and peaking at 35.2%.{{cite news | url= https://www.instagram.com/p/BaGFbGBgc2K/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BaGFbGBgc2K |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription| title= WILDFLOWER TV RATINGS (October 10, 2017) | date= October 11, 2017 | work= instagram.com/wildflowerabscbn | access-date= October 11, 2017}}{{cbignore}} The series, specifically the confrontation scenes of her character and Emilia Ardiente (played by her co-actress Aiko Melendez) is popular in social media and had been a subject of several memes.{{cite news|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/26256/these-funny-maja-salvador-aiko-melendez-emwildflowerem-memes-will-make-your-day|title=These funny Maja Salvador-Aiko Melendez Wildflower memes will make your day|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal}}

In 2017, Salvador played the role of Caridad Sonia "Carson" Herrera in JP Habac's critically acclaimed independent film I'm Drunk, I Love You.{{cite news|last1=Cruz|first1=Oggs|title=I'm Drunk, I Love You Review: An ode to all things intoxicating|url=http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/161810-im-drunk-i-love-you-movie-review-paulo-avelino-maja-salvador|access-date=22 February 2017|publisher=Rappler|date=18 February 2017}} Salvador's nuanced performance as the film's hopeless-romantic female lead led to nominations at the 2018 FAMAS Awards and the 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, and won her the best actress award at the 5th Urduja Film Festival Heritage Films Awards.

In 2019, Salvador returned to TV with two projects, first was being a judge in World of Dance Philippines, before returning to teleserye via The Killer Bride, where she portrayed Camila Dela Torre and co-starred with her niece Janella Salvador. The tale stems from a woman named Camila dela Torre, who in 1999—right before her wedding day, "killed" their mayor and was found by her fiancé in a matching bloody wedding dress and veil. During her murder trial, Camila begs to the court that she is wrongfully accused, but is eventually shunned by her own rich, prominent family and fiancé Vito dela Cuesta who testifies against her. Resulting in Camila's life imprisonment, she eventually gives birth to a beautiful baby girl in prison. Days later, a sudden freak fire encompasses the entire prison facility. Crying, desperate and unable to locate her newborn daughter, her last words exact revenge on every person who falsely accused her, all whilst her body burned in the flames. Also, she was occasionally a guest co-host on It's Showtime when many of the hosts of the show are absent.

In 2020, after ABS-CBN was shut down on free TV, along with its franchise being denied by 70 congressmen, Salvador joined the Brightlight Productions/Cornerstone Studios-produced show Sunday Noontime Live!, which is aired on TV5 via a blocktime agreement. However, after three months, the show aired its final episode.

In 2021, after 18 years under Star Magic, Salvador left Star Magic to establish her own talent agency called Crown Artist Management.{{cite web |title=Maja leaves Star Magic after 18 years |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CMefwu4LxPr/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CMefwu4LxPr |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription}}{{cbignore}} She starred as Niña in Niña Niño. On the first story, Niña was a girl who do not believe in miracles. She thrived somebody's essentials to benefit her and her Lola Belen (Ruby Ruiz) whom born by her mother named Gloria (Lilet) then leaved for a reason due to poor living. After eight years, she returned to Brgy. Consolacion along with his second child Niño (Noel Comia Jr.). Gloria revealed she was beaten by her own husband and she is trying to get away. After sunset, Lola Belen went missing after a long hunting despite that she had died on collision. Meanwhile in Belen's demise in the family, they are convince to start acted as con-artist for their potential income to the siblings, after that when Niño had a stomachache, Niña had caught by the tanods of the stealing property and both were run out quickly and they jump on a truck which brings them to Sitio Santa Ynez where they live a new life until an unexpected event changes everything.{{cite web|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/maja-salvador-joins-tv5-in-new-teleserye/|title=Maja Salvador joins TV5 in new teleserye|website=BusinessMirror|date=March 30, 2021|accessdate=April 3, 2021}} While Niña and Niño escaped through the remote area of Sta. Ynez, they had to find ways in receiving true faith for themselves and connected to healing rituals while they found Ka Iking, they had discovered happy thought for earning big income and return on basic act. This little town was ruled by Kapitana Pinang (Dudz Teraña) who was very strict and interested on making more and more money. Later on they met Isay (Moi Bien). It premiered on April 5, 2021 on TV5's Todo Max Primetime Singko line up replacing Paano ang Pangako?.

On October 2, she officially joined the Eat Bulaga! to host the new segment DC 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/161095/maja-salvador-eat-bulaga-debut-a724-20211002 |title=Maja Salvador debuts on Eat Bulaga!; recalls being an avid viewer as a child |author=Anarcon, James Patrick |date=October 2, 2021 |access-date=October 2, 2021}} She returned to ABS-CBN in the action TV series The Iron Heart starring Richard Gutierrez.

In December 2013, it was announced that Salvador had signed a recording contract with Ivory Music & Video. While recording the album, Salvador worked with award-winning arranger and producer, Jonathan Ong. By March 2014, she revealed through her Instagram account that the title will be Believe along with its track listing which contains mainly original composition and two cover songs.{{cite web|title=Maja Salvador Will Be Releasing An Album Soon!|url=http://www.myxph.com/features/9775/maja-salvador-will-be-releasing-an-album-soon/|work=March 2014|publisher=MYX Philippines|access-date=April 10, 2014}} The carrier single, "Dahan-Dahan", was released on March 6 while the album was released nationwide on March 25. The album also features collaborations with rapper Abra and Project Pinas. Salvador also co-wrote a song titled "Buong Gabi".{{cite news|work=The Manila Times|title=Maja Salvador: 'Believe and it will happen'|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/maja-salvador-believe-and-it-will-happen/86164/|date=29 March 2014|access-date=April 10, 2014}} She released her first single from the said album, also titled "Dahan Dahan".

In June 2014, the album was eventually certified gold for selling over 7,500 copies nationwide and Salvador appeared on ASAP to receive a Gold Record award. She also staged her first major sold-out concert entitled "MAJ: The Legal Performer" on July 12 at the Music Museum.{{cite web|last1=Ishihara|first1=Julie|title=Maja Salvador To Stage Her First Major Concert This July!|url=http://myxph.com/features/13337/maja-salvador-to-stage-her-first-major-concert-this-july/|publisher=MYX Philippines|access-date=June 11, 2014}} On September 14, 2014 she released her second single called "Halikana" featuring Abra. The same month, the music reached at no. 7 in the Top 10 Philippine pop music chart.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

On March 15, 2015, during an interview with Myx, she revealed details on her second album and that its carrier single will be released by the end of the month.{{cite web|last1=Carlos|first1=Jac|title=MYXclusive: Maja Salvador Is Very Excited For Her Second Album!|url=http://myxph.com/features/22900/myxclusive-maja-salvador-is-very-excited-for-her-second-album/|website=MYX Philippines|access-date=May 17, 2015|date=March 15, 2015}} On April 9, 2015, a photo was uploaded on Salvador's Facebook page showing herself on set to film a music video for the carrier single titled, "Bakit Ganito Ang Pag Ibig", with actor JC De Vera.{{cite web|title=Maja Salvador and JC De Vera at the #BakitGanitoAngPagIbig Music Video Shoot!|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=955773184441413|website=Maja Salvador's Official Music Video|publisher=Facebook|access-date=May 17, 2015|date=April 9, 2015}}{{Primary source inline|date=January 2020}} The single was digitally released on April 17.{{cite web|title=Bakit Ganito Ang Pag-Ibig – Single|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bakit-ganito-ang-pag-ibig/id985137787|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103028/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bakit-ganito-ang-pag-ibig/id985137787|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 18, 2015|website=Apple iTunes|access-date=May 17, 2015|date=April 17, 2015}} Her second album, titled Maja in Love, was released on April 30. It features collaborations with Sam Milby and Rayver Cruz.{{cite web|title=Maja – In Love|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/maja-in-love/id985936643|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103026/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/maja-in-love/id985936643|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 18, 2015|website=Apple iTunes|access-date=May 17, 2015|date=April 30, 2015}} In November, she staged her second major concert at the Mall of Asia Arena, dubbed as Majasty. She then again staged her third concert at the Music Museum, dubbed as #OnlyMaja.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

In 2017, it was announced that Salvador will team up with Thai popstar with Tor+Saksit for a new single.{{cite news |title=Maja Salvador and Thai popstar Tor+Saksit team up for a new single |url=http://pop.inquirer.net/2017/11/maja-salvador-thai-popstar-torsaksit-team-new-single |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=November 29, 2017 |access-date=February 10, 2018}} The song, Falling into You, was released on February 9, 2018.

In April 2022, Salvador got engaged to her non-celebrity boyfriend, Rambo Nuñez Ortega.{{Cite news |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=April 18, 2022 |title='My new beginning': Maja Salvador, Rambo Nuñez engaged |work=Philstar |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/04/18/2174989/my-new-beginning-maja-salvador-rambo-nuez-engaged}}

The couple married on July 31, 2023 in Apurva Kempinski, Bali, Indonesia.{{Cite news |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Maja Salvador, Rambo Nuñez marry in Bali |work=INQUIRER.net |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/511896/maja-salvador-rambo-nunez-marry-in-bali}} On December 1, 2023, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. On June 1, 2024, Salvador announced the birth of her first child, a daughter named Maria, in Canada on an Instagram post.{{cite news |last1= Llemit|first1=Kathleen |title='Our Maria': Maja Salvador gives birth to 1st baby|url=https://qa.philstar.com/lifestyle/health-and-family/2024/06/01/2359593/our-maria-maja-salvador-gives-birth-1st-baby |accessdate=June 2, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star|date=June 1, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Maja Salvador shares 'intense' childbirth story: 'Ubos na ubos na lakas ko' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/909478/maja-salvador-shares-intense-childbirth-story-ubos-na-ubos-na-lakas-ko/story/ |accessdate=June 8, 2024 |publisher= GMA News|date=June 8, 2024}}

In 2013, Salvador joined the PETA campaign to free Mali the Elephant from captivity in Manila Zoo and have her transferred to Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary where she can be given better treatment and care. Until her death in 2023, Mali was the only captive elephant in the Philippines and the zoo was considered by celebrities and netizens to not have adequate knowledge or resources to properly care for her.{{cite web |url=http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos/celebrities-call-for-mali-s-transfer-1369721917-slideshow/ |title=Celebrities call for Mali's transfer |publisher=Yahoo! News}}

{{cite web|title = Believe by Maja Salvador on iTunes| date=March 6, 2014 |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/believe/id849627454|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150323092315/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/believe/id849627454|url-status = dead|archive-date = March 23, 2015|publisher = iTunes Store|access-date = October 2, 2015}}

{{Track listing

| title1 = Kilig

| note1 =

| length1 =

| title2 = Halika Na

| note2 = featuring Abra

| length2 =

| title3 = Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig

| note3 =

| length3 =

| title4 = Dahan-Dahan

| note4 =

| length4 =

| title5 = Urong-Sulong

| note5 =

| length5 =

| title6 = Buong Gabi

| note6 = featuring Project Pina

| length6 =

| title7 = Kilig

| note7 = instrumental

| length7 =

| title8 = Dahan-Dahan

| note8 = instrumental

| length8 =

}}

{{cite web|title = Maja – In Love by Maja Salvador on iTunes| date=April 30, 2015 |url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/maja-in-love/id985936643|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103026/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/maja-in-love/id985936643|url-status = dead|archive-date = May 18, 2015|publisher = iTunes Store|access-date = October 2, 2015}}

{{Track listing

| title1 = Bakit Ganito Ang Pag-Ibig

| note1 =

| length1 =

| title2 = Habulan

| note2 =

| length2 =

| title3 = Nakawin Ang Sandali

| note3 = featuring Sam Milby

| length3 =

| title4 = Hiling

| note4 = featuring Rayver Cruz

| length4 =

| title5 = Love Me, Kill Me

| note5 =

| length5 =

| title6 = Buong Gabi

| note6 = featuring Project Pina

| length6 =

| title7 = Bakit Ganito Ang Pag-Ibig

| note7 = club music

| length7 =

| title8 = Bakit Ganito Ang Pag-Ibig

| note8 = instrumental

| length8 =

}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Maja Salvador}}

• {{Twitter|dprincessmaja}}
• {{IMDb name|1764287}}

{{Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Salvador, Maja}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Filipino child actresses

Category:Filipino film actresses

Category:Filipino television actresses

Category:Ilocano people

Maja

Category:People from Cagayan

Category:Star Magic

Category:ABS-CBN people

Category:Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation personalities

Category:TV5 Network people

Category:GMA Network (company) people

Category:Far Eastern University alumni

Category:21st-century Filipino singers

Category:21st-century Filipino women singers

Category:Filipino television variety show hosts

Category:Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards winners