Maja Salvador

Maja Ross Andres Salvador-Ortega (; born October 5, 1988) is a Filipino actress, singer and television personality. Known for portraying strong female leads in revenge dramas in film and television, she has been described by the media as one of the best actresses of her generation. Salvador's accolades include an Asia Contents Award, a FAMAS Award, a Gawad Urian Award, a Luna Award and a PMPC Star Awards for Movies, including nominations from Asian Television Awards and Asian Academy Creative Awards.

Dubbed as the "Majestic Superstar" by the media, Salvador made her acting debut at age 14 in a minor role on the television series It Might Be You (2003), earning her a nomination for Best New TV Personality at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. After playing supporting roles in various films and television shows, she got her first leading role in Nagsimula sa Puso (2009). She gained wider recognition for her roles in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011) and Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012). She has since garnered subsequent success and awards for her lead roles in The Legal Wife (2014), Bridges of Love (2015), Ang Probinsyano (2016), Wildflower (2017), The Killer Bride (2019), and Someone, Someday (2026).

Salvador's first major screen appearance was in a supporting role for the film Sukob (2006), which earned her acting awards from the Box Office Entertainment Awards and Star Awards for Movies, including nominations from the FAMAS Awards and Gawad Pasado Awards. Her other notable films include One More Chance (2007), Thelma (2011) for which she won Best Actress at the Gawad Urian and Luna Awards, 24/7 in Love (2012) and I'm Drunk, I Love You (2017) for which she earned Best Actress nominations from the FAMAS Awards and Star Awards for Movies. As a recording artist, Salvador has released two studio albums Believe (2014) and Maja in Love (2015), both were certified Platinum by PARI. In 2019, she was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as its first dance ambassador. In 2021, Salvador launched her own management company, Crown Artist Management, home to artists such as John Lloyd Cruz, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Miles Ocampo.

Early life Maja Ross Andres Salvador was born in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines, on October 5, 1988. 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, and half-brother Jon Hernandez.

Acting career 2003–2009: Beginnings and breakthrough 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. 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). 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 in 2008, alongside Kris Aquino, Jodi Sta. Maria and veteran actress, Susan Roces. Salvador played the title role in the inspirational family drama film, Thelma (2011). 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.

2014–2019: Critical success and recognition 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 and peaking at 35.2%. 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.

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. 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.

2020–present: Professional expansion In 2020, after ABS-CBN was shut down on free TV, along with its franchise being denied and cancelled 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. 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. 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 TodoMax Primetime Singko line up replacing Paano ang Pangako?.

On October 2, she officially joined the Eat Bulaga! to host the new segment DC 2021. She returned to ABS-CBN in the action TV series The Iron Heart starring Richard Gutierrez and the romantic comedy thriller series Someone, Someday starring Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid.

Other ventures Music career 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. 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". 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. 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.

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. 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. The single was digitally released on April 17. Her second album, titled Maja in Love, was released on April 30. It features collaborations with Sam Milby and Rayver Cruz. 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.

In 2017, it was announced that Salvador will team up with Thai popstar with Tor+Saksit for a new single. The song, Falling into You, was released on February 9, 2018.

Personal life In April 2022, Salvador got engaged to her non-celebrity boyfriend, Rambo Nuñez Ortega.

The couple married on July 31, 2023, in Apurva Kempinski, Bali, Indonesia. 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.

Advocacy and issues 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.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2006 Sukob Precious Princess Jewel "Pré" Samartino 2007 My Kuya's Wedding Kat One More Chance Trisha Nominated – Star Award for Movies for Movie Supporting Actress of the Year 2008 Kelly! Kelly! (Ang Hit Na Musical) Kelly 2009 Villa Estrella Giselle/Andrea Shake, Rattle & Roll XI Claire Segment: "Diablo" 2010 Cinco Rose Segment: "Mata" Father Jejemon Isabel 2011 Thelma Thelma Also producerFilm Academy of the Philippines Award for Best Actress Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress Nominated – Golden Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama)Nominated – Star Award for Movies for Movie Actress of the Year 2012 My Cactus Heart Sandy 24/7 in Love Barbara Alcaraz Main role 2013 Status: It's Complicated! Rina 2015 You're Still the One Elise 2016 Tatay Kong Sexy Monette 2017 I'm Drunk, I Love You Caridad Sonia "Carson" Herrera Main role 2018 To Love Some Buddy Faith Buan 2019 The Mall, the Merrier! Sisa/Cameo Guest role, Official for the 45th Metro Manila Film Festival Entry 2021 Arisaka Mariano

Television Year Title Role Notes Source 2003–2004 It Might Be You Cara Victorino 2003–2020, 2024–present ASAP Herself Host / Performer 2004–2005 Spirits Gabby 2004 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Puno Teen Miriam 2004–2010 Maalaala Mo Kaya Various roles 13 episodesNominated – Star Award for Television for Best Single Performance by an Actress Your Song Presents: Kapag Ako ay Nagmahal Andrea Rivera 5 episodes Komiks Presents: Kapitan Boom Melody Maalaala Mo Kaya: Journal Jasmine Maalaala Mo Kaya: Boardgame (Six Days) Myra Maalaala Mo Kaya: Runaway (Leather Shoes) Liza 2009 Komiks Presents: Nasaan Ka Maruja? Leila Maalaala Mo Kaya: Wheelchair Bernadeth Maalaala Mo Kaya: Storybook Judy 2009–2010 May Bukas Pa Stella Rodrigo Nagsimula sa Puso Celina Fernandez 2010 Your Song Presents: Love Me, Love You Teacher Glenda Corpuz 2 episodes Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Impostor Mariz Florencio / Devin Ventura Wansapanataym Inday Episode: "Inday sa Balitaw" Maalaala Mo Kaya: Dancing Shoes Elena Maalaala Mo Kaya: Rosas Bing 2011 Your Song Presents: Kim Romelyn Episode: "Best Friends Forever" Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin Kaye "Krista" Villanueva 2011–2012 My Binondo Girl Amber Dionisio 2012 Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin Janine Del Castillo 2014 The Legal Wife Nicole Esquivel 2014–2015 Give Love on Christmas: The Gift of Life Melissa Francisco 10 episodes 2015 Bridges of Love Mia Sandoval 2015–2016 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano SP01 Glenda "Glen" Corpuz 2016 Home Sweetie Home Glenda "Glen" Corpuz Crossover character – 2 episodes 2017–2018 Wildflower Lily Cruz / Ivy Aguas 2019 World of Dance Philippines Herself/Judge Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Helen 2019–2020 The Killer Bride Camila Dela Torre / Alba Almeda 2020–2021 Sunday Noontime Live! Herself Main host / Performer 2021–2022 Niña Niño Niña 2021 POPinoy Judge 2021, 2023–present Eat Bulaga! Herself 2022 Oh My Korona! Lavinia The Iron Heart Cassandra Special participation (guest cast) 2023–2024 Open 24/7 Mikaela/Mike Emojination Herself Host 2026 Someone, Someday Abigail "Abi" Mercado / Marie Beatrice "Bea" Dominguez TBA Athena TBA

Discography Year Album title Recording label Certification 2014 Believe Ivory Music and Video Platinum 2015 Maja in Love Single Year Song title Album Recording label 2014 "Dahan-Dahan" Believe Ivory Music and Video "Halika Na" 2015 "Bakit Ganito ang Pag-Ibig" Maja in Love "Love Me, Kill Me" 2017 "Huling Gabi" I'm Drunk, I Love You Official Soundtrack 2018 "Falling into You" (with Tor+Saksit) Ivory Music and Video 2024 "Sugal"

Believe soundtracks

Maja in Love soundtracks

Awards and nominations