Magno "Carlo" Jose Caparas (born December 15, 1958, in Pampanga), widely known as Carlo J. Caparas, is a Filipino comic strip creator/writer-turned director and producer, who is best known for creating Filipino superheroes and comic book characters such as Panday, Bakekang, Totoy Bato, Joaquin Bordado, Kamagong, Kamandag, Elias Paniki, Angela Markado, and Tasya Fantasya, Gagambino, Ang Huling Lalaki ng Baluarte, Pieta and Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang and amongst others. He is also known as a director of numerous movies dealing with massacre such as Kuratong Baleleng and The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files.

Caparas was awarded the 2008 Sagisag Balagtas Award.

In July 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named Caparas as one of seven National Artist of the Philippines proclaimed for that year, under the new category of "Visual Arts and Film."

The title National Artist of the Philippines is given to a Filipino who has been given the highest recognition for having made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Such Filipinos are pronounced by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation to be National Artists, having been conferred membership in the Order of National Artists. Aside from the prestige associated with the proclamation, benefits they enjoy from then on include a monthly pension, medical and life insurance, arrangements for a state funeral, a place of honor at national state functions, and recognition at cultural events.

Marian Rivera (born Marian Gracia Rivera on August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipina commercial model and actress, known for her roles in Marimar, Dyesebel, Darna, and Amaya. As a recording artist, Rivera has released two studio albums: the platinum hits Marian Rivera Dance Hits and Retro Crazy. She has also starred in movies that have grossed more than PhP 100 million at the box-office such as: My Bestfriend's Girlfriend,You to Me Are Everything, and Panday 2.

Marian Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to Francisco Javier Gracia Alonso, a Spaniard and Amalia Rivera, a Filipina from Cavite. After her parents separated, her mother brought her to the Philippines where she grew up most of her life. She later finished BS Psychology in De La Salle University Dasmariñas.

Rivera first starred in afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network including Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat and Pinakamamahal. She was then featured in Enteng Kabisote 2: Okay Ka Fairy Ko: The Legend Continues. Later, GMA Network cast her in a mother role for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli.