Fans all over the world came together last April 30 for a one-time chance to get to virtually bond with the Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera-Dantes during GMA Pinoy TV’s “Pinoy Abroad Fun Connect: DongYan #StrongerTogether”.
No time difference or internet connectivity issues could ever come between the fans and their strong support for the Kapuso power couple as a lot of them have surely missed seeing DongYan together in one event. GMA Pinoy TV, which indeed gives only the best for its subscribers, made this experience even more special through an exclusive video conference where everyone can enjoy and at the same time stay safe from their homes.
The virtual event was hosted by Boobay, who is also a dear friend of Marian. The couple candidly answered Boobay’s questions and shared so many stories on how they are doing now and how they keep being #StrongerTogether especially during these times.
“Buti na lang may ganito, miss na miss na naming pumunta sa mga Kapuso natin abroad pero syempre hindi pa muna pwede sa ngayon, kaya ganito muna tayo,” said Dingdong as they greeted the fans who joined them via Zoom.
When the couple was asked how life is for their family now when they need to stay home most of the time, Dingdong easily answered, “Ako, matagal ko naman nang na-discover na talagang siya ang gusto kong makasama forever, kahit saang lupalop pa kami. Kahit nasa loob lang kami ng kahon, isang kwarto, isang bahay, basta kasama ko siya, okay ako.”
Marian also proudly shared, “Ang swerte ko dahil nakapangasawa ako ng very responsible na lalake. Napakahalaga sa akin nu’n.”
“Bonus na lang na gwapo siya,” she jokingly added, making all the fans gush with kilig.
There was also a ‘Bring me back’ segment where DongYan got to revisit their best memories from their previous shows and movies together. In their movie “You To Me Are Everything,” Marian remembered how funny Dingdong was as he was still trying out comedy acting then. She also recalled her beloved pet piglet named Snowy.
In “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe,” Marian also shared how memorable this movie was for her as she personally approached Maricel Soriano, who originally did the role in 1988, to ask for her blessings which she was truly thankful for.
In their drama series “Endless Love,” which will have a re-run on GMA Pinoy TV in June, Marian recalled how much tears she had to shed while doing the drama and that it was also her first time to be placed in a casket for the role. Dingdong also revealed how impressed he was to see Marian’s hard work in giving justice to her character.
Currently, Marian hosts the award-winning drama anthology program “Tadhana” which has now become a different kind of bonding experience for them as a couple since they shoot the program at home where Dingdong is the director. Marian fondly shared how she fell in love with her husband more as she saw how passionate and dedicated he is as a director – even sterner than the show’s actual director.
Marian also took the opportunity to thank the Kapuso fans for supporting the show. “Salamat sa lahat ng tumatangkilik ng Tadhana. Ito ay kwento ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Before kasi, ang fino-focus ng Tadhana ay [mga Pinoy] sa ibang bansa. Pati mismo dito sa atin kinukwento na natin. At ang maganda dyan, syempre hindi mawawala yung pagbibigay natin ng inspirasyon para sa iba dahil sa kwento ng ibang tao.”
Meanwhile, Dingdong currently hosts the infotainment program “Amazing Earth.” Since the show requires shooting mostly outdoors, he also makes sure that all the safety protocols are followed to ensure his family’s safety.
“Very safe naman yung mga pinupuntahan namin, iba naman yung shooting ng Amazing Earth kumpara sa mga teleseryeng ginagawa kasi kung wala kami sa park, nasa rooftop kami ng GMA tapos konti lang talaga kami. So kami yung isa sa mga unang productions sa GMA na unang bumalik sa trabaho pagkatapos ng lockdown last year, kaya very grateful ako hanggang ngayon may pagkakataon pa kami para gawin ang Amazing Earth,” he assured.
And since the Kapuso abroad have been really missing seeing the couple together on the small screen for a TV series, Marian remained firm that their children are her priority for now as she also wants to ensure their safety by staying home as much as she can.
“Syempre looking forward din naman ako mag-soap ulit and malay ninyo sa susunod kasama ko na si Dong sa soap, hindi ba? Pero sa ngayon, dito na muna ako sa bahay, mapapanood nila ako sa Tadhana. May Mother’s Day [special] din tayo para sa movies ko at ang Endless Love maaabangan nila by June. So yan na lang muna sa ngayon.”
GMA Pinoy TV subscribers can also get to relive their bonding moments with DongYan as the Pinoy Abroad Fun Connect: DongYan #StrongerTogether is set to air soon on GMA Pinoy TV.
Kapuso viewers abroad can catch on GMA Pinoy TV DongYan’s movie “One True Love” on May 8. On May 15, catch her romantic comedy “My Lady Boss,” and the action fantasy comedy “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” on May 22.
Viewers abroad should likewise watch out for the re-run of the well-loved DongYan series, “Endless Love,” which will soon air on the channel in June.
For more details and to subscribe to GMA’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV, visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe.
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