Since the first season of “Alyas Robin Hood” concluded in February, Dingdong Dantes has been making the most of his free time with his daughter, Zia and wife, actress Marian Rivera.
Dingdong’s Instagram is brimming with photos of his girls from their trips abroad to exotic locations in Indonesia, Japan, Greece and Spain, as well the United States.
However, his leisurely break has definitely come to an end as he dives into multiple projects in July. Despite his packed schedule, the 36-year-old actor claims he is beyond grateful.
“We are not in control naman kung ano yung blessing na dumating. What we can do is manage it properly and make the most of these blessings,” he said in an interview during the press conference for the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Dingdong’s YesPinoy Foundation and SMILE Cares Foundation, headed by actress Shaina Magdayao.
Shooting for two movies begins this month. Dingdong looks forward to working with Enrique Gil again in a film to be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina under Star Cinema. Enrique was his co-star in the 2013 romance-drama film “She’s The One” with Bea Alonzo.
Dingdong has only praises for the younger actor. “He’s an amazing actor. He’s young. And alam ko na magmula noon hanggang ngayon, marami na siyang mga bagong experiences that definitely converted him to a better actor right now. Pag tumatanda ka, mas madaming experiences mo, mas magagagmit mo yan. So I can’t wait to be with him again,” Dingdong said.
Dingdong is eager for the opportunity to work with Aga Muhlach, one of the actors he looked up to when he was still starting to make a name for himself in showbiz.
“Isa sa mga bagay that I was looking forward to is ang makatrabaho siya and finally, eto na yung pagkakataon,” he said.
The film also stars Cristine Reyes, whom Dingdong met through “Starstruck” many years ago. The story will be family-centered, which is one of the main reasons why Dingdong accepted the project in the first place.
“Magandang mabigyang buhay yung pananaw ng iba’t ibang kapatid, karakter. Kasi dito mo makikita yung dynamics ng isang traditional Filipino family. Yung kanilang hardships, challenges, at the same time, happy moments,” he explained.
His co-star in his other film is no less than Anne Curtis. Dingdong is no stranger to Anne, who he worked with in the ‘90s teen-oriented series “T.G.I.S.”
The working title of Anne and Dingdong’s first on-screen partnership under Viva Films and N2 Productions is “Sid and Aya (Not A Love Story).” No further details have been disclosed, except for the title and that the two actors have done a look test together.
Aside from the two films, taping for the second season of his superhero action-drama series “Alyas Robin Hood” will also commence in July.
Dingdong also remains active as the Chairman of YesPinoy Foundation, an NGO dedicated to youth empowerment and nation building.
YesPinoy recently partnered with Shaina Magdayao’s SMILE Cares Foundation for “YES to Full STEAM Ahead,” a project geared towards providing learning opportunities for out-of-school and underprivileged youth on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Basketball star LA Tenorio is SMILE Cares Foundation’s trustee.
Despite his numerous commitments, Dingdong is confident that he and wife Marian will remain true to their calling as parents—even if Marian herself is busy with her own shows.
He shares, “Supportive kami sa isa’t isa. Siyempre ayaw naman namin na nahihirapan kami, at tsaka siya, ayoko namang nahihirapan siya so Kailangan tulungan kami parati.”
“Siniguro namin na yung oras namin ay…alternating, para at least yang isa sa amin ay nandoon para magpatulog kay Zia.”
It may seem that Dingdong will barely have time for himself or his loved ones, but he says that this will never happen. Family is—and will always be— his top priority.
“Para sa akin ang pinakamahalaga ay yung pamilya, more than anything. Kasi doon ako kumukuha ng lakas, doon ang aking inspirasyon. Hindi ko magagawa ang lahat ng ito kung wala yung pagmamahal ng pamilya ko at yung pagmamahal ko sa kanila,” he said.
