Background
Rivera was born in Manila, Philippines but has since migrated with his family to Canada.
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. Music career Rivera was an architect in Canada before his singing talent was accidentally discovered while he was on holiday in the Philippines.
In 1989, Musiko Records & BMG Records (Pilipinas) Incorporated.
(now known as Sony Music & BMG Rights Management) signed Rivera to their label. His self-titled debut album was released after two years.
The first single, "Sana Kahit Minsan" was a #1 popular-r&b crossover hit. The album went 3x platinum.
In 1991, he quickly released his second album, Simple Language.
This album also went 3x 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.
Acting career 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).
= Acting awards 1992: Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actor for "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal" 2005: 2nd Golden Screen Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Forever In My Heart" (Global Media Arts-7) Ryan Cayabyab Silver Album (Sony BMG Music Philippines, Incorporated, 1996) Something More (JesCom Foundation, Incorporated, 2001) Signature Hits Office of Personnel Management"s Best Volume
2 (Viva Records Corporation & Vicor Music Corporation, 2009) Best ActorParola, Bahaghari.