Dingdong a Kapamilya for the second time

MANILA, Philippines - Dingdong Dantes said that it “wasn’t that difficult” to secure the go-signal of his home network GMA 7 to do a film for Star Cinema, the movie-making outfit of rival station ABS-CBN.

In a separate presscon, director Ruel S. Bayani said that Dingdong was handpicked to complete the lead cast of Star Cinema’s 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, One More Try, to infuse a fresh appeal to a movie packed with Kapamilya stars. This is the second time that Dingdong has starred in a film for Star Cinema; the first was Segunda Mano last year, also for MMFF, which he co-produced as well. 

“On top of everything, I think I was just more grateful that I was given another opportunity to do this with Star Cinema. It wasn’t that difficult to ask for permission (from GMA). I’m also grateful that they allowed me to do it,” he said in a pocket presscon recently. “I cannot say it was easy (asking for approval). I cannot say it was difficult. But we went through the right process and it was granted. And that’s what matters.”

In an industry environment, where such importance is placed on network loyalty and exclusivity thanks to the raging network war, Dingdong acknowledged that it’s a “rare and seldom opportunity” to be able to cross over and do films. “In an ideal world, I think it would be nicer if that would be the case — that every actor will be given equal opportunity to expand the things that they want to do and to widen the range of their audience. But, of course, we all know that it might not be possible in every instance.”

Asked how he was able to do it, he reckoned, “Throughout the years, I’ve just been trying to establish good working relationships with people that I meet. I think I’ve established a good relationship with them (GMA) and I hope that through this, magiging maganda din yung relationship ko (with ABS) whether for work or not. Everything (happened in a) very smooth-sailing way.”

Will he be doing more Star Cinema films after One More Try? “We’re not sure about that… Let’s put it this way: I thought it was impossible for me to do such a move (last year), then now, it’s my second time. It’s happening. So we’ll never know, maybe it’s possible, not just for me, but also for other people.”

He, however, isn’t entertaining the idea that doing films for Star Cinema might lead him to changing networks. “(The film) is more important to me, that this is happening… rather than thinking of other stuff beyond this.”

Describing One More Try as a mature family drama, Dingdong plays the husband of Angelica Panganiban, whose childless marriage faces major complication and conflict when a woman from his past played by Angel Locsin seeks him out when their love child suffers from a rare condition.

“I can say it’s my most challenging (movie role) to date,” said Dingdong, who also shared that he initially struggled in imbibing the “real feeling of how it is (to be a father or to have a wife),” since he has no real-life experience to speak of, “but thanks to the director and the brilliance of the script, I was guided promptly.”

“(My character) is the cause of everything. It’s a challenge what his decision and that of other people will be to salvage the situation. It defines a person as to what he decides on, what he chooses — whether the greater good or ano ang nakasanayan,” Dingdong added.

The film’s title and theme also had the actor ruminating on things worth giving a try: “In all situations, if all else fails, you have to cling on to one of the strongest feelings or strongest foundations of your being a person, and that is love. If love is the issue, then I think it’s worth giving one more try.”

Were there past relationships he wished he’d given a proper closure or at least, another try? “I think with regards to relationships, I believe I was able to handle everything properly and in the right manner. No regrets. Everything that you experienced and learned makes you stronger as a person. As for the mistakes you made, definitely, you won’t do it again. So there’s a lot of learnings.”

 Veering away from relationship talk, he continued, “If there’s one thing I could give a ‘one more try,’ maybe my college days. I would like to experience what it’s like to be a full-time student because I was a working student then. Maaaring maraming nagbago sa path ko noon. It’s not saying that I regret it, but I would love to do it all over again.”

For 2013, he wants to continue co-producing films under his Agosto Dos Productions (this year, it was the box-office hit TikTik: The Aswang Chronicles). But he’s also looking forward to do things he hasn’t done before outside work, or “the cheap thrills” as he calls it like bungee-jumping.

How about plans of the “life-changing” kind like settling down? The 32-year-old actor, who is in a relationship with Marian Rivera, said, “It’s one of my dreams, so in the proper time, why not? That would be fun. When? We can’t tell. Nothing is (stopping me) actually, I don’t know, maybe it’s something that you can’t explain. Kahit tinatanong ko yan sa maraming tao, di rin maipaliwanag sa akin. Pretty much, I’m just looking for that feeling. (Marian doesn’t pressure) in all fairness (to her) because we have the same priorities, we have the same outlook, so it’s OK.”

As for the lovebirds’ plans for the holidays, he said both of them will be working, unlike in previous years when they made time for travel. He’s glad that MMFF’s annual Parade of Stars happened last Sunday, Dec. 23, because the past schedules made them “late for our respective family noche buena and for Mass.” They’re also doing their share to help victims of Typhoon Pablo (“We’re getting in touch with departments to give donations”). Despite the unfortunate happenings in the country that coincided with the season, he doesn’t think that the box-office sales of the filmfest will be affected because he believes that even if Pinoys find time for enjoyment, it’s also in their culture and nature to extend help.

He also hopes the different flavors in the line-up of MMFF entries will uplift spirits. “Always, kaya nga tayo nasa entertainment business, kumbaga, if you feel down, if you feel a certain way, ito ang klaseng pelikula ang panonoorin mo… We hope — not to make them forget — more importantly to inspire audiences when they go out of the cinemas.”

(Star Cinema 2012 MMFF entry One More Try is now showing in theaters nationwide.)