Diana Zubiri

Rosemarie Joy Garcia, better known by her stage name Diana Zubiri (born April 15, 1985 in Bulacan, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She was discovered by Seiko Films when she was 15 years after applying for a work in Japan. In October 2002, Zubiri became widely known in the Philippines after posing on the top of the EDSA-Shaw flyover in Mandaluyong City, wearing only a two-piece bikini. That photoshoot for FHM Philippines sparked controversy and prompted the Mayor of the City, Benhur Abalos, to file charges against Zubiri and FHM but it was later withdrawn after an apology. In 2005, Zubiri slowly departed on 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 in the sketch-comedy program, Bubble Gang and starred on drama series like Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita and Danny Zialcita's Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?. In 2012, after 9 years of staying in GMA Network, she transferred to its rival network ABS-CBN and signed a 3-year exclusive contract. During her younger years, Zubiri applied multiple times at ABS-CBN's Talent Center before going to Japan but she was rejected. --- Zubiri was just 8 years old when her father left her and her elder sister in the sole care of her mother (at Olongapo City), who maintained a sari-sari store. The family later transferred to a rented home in Fairview, Quezon City, where Diana spent the rest of her young life, and her mother found them a stepfather. Zubiri was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo but she became a Roman Catholic during her early years in showbiz. In 2012, it was reported that she is studying Theater Arts at Miriam College. During her younger years, Zubiri auditioned multiple times at ABS-CBN's Talent Center but she was rejected. She then applied for work as an entertainer in Japan after her unsuccessful ABS-CBN talent audition. Her showbiz career started at the age 15 after returning from Japan. She met Jimmy Mercado, a Seiko Films employee, who was working part-time as an interviewer for wannabe-performers for Japan. In 2001 at the age of 17, she signed her Seiko contract and was launched in 2002 in the sexy film Itlog, opposite Rodel Velayo. She then returned to the Philippines and started to appear in sexy movies such as Bakat and Kasiping. After a few sexy flicks, Zubiri became a GMA Network artist, appearing as a regular cast inBubble Gang, a sketch comedy television program. She also appeared in Encantadia asDanaya, the diwata that holds the Jewel of the Earth. She later reprised that role in Etheria andEncantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas.