Is it a wedding? Dingdong cooking up something with Marian

MANILA, Philippines - Yes, Dingdong Dantes is cooking up something with girlfriend Marian Rivera. But no, it’s not a wedding.

At the intimate presscon called by Dingdong’s camp last week, the Kapuso primetime king got teased if he was about to officially announce plans for a wedding (supposed to happen next month if rumors that have long hounded the showbiz couple are to be believed).

But marriage is not yet a priority, said Dingdong, also denying anew talks of a secret engagement. Asked how long does he see himself a bachelor, the 33-year-old actor said, “‘Wag naman sanang lumampas ng 40.”

What could happen soonest though is their reunion project. Dingdong and Marian, who first worked together in 2007 via the GMA 7 teleserye Marimar and last partnered in 2012’s My Beloved (then developing a romance in between), said, “That’s one of the things na sobrang binubuo ko na rin. It’s not just me working on it but also Mr. (Tony) Tuviera (Marian’s manager) and his camp, they’re also thinking of good projects for Marian.”

As to what kind of project, Dingdong said, “We’re opposing,” explaining that Marian would like a TV series again, while he wants to do a movie.

“So, I thought, why not both?” Dingdong said. “Pagandahan nalang ng latag siguro. I also spoke with some people who can help create a good concept for us because I really miss working with her.”

Dingdong would prefer a rom-com for their reunion project and believes that Marian’s strength, track record-wise, is in rom-com. “But anything goes as long as I can work with her again.”

Dingdong was also asked to comment on the general impression that Marian has already outgrown her “jealous-girlfriend” phase.

He said, “Definitely, I can say sobrang laki ng improvement niya, hindi lang sa aspetong yun, but also in a lot of things. Her perspectives as a whole. Even her view at the industry — lumawak at gumanda. Maybe because ang ganda na ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya ngayon.”

But how does a heartthrob like him stay away from “temptation”? “You don’t have to stay away because if you’re really firm with your values, then whatever is in front of you (will have no effect). But I’m not saying I’m perfect. That’s why it’s important that you know the people that surround you.”

Meanwhile, Dingdong is still riding high on the box-office success of his Star Cinema film She’s The One with Bea Alonzo, which has surpassed the P100M-mark.

“Even when we were filming, the vibe was very light. You’d know that wherever it would go, the result would be good. It was so refreshing for me as an experience. It doesn’t happen always. Because even if you put everything into something, minsan magiging biktima ka ng hit or miss,” said Dingdong, who still has one movie to do as per contract with Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s movie outfit.

He’s planning to come up soon with a follow-up to his Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles, which was co-produced by his own production outfit AgostoDos Pictures.

His primetime series Genesis, on the other hand, will run until January next year. The sci-fi drama tells the story of how love and human spirit triumph amidst catastrophic events.

Dingdong promises more explosive scenes in the days to come, including one simulating a tsunami. “We will fulfill our promise, right up to the end of the series, to give justice to its grand concept.”