At first glance, it’s easy to label Marianna as a carefree, happy-go-lucky person who simply rolls with the punches. Her easy-going nature and infectious smile give off an air of lightheartedness. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a strong, determined woman with a work ethic that’s hard to ignore. Balancing multiple projects while dedicating her heart and soul to coaching at Rave Studio, a boutique fitness studio in Ortigas, Marianna is far from your typical “go with the flow” personality. She’s deeply passionate about being part of a community that is as much about personal growth as it is about fitness. “What I love about being a coach is getting to know all these people from all walks of life, but at the end of the day, they still choose to be part of our studio. It’s inspiring in a way,” she says with a smile.
It’s this blend of laid-back charm and relentless determination that makes Marianna stand out. Despite her confidence, she doesn’t shy away from sharing the more challenging moments of her journey. She openly speaks about the setbacks she’s faced, including being rejected by her dream company and having to rebuild from scratch. “It’s like you have this plan mapped out in your head, and it doesn’t go the way you want it. Then you just have to start all over again,” she admits. Her candidness about failure is refreshing, and a much-needed reminder that setbacks are part of the journey—and sometimes, they’re the very things that help us grow the most.
In this article, Marianna opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, what it’s really like to be part of Gen Z, her plans for the future, and what keeps her motivated day after day.
A Passion for Fitness and Personal Growth
Marianna has always been someone who puts in the work to achieve her goals. "I’m the type of person who puts in the work to get what she wants," she says. Fitness has been a major part of her journey, but for her, it’s not just about getting in shape—it’s about creating meaningful change. “What drives me the most is knowing I can be a better version of myself than I was the day before,” she explains. This commitment to growth isn’t just limited to her fitness journey—it’s a mindset she applies to everything she does.
While she may not be the life of the party, Marianna takes great joy in making people smile. "I’m not the funniest person in the room, but I’m passionate about making people smile," she says. She understands that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone's day, and that’s something she strives to embody in her coaching and everyday life.
Family and Inspiration: Lessons That Shape Her Path
Looking back, Marianna credits the people in her life for helping her get to where she is today. "It’s not just moments, but the people who’ve helped me get to where I am today," she shares. Her best friends and cousins were instrumental in her personal growth and professional success. In fact, it was the support of her cousins that led her to become a spinning instructor at Rave. “I wouldn’t have become a spinning instructor without my cousins’ support,” she says.
Inspiration also comes from her grandfathers, who taught her invaluable lessons about humility and entrepreneurship. “My Papi, my mom’s dad, was a giant in the advertising world, but he always treated everyone with respect, no matter their position,” she reflects. “Even when he was president of his company, he would always hold the door open for janitors.” This lesson in kindness and humility has stuck with her, and she strives to treat everyone she meets with the same respect. On the other side, her Wowo (grandfather) was a self-made entrepreneur who built his businesses from the ground up. “I’ve always wanted to start my own business. I sold candy in school when I was in third grade, and during the pandemic, I sold handmade polymer clay earrings. Now, my friends and I are thinking about starting an activewear brand!” Her Wowo’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to fuel her ambitions.
Creating Community at Rave
Marianna’s role as a coach at Rave Studio is one she takes to heart. “What I love about being a coach is getting to know all these people from all walks of life,” she says. But it’s more than just fitness for her—it’s about creating a space where people can belong, feel supported, and grow together. "I wanted to create a space where people feel like they belong," she explains.
One of the unique qualities of Rave Studio is the deep sense of community they foster. “The front desk staff learns your name and your shoe size, and instructors take the time to meet each new rider personally,” Marianna shares. This sense of personal connection is what makes Rave special, and it’s what keeps Marianna motivated to show up every day and lead her classes with energy and enthusiasm.
Her coaching philosophy is simple yet impactful: have fun. “People tend to take life too seriously, but life is too short for that,” she says with a grin. Whether it’s a challenging workout or simply enjoying the moment, Marianna believes that life is all about embracing joy.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Advice for Others
While Marianna doesn’t have a specific career goal in mind right now, she knows one thing for certain: she wants to make a meaningful impact. "Coaching helps me do that. I’m able to provide a fun workout while creating a community where people feel safe and supported," she says. Her goal moving forward is to continue using her passions to inspire others while developing her career in marketing.
For anyone pursuing their own dreams, Marianna offers this advice: "Don’t wait to start something—just do it. There’s always going to be something stopping you, but the hardest part is showing up for yourself. Once you take that first step, the rest will follow."
Marianna’s approach to life is a reminder that setbacks don’t have to hold you back—they’re just part of the journey. Through her coaching, fitness pursuits, and entrepreneurial aspirations, she proves that growth is a continuous process. With each new challenge, she embraces the opportunity to learn, evolve, and inspire those around her to do the same. Whether she’s guiding others in the studio or forging new paths in her personal life, Marianna shows that staying true to yourself and keeping an open mind leads to progress, no matter the obstacles.