Dingdong plays the role of Aquano, a brave young Atlantikan of royal descent, in whom the hope of the secret underwater kingdom lies. He narrates, "Aquano's main conflict here is this: Two princesses were brought to land, to the mortal world. And my duty is to look for those two. One of them I'll have to kill, and one of them I'll have to marry. But who those two princesses are, I do not know, especially since there's a mistaken identity in one character."
Beginning next week's episodes of Atlantika, Dingdong will already appear as Aquano, when his character grows up (the young Aquano has been played by child star Renz Valerio for the past three weeks). Also catch his other young co-stars, Iza Calzado, Paolo Contis, Isabel Oli, Katrina Halili, and Valerie Concepcion beginning next week on Atlantika.
In this Q&A, Dingdong talks more about his role and how he prepared for it, his expectations about the show, as well as how he conquered his fear of the water in such a short time for Atlantika.
How did you prepare for the role of Aquano?
It took many months of preparation. In fact, while we were still doing Encantadia, we were already preparing for Atlantika. For one, the most basic, was to cut the weight, because we have to look good in these costumes. It was a big jump from my look in Encantadia. Then I also did weight training. All of us also had to undergo scuba lessons, learn the basics, like open water, ganun. And then we were taught a form of Filipino martial arts called Kali Pekiti-Tirsia. It's a Filipino way of knife fighting.
Will we see a completely different Dingdong Dantes this time?
I think so.
How do you plan to break free from the Ybarro role that you had in Encantadia?
Definitely the look is so much different. The manner of speaking here is not the same as Encantadia. Will we also have a different language here? Wala pa pero baka magkaroon. And it deals with the water, so it's a totally different thing. Although 'yung pagka-epic-organic ng Encantadia nandun pa rin. Kung napansin mo dati 'yung Alena, siya 'yung nasa tubig, ngayon naman we're gearing toward that direction; lahat na kami, so malaking inspirasyon si Alena rito. Karylle (who played Alena) is also here as an inspiration.
What can we expect from your new role?
Expect a lot of action scenes. You know, water is a very positive thing, it's life. And for me to be associated with water is something to look forward to. There's a connection between me and the water.
Are your costumes here waterproof?
Oo! It's made of neoprene, the one that they use for wetsuits; it's wetsuit material. It's thick and it's hot/warm.
Why did you have to take scuba lessons?
This is basically for the underwater sequences. We'll have to learn how to breathe underwater or how to project as if we're breathing normally underwater because our characters have gills.
Where will you shoot the underwater sequences?
We did some already; we shot in Anilao, Batangas. Most of the sequences are shot in Batangas. How was it? It's hard. For one, the weather is a big factor, knowing the current and everything, right? So far sa first few tapings nakisama naman ang panahon, we were all thankful for that.
What were you made to do already, so far, underwater?
Just swim. No fight sequences yet, pero magkakaroon 'yun.
So how were you able to get over your fear of the water for this role?
That's the point. I was able to get over it for this one.
How?
Well for one, through dedication, because I knew that the bulk of the story would depend on how we would perform underwater, so it's a make or break thing. Not all of the scenes would require us to be submerged in water, but a lot of it would.
When were you told that you'll be playing this role?
Encantadia pa lang.
From that time until now, that was the only time you had to get over your fear of the water?
Yeah. Kinda short, isn't it, compared to being 26 years alive, given those couple of months. (chuckles)
What do you love most about this role so far?
The boat rides. It's very relaxing. The ride lasts for a minimum of 30 minutes, so we get to rest. It's out warm up for us to internalize the ocean. Smelling the breeze, after coming from Manila, is very refreshing.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for you in this role?
It's not exactly the fear, it's pulling it off well underwater, I think that's going to be the biggest challenge.
Do you feel the weight that the show you recently starred in before this was a blockbuster like Encantadia?
Very much, that's why I'm also happy that the peg is leaning far from Encantadia. It's still kind of similar, like what I said it's kind of inspired by it, and it's from the creators of Encantadia, so I'm really confident about that aspect. Atlantika is different from Encantadia, definitely. Siyempre, I hope that we would also be able to reach the success that Encantadia has attained. Naging malaking parte rin sa pag-aartista ko ang pagsali ko sa Encantadia, so gusto ko maging ganun din ang Atlantika.
You have three or four leading ladies here. Have you worked with them? How is your working relationship with them?
Yes, I have worked with them before, except for Katrina. Iza-from Encantadia to Moments of Love to Eternity, I'm really comfortable working with her already. I like her as my partner, I like working with her. Isabel-I already worked with her in Moments, she played my sister. But this time it would be different kind of relationship, that's why it's also a challenge, and I'm looking forward to that.