Key Takeaways
- Mariah Zernik from The Ultimatum season 3 represents her Chamorro heritage from Guam.
- She works as a podcaster and social media marketing professional at age 24, bringing both her professional experience and cultural background to the show.
- After navigating relationship challenges on the show with boyfriend Caleb Storm, the couple got engaged and are now planning a destination wedding for summer 2026.
Mariah Zernik, a standout participant in Netflix’s “The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On” season 3, has intrigued fans not just with her relationship dynamics but also with her unique ethnicity.
A 24-year-old podcaster and social media marketing professional, Mariah brought her Chamorro heritage to the forefront of her journey on the show.
Chamorro Roots And European Influences
Mariah’s ethnicity, as shared on her Instagram, is deeply rooted in her Chamorro heritage from Guam, interwoven with European influences.
Chamorros are the indigenous people of Guam, a Pacific Island in the Micronesian region.
Their culture reflects a blend of Austronesian, Spanish, and later American influences due to centuries of colonization and migration.
Mariah’s striking features—long dark hair, almond-shaped eyes, and rare blue eyes—sparked curiosity among fans.
Many wondered about her ethnic background, with some speculating East Asian roots.
However, her blue eyes are a natural result of genetic mixing during Guam’s colonial history, showcasing the diversity of Pacific Islander genetics.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mariah shared her experience visiting Guam, writing:
“Visiting my family’s homeland and reconnecting with my roots is a core memory I’ll cherish forever 🩵🦋 Si Yu’os Ma’åse’, Guam 🇬🇺.”
Via Instagram
The phrase “Si Yu’os Ma’åse’,” means “Thank you” in Chamorro.
Mariah And Her Partner, Caleb
Mariah entered The Ultimatum with her boyfriend of two years, Caleb Storm, a 29-year-old mortgage broker.
While Mariah felt ready for marriage and starting a family, Caleb expressed hesitation, worried about the potential for regrets if they rushed into lifelong commitments.
The couple’s journey on the show was fraught with emotional highs and lows.
Finally, Caleb overcame his fears about commitment and proposed to Mariah on Ultimatum Day, which she accepted.
At the reunion show, filmed before the season’s release, the couple revealed they’re still together and planning a destination wedding for summer 2026.
It was also disclosed that they maintained daily phone contact during their trial separation on the show.
Their successful relationship was hinted at before the finale aired through social media clues, including followers noting couple photos on Mariah’s Instagram account.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Before participating in the show, Caleb expressed concerns about Mariah potentially resenting him later in life, while Mariah felt their relationship lacked proper communication and reassurance.
- During the show’s trial marriages, Mariah was paired with Micah (who later quit), leaving her to spend the three weeks alone focusing on self-improvement. Meanwhile, Caleb formed a close connection with Aria during their trial marriage.
- The situation becomes complicated when Aria develops feelings for Caleb, leading to tension between the original couple after they reunite. However, they ultimately worked through their issues by acknowledging their insecurities and communication problems.
