{{Short description|Filipino actor }} {{Philippine name|Manalo|Joseph}} {{Infobox person | name = River Joseph | image = River Joseph in September 2025.jpg | caption = Joseph at the Miss Bicolandia pageant in September 2025 | birth_name = River Iye Manalo Joseph | birth_date = | birth_place = Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|entrepreneur}} | years_active = 2022–present | known_for = ''Pamilya Sagrado'' (2024)<br>''Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition'' (2025) | height = | agent = {{hlist|Star Magic|Rise Artists Studio}} | business = <!-- Add business name or details if available --> }} '''River Iye Manalo Joseph''' is a Filipino actor and entrepreneur. He is best known for his roles in the television series ''He's Into Her'', ''The Iron Heart'', ''Pamilya Sagrado'',<ref name="Nylon Manila 2024">{{cite web |title=Fun Facts About River Joseph, The Golden Retriever Boy Of The PBB House |url=https://nylonmanila.com/pop-culture/fun-facts-river-joseph-golden-retriever-boy/ |website=Nylon Manila |date=March 12, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> and ''Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition''.
==Early life and education==
River Iye Manalo Joseph was born in Muntinlupa to a family of entrepreneurs.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Fernando |first=Jeff |date=2024-08-13 |title=River Joseph: From influencer to serious actor |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/08/12/river-joseph-from-influencer-to-serious-actor |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Daily Tribune |language=en}}</ref> His father, Robert Lim Joseph, died of cancer in 2022. His mother, Ida Manalo Joseph, is the sister of SM Retail president Chito Manalo. Through his father, Joseph is of Chinese, Iraqi, and Syrian descent.<ref name="preview">{{Cite magazine | first=Em | last=Enriquez | title=Did You Know? River Joseph of "Pinoy Big Brother" Is Related to the Ming Dynasty | url=https://www.preview.ph/culture/entertainment/did-you-know-river-joseph-of-pinoy-big-brother-is-related-to-the-ming-dynasty | magazine=Preview | language=en-ph}}</ref> He finished his secondary education at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and attended De La Salle University for college, where he was active in student politics, being an active member of the political party, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista. He earned a degree in Business Management in 2023.<ref name="Nylon Manila 2024"/>
==Career==
Joseph began his career as a commercial model. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his TikTok videos gained attention, leading his manager to encourage him to audition for Rise Artists Studio,<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=#PARCINQSuperFresh Featuring River Joseph |url=https://www.parcinq.com/post/parcinqsuperfresh-featuring-river-joseph |website=Parcinq |date=March 15, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> a talent management division of Star Magic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Mika |date=2022-03-30 |title=Here Are Fun Facts About The New He's Into Her Cast Members |url=https://mega-asia.com/fashion/here-are-fun-facts-about-the-new-hes-into-her-cast-members/ |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=mega-asia.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He made his acting debut in 2022 as part of the cast of ''He's Into Her Season 2''.<ref>{{cite web |title=25 Questions with River Joseph |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/hesintoher/videos/25-questions-with-river-joseph-329197 |website=ABS-CBN |date=2022 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref>
Following his debut, Joseph had a role in the action-drama series ''The Iron Heart''<ref name=":8">{{cite web |title=River Joseph, CJ Salonga Share Interesting Facts About Their Intense Scenes |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/theironheart/articles-news/river-joseph-cj-salonga-share-interesting-facts-about-their-intense-scenes-19259 |website=ABS-CBN |date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> and later appeared in the romantic drama ''Unbreak My Heart''.<ref name=":3" /> In 2024, he took on the role of Steven Hermoso in the family drama ''Pamilya Sagrado'', joining Kyle Echarri, Grae Fernandez, and Piolo Pascual.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=River Joseph on Joining Frats, Forming Real Brotherhood in 'Pamilya Sagrado' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/574314/river-joseph-on-joining-frats-forming-real-brotherhood-in-pamilya-sagrado/amp |website=Inquirer.net |date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> Reflecting on his role, Joseph shared that delivering his Tagalog lines was challenging because English was his first language and he grew up speaking it with his friends. He described the transition to speaking Tagalog on screen as an adjustment that he continues to work on.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alcantara |first=Carissa |date=Aug 18, 2024 |title='Pamilya Sagrado' star River Joseph recounts being scammed while pursuing acting gigs |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/18/pamilya-sagrado-star-river-joseph-recounts-being-scammed-while-pursuing-acting-gigs |work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref>
In 2025, Joseph was revealed as one of the housemates for ''Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition'',<ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=Meet PBB Celebrity Colab Housemate River Joseph |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/23284/meet-pbb-celebrity-colab-housemate-river-joseph/photo?amp |website=GMA Network |date=March 24, 2024 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> where he gained wider public recognition.<ref name=":9">{{cite web |title=Stars Align, Surprises Unfold as Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition Begins |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/3/10/stars-align-surprises-unfold-as-pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-edition-begins-1518 |website=ABS-CBN |date=March 10, 2025 |access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref> He was introduced with the moniker, "Sporty Business Bro ng Muntinlupa City,"<ref name="Nylon Manila 2024" /> and finished as the season's fourth Big Placer alongside his duo partner, AZ Martinez.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Tandoc |first=Jemuel |date= |title=Meet AzVer: The unexpected duo winning the hearts of PBB Celebrity Collab fans |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/7/3/meet-azver-the-unexpected-duo-winning-the-hearts-of-pbb-celebrity-collab-fans-0708 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-06-28 |title=AZ Martinez, River Joseph get third Big Four spot in 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/950823/az-martinez-river-joseph-get-third-big-four-spot-in-pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-edition/story/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> In July, Joseph portrayed Parker Robinson, the antagonist in the sports series, ''Love at First Spike''.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Kathleen A. |title='PBB' housemates Emilio Daez, River Joseph play rivals in sports romance series |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/05/09/2441820/pbb-housemates-emilio-daez-river-joseph-play-rivals-sports-romance-series |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref> He also starred in the Wattpad digital film adaptation of ''The Four Bad Boys and Me'' as Charles Gonzales.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dela Cruz |first=Liezel |date=Jul 10, 2025 |title=River Joseph's favorite emoji? Smiley face, of course! Plus he talks about Esnyr, fashion trends and more |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/7/9/river-favorite-emoji-smiley-face-of-course-plus-he-talks-about-esnyr-fashion-trends-and-more-0027 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref> Joseph described Charles as very different from himself, noting that the character was hotheaded, prone to trouble, and spoke mostly in Tagalog.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EXCLUSIVE: River Joseph describes Charles as 'tough but protective' in 'The Four Bad Boys and Me' |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/exclusive-river-joseph-describes-charles-as-tough-but-protective-in-the-four-bad-boys-and-me/ar-AA1IW8Jc |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> “Through the help of Direk, the writers, they really helped me build the character of Charles. […] I hope I was able to give justice to Charles […].”<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Sabio |first=Nikka |date=Jul 20, 2025 |title=EXCLUSIVE: River Joseph describes Charles as 'tough but protective' in 'The Four Bad Boys and Me' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/7/20/exclusive-river-joseph-describes-charles-as-tough-but-protective-in-the-four-bad-boys-and-me-1934 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref>
== Media presence == In 2021, Joseph was featured in an exclusive interview with ''Garage PH'', where he discussed his burgeoning showbiz career, business ventures, personal style, and upcoming projects.<ref name=":6" /> He was also featured in ''Metro.style'' in 2022 alongside the cast of ''He’s Into Her'', where he discussed his career breakthrough through his portrayal of the character Jaybee.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Diez |first=Grace C. |date=Apr 21, 2022 |title=Meet the Newest BearKada in 'He's Into Her' Season 2 |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/people/celebrities/hes-into-her-season-2-cast-members-part-1/32808 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref>
In 2023, Joseph was named one of ''Mega Magazine's'' "5 Online Filipino Boyfriends of TikTok."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Mika |date=2023-05-09 |title=Meet 5 Online Filipino Boyfriends of TikTok |url=https://mega-asia.com/fashion/meet-5-online-filipino-boyfriends-of-tiktok/ |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=mega-asia.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Later that year, he was also featured in the anniversary issue for ''PARCINQ Super Fresh'', where he discussed his transition from being a TV commercial actor to a full-fledged presence in show business.<ref name=":7" />
In 2025, Joseph was featured in Metro Magazine alongside his fellow PBB Big Four placers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basina |first=Carby Rose |date=2025-07-28 |title='Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' Big Four duos come together for magazine cover |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/954053/pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-edition-big-four-magazine-cover/story/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> He was also featured in a ''Metro'' exclusive article titled "River Joseph Sets the Standard as the ''PBB'' 'Green Flag'", which reflected on his time as a housemate on the reality television show.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diez |first=Grace |date=2025-08-01 |title=Metro Exclusive: River Joseph Sets the Standard as the 'PBB' 'Green Flag' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/8/1/metro-exclusive-river-joseph-sets-the-standard-as-the-pbb-green-flag-2046 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref>
== Other ventures ==
=== Business === Apart from acting, Joseph is also an entrepreneur.<ref name=":2" /> He started a business called CASSA, offering eco-friendly plastic bags made from cassava starch.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=August 10, 2024 |title=River runs deep |url=https://tempo.mb.com.ph/2024/08/10/river-runs-deep/? |work=Tempo (Manila Bulletin)}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Villamonte |first=Jerico |date=2021-09-14 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Getting up close and personal with River Joseph - Garage |url=https://garage.com.ph/2021/09/14/exclusive-getting-up-close-and-personal-with-river-joseph/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Philanthropy === Joseph is involved with the Rich for the Poor, an outreach initiative aimed at assisting street children and other underprivileged groups.<ref name=":5" /> In an interview, he explained, "Rich for the Poor is a foundation dedicated to my brother, Richard, who passed away in 2017. He had a passion for helping and feeding street children and we wanted to continue his legacy through this foundation."<ref name=":6" />
In 2025, during his appearance on ''PBB'', Joseph and his duo partner Martinez won a charity task that awarded ₱100,000 to be donated to their chosen beneficiary. They selected the Cancer Treatment and Support Foundation Inc. as the recipient, dedicating the donation to their late fathers.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-06-13 |title=AZ Martinez and River Joseph win task, to donate P100K to cancer treatment charity in honor of their dads |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/949357/az-martinez-river-joseph-win-task-to-donate-to-cancer-treatment-charity-in-honor-of-their-dads/story/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life==
Joseph has expressed an interest in sports.<ref name="Nylon Manila 2024" /> He played basketball during his high school years and participated in the annual ''Star Magic All-Star Games''. He also enjoys playing golf in his free time.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 14, 2025 |title=Gallery: Good Boy Energy Overflows in River Joseph's Pre-Bahay Ni Kuya Selfies |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/3/14/gallery-good-boy-energy-overflows-in-river-joseph-s-pre-bahay-ni-kuya-selfies-1109?photoId=dc84374a-566b-460f-a61a-7bbe63500e3b |access-date=March 24, 2025 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref>
He is currently in a relationship with fellow Star Magic talent Gela Alonte.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 5, 2025 |title=Gallery: Meet 'PBB' housemate River Joseph's girlfriend Gela Alonte |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/23442/meet-pbb-housemate-river-josephs-girlfriend-gela-alonte/photo/321544/gela-alonte |access-date=May 7, 2025 |website=GMA}}</ref>
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Key | style="background:#ffc;"| {{dagger|alt=films and TV productions that have not yet been released}} | Denotes films and TV productions that have not yet been released |}
=== Film === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | 2023 | ''Toss Coin'' | Pia's Ex Boyfriend | Short film | |- | rowspan="2" | 2025 | ''The Four Bad Boys and Me'' | Charles Gonzales | Web film |<ref name=":12" /> |- | ''Call Me Mother'' | Anton V | 51st Metro Manila Film Festival entry | |- |2026 | ''Tayo sa Wakas'' | Shane |Supporting role | |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year !! Title !! Role ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | 2022 || ''He's Into Her - Season 2'' || John Benjamin "JB" Jose | |<ref name=":11" /> |- | rowspan="3" | 2023 || ''The Iron Heart'' || Carl | |<ref name=":8" /> |- |''Teen Clash'' | rowspan="2" |Unknown |Season 1, Episode 1 | |- | ''Unbreak My Heart'' |Season 1, Episode 36 | |- | 2024 || ''Pamilya Sagrado'' || Stevenson "Steven" Hermoso | |<ref name=":1" /> |- | rowspan="5" | 2025 || ''Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition'' || Himself | Housemate / Kapamilya Fourth Big Placer |<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yap |first=Jade Veronique |last2=Basina |first2=Carby Rose |date=2025-07-05 |title=AZ Martinez, River Joseph are 4th big placer on 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/951642/az-martinez-river-joseph-are-4th-big-placer-on-pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-edition/story/ |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''It's Showtime'' || Himself | Guest Performer | |- |''Love At First Spike'' | Parker Robinson |Main Role |<ref name=":10" /> |- | ''Rainbow Rumble'' | Contestant | |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dela Cruz |first=Liezel |date=2025-08-20 |title=Esnyr, River and Will share their fun takeaways after playing “Rainbow Rumble” |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/8/19/esnyr-river-and-will-share-their-fun-takeaways-after-playing-rainbow-rumble-0016 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref> |- | ''Sins of the Father'' | Rainier | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-19 |title=Barbie, River, Kolette, and more to join the new season of “Sins of the Father” |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/8/18/barbie-river-kolette-and-more-to-join-the-new-season-of-sins-of-the-father-0008 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" | 2026 || ''Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0'' || Himself | Houseguest|| |- | ''The Secrets of Hotel 88'' | Leon Almazan | |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Felipe |first=MJ |date=2025-09-18 |title=ABS-CBN, GMA team up again for 'The Secrets of Hotel 88' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/9/18/abs-cbn-gma-team-up-again-for-the-secrets-of-hotel-88-1835 |website=ABS-CBN}}</ref> |- | ''Blood vs Duty'' | Agent Andre Flores | | |}
===Music video appearance=== {| class="wikitable sortable" <!--Do not center --> |- <!-- Never add unnecessary background colors --> ! Year ! Song ! Artist |- | 2022 || "Awake" || Shanaia Gomez |- |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://www.instagram.com/riverjoseph/ River Joseph on Instagram] * [https://m.imdb.com/name/nm14667917/ IMDb - River Joseph]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Joseph, River}} Category:Living people Category:ABS-CBN people Category:Actors from Muntinlupa Category:De La Salle University alumni Category:Filipino male television actors Category:Filipino people of Arab descent Category:Filipino actors of Chinese descent Category:Filipino people of Syrian descent Category:Star Magic personalities Category:Tagalog male actors Category:Year of birth missing (living people)