For those who grew up listening and singing (in our most modulated voices) Sana Kahit Minsan, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, and Ayoko Na Sana, to our crushes, Ariel Rivera was “THE MAN.”
The Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiya,” I guess was our generation’s Derek Ramsay or even a Daniel Padilla when it comes to being “chick magnet” and although everyone knew he had been dating Gelli De Belen, a lot of people were still shocked when they got married.
It has been 18 years since, and their marriage has become one of local showbiz’ longest and strongest relationships–and after meeting Gelli last week, it was easy to see why the “Kilabot,” chose “Gagay.”
Gelli de Belen has practically grown up in the public eye. From the teeny-bopper characters she used to portray onscreen, she has emerged into a serious actress, a skilled television host, and an effective product endorser.
Even though I‘ve seen her in person a few times, I honestly never considered Gelli beautiful, (If you are reading this…sorry Gelli!) after all, most of her roles, were often deglamorizing and comedic—forcing her exaggerated expressions and outlandish dialogues.
Gelli says she doesn’t have second thoughts accepting role where she is “uglified” saying “Okay lang sa’king papangitin ako. Ang mas importante, magampanan ko ito nang maayos.”
But when you really see her up close, and notice her flawless skin, and very slim figure, I’m sure you’d agree with me that she could easily give a lot of young stars a run for their money.
Has she ever been contacted by FHM to pose for their cover?
“Honestly, parang wala ata, but I’m sure hindi papayag ang asawako at lalo na ang mga anak because they are both boys.”
But Gelli did share the story when her two boys Joaquin (now 15 years old) and Julio (13) once called her to ask if she did pose for the magazine. “Sabi nila, Ma, our classmates are asking if you are the one the cover of FHM— are you?”
Turns out the one on the cover was Marian, and the boys thought it was her because they had the same last name—RIVERA.
When asked if she ever wished for a daughter, Gelli says she’s very happy with what God has given her. “Having two boys makes you feel protected—kase parang ako lang ang Queen nila,” she answers with pride.
As one of the busiest celebrity moms in the industry we asked her how she manages to have time with her family. “Time management is the key, importante kase that you spend quality time for your family.”
“Lalo na if you have teenagers, you have to really be there to guide them. Like in social media for example, I tell them to be careful of whatever they post on Instagram. You may think its funny, or just for fun, but you have to be aware that there are repercussions kaya ang ending—ang instagram nila nakaprivate,” she says with a laugh.
“Its not only on Instagram but what they do about they lives, there will always consequences. Isa lang ang buhay so make the most of it. I tell them, find out who you really are early on; know what you want in life para the less mistake you commit, the less people you hurt.” 
“Mabuti na lang wala pang social media nung panahon ko!”
But that hasn’t stopped her sons from “googling” her.
“Naku they search for me on google, sabi nila Ma, you’re the first Filipina rapper pala! Or they would download my songs and play it on the car and even turn it into ringtones to tease me!”
As for Ariel, Gelli shared one of her husband, biggest secrets.
“He loves socks! Yung mga medyas niya, may pangalan… meron siyang fetish sa socks. “Andami niyang socks, pero kapag may nakita yan na gusto nya bili pa din ng bili!”
As far as her career is concerned, Gelli is happy to be where she is, and content with the pace at which she is going. “I’m grateful,” she says. Gelli has her hands full of showbiz projects with four shows on TV5. She appears regularly in the game show Happy Truck ng Bayan; in the comedy show Misterless Misis (where all of them have no husbands, hence the title; her character is the wife of an OFW); the reality show KIS (K-Pop icon Search) Pinoy: The K-Pop Philippination, as judge and hosted by Richard Gutierrez (where the goal is to find a Pinoy who will be sent to Korea to train and become a Korean pop idol); and the lifestyle magazine show Happy Wife, Happy Life. Another upcoming show on TV5 is SM Little Stars where Gelli is a judge and mentor to kid contestants.
For Gelli, each show is a learning experience. “For me, I just want to work. I will go where there is work. When it comes to movies, okay na sa akin ‘yung roles which I don’t do on TV.”
Gelli is a Backroom artist. For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email [email protected].
