Dingdong Dantes plays Family Feud at home

MANILA, Philippines — Dingdong Dantes recently shared a lighthearted anecdote about why his wife, Marian Rivera, has ruled out appearing again on his popular game show, Family Feud Philippines.

The STAR inquired about Dingdong’s favorite Family Feud episodes as he returned to hosting the show this month after starring in the hit whodunit series, Royal Blood. He fondly recalled the one featuring Marian last year, saying, “Of course, one of the most memorable ones is when Marian guested. She couldn’t sleep for two weeks because she kept saying, ‘Hindi ko nalaman yun sagot.’ Talagang hindi niya matanggap. But it’s one of the most unforgettable moments.”

When asked about the possibility of having Marian as a guest again, Dingdong playfully responded, “Ayaw kasi na-trauma na siya dati. I told her to just enjoy it. But I’m sure there will be another opportunity, another chance, especially with her teleserye coming out next year and we have a movie (Metro Manila Film Festival entry Rewind) this December, so we’ll make it happen.”

Dingdong also expressed his openness to having their seven-year-old daughter, Zia, play in Family Feud, especially with the show’s new segments involving kids. He shared, “So pwedeng-pwede si Zia (she can definitely participate).

“Sometimes, we play at home, we invent questions, and she tries to answer. We even use our old questions from past episodes, and she manages to answer them little by little. What more if it’s questions for kids? I’m sure the questions we come up with will be fun, and certainly entertaining and, of course, educational for them.”

Given the chance, Dingdong would also love to have as celebrity guests the YouTube idols of his daughter such as Niana Guerrerro and Kaycee and Rachel.

Currently, the actor is one of the most sought-after hosts on GMA, juggling three shows — Family Feud Philippines, Amazing Earth, and The Voice Generations.

When asked what he enjoys about hosting, Dingdong shared, “I’m generally a quiet person. I’m not much of a storyteller, but when I’m on the Family Feud stage, it’s like my space to be loud, to be lively because it’s something I don’t usually do.

He continued, “And I think for me, it’s also very therapeutic. In a way, hosting a show like this is also a performance, and I genuinely enjoy what I do because the energy I get from our contestants every day is different.

“I get to meet new people, or even those I already know, when they’re on the Family Feud stage, it’s like I’m welcoming them as guests to my home. And you know, I really have to entertain them and talk to them, so it gives me a different sense of fulfillment, especially when they win and answer (the questions) correctly. That whole experience, from the moment they step in... until they win.”

Reflecting on his initial episodes as a host, Dingdong admitted wondering at first if he was truly the right person for the job because he wasn’t comfortable with the format.

“During the first few episodes, talagang ako’y nangangapa (I was really feeling my way around). To be honest, I asked myself if I was the right person for this because I wasn’t comfortable with this kind of format. But then, as time passed, I grew to embrace the show more. It became a part of my daily routine. So I always look forward to Family Feud.”

Dingdong emphasized that his shows require different types of hosting since each one is distinct from the others.

“Amazing Earth is primarily about storytelling, more about introducing stories, but the real story there is in the video that’s been watched with my voice-over, so it gives it a different flavor,” he explained.

“On The Voice, tinatahi ko lang yung nangyayari sa araw because the main attraction there is the performances of the talents and the interaction with the coaches. For me, I’m weaving the entire story. It’s very different from what I do here on Family Feud. Because here, talagang kailangan kong dalhin yung buong programa with all the technical aspects involved in facilitating the game and making sure that our guests are happy participating.”

Dingdong’s hosting performance on The Voice garnered high praise from director and star-maker Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan, who recognized him not only as a fine actor but also as one of the best hosts in the industry who can command the stage.

Upon hearing the praise, Dingdong expressed, “Naku nakakakilig naman malaman yan! Because honestly, I was nervous when I first worked with Mr. M. And, of course, I knew he’s the director of The Voice (Philippines on ABS-CBN)... So, I was aware that there were certain expectations for a host, and as a new host of the franchise, I wanted to meet those expectations or at least do a good job, and I’m happy to know that I passed their standards, so thank you.”

“Of course, it’s under his guidance. I have my own style, but I’m also pleased that he’s providing me with guidance like ‘do it this way, do it here,’ etcetera, etcetera, which is something new for me. As artists, we need to try something new all the time. We can’t keep doing the same things we’re used to. It’s great to always attempt something fresh.”