The long-awaited collaboration between Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, affectionately known as DongYan, has finally come to fruition as they take on the lead roles in the upcoming film ‘Rewind.’
Produced through a joint effort among Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, and Agostos Dos Media, the couple is set to deliver an unforgettable performance.
During the press conference held on June 21, Rivera expressed her excitement for the project and the opportunity to work with Star Cinema, an ABS-CBN film outfit.
She shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Sobrang excited [ako maka-work ang Star Cinema] at the same time, si Direk [Mae],”
Rivera also revealed her desire to be directed by her husband Dingdong Dantes in the future, as he often shares his dreams and experiences working with Star Cinema.
Dantes, on the other hand, shared his positive and rewarding experience of collaborating with Star Cinema in the past. The couple was asked about the main factor that influenced their decision to accept the project, to which Rivera emphasized the beauty of the script.
According to Rivera, every page of the script holds valuable moments, making it impossible for her to decline the opportunity.
She further explained, “Parang bawat paglipat ko ng pahina sa script, walang tapon sa script. Walang dahilan para hindi ko ito gawin, especially kasama ko si Dong. Kasi alam niya, every time nagkaka-partner kami na kaming dalawa, meron kaming moment na mas tumitibay kami. ‘Ah, may ganun pala siya.’”
“So may bago akong nadi-discover sa kanya. Lalo akong nai-in love. May ganung moment. So sabi ko kay Direk, gagawin ko iyan kahit mahirapan ako sa schedule,” she added.
Dantes expressed their shared goal of making each project something their children can be proud of. He stated, “Siyempre bukod sa makakasama ko siya at makaka-collaborate ko ang mga napakahusay na creators, gusto rin namin is bawat project na pinipili namin, maging proud ‘yung mga anak namin. Ito yung klaseng pelikula at kwento [na] ‘yung gusto naming ibahagi sa mga manonood. Very, very true to form dahil it is a family movie. It has a very big heart and may touch of magic realism. So many elements na magsasabing talagang pampamilya,”
Rivera shared an emotional moment she experienced while reading the script. She explained how the lines hit her and made her cry, prompting her to imagine herself and Dantes in the shoes of the characters. She recalled a touching incident when her mother found her sobbing while reading the script, not knowing the reason behind her tears. Rivera then playfully warned her mother not to read it and encouraged her to watch the film instead.
“Dumating ‘yung mama ko sa bahay. Pinapatulog ko ‘yung anak ko. Nung nakatulog na, si Mama nakahiga sa sofa namin. Habang nakahiga siya, hindi niya alam binabasa ko ‘yung script. So habang binabasa ko, humihikbi ako kasi talagang tatamaan ka talaga, mamo-move ka talaga sa mga linya at sa mga nangyayari kahit lalaking character ‘yung nagsasalita,” Rivera said.
“What if ako ito? What if si Dong talaga ‘yun? So umiiyak ako. Nagising ‘yung nanay ko. ‘Anak, may problema ka ba? Magsabi ka sa akin.’ Sabi ko, ‘Ma nagbabasa lang ako ng script.’ Tawa siya nang tawa. Sabi niya, ‘Para mapaiyak ka ng script, sobrang ganda naman niyan.’ Sabi ko, ‘Ma mapre-preempt, huwag mo basahin. Manood ka,’” she added.
Dantes revealed that he had a similar emotional response to the script. He shared, “Nauna ko siyang nabasa. Same reaction pero wala namang nakakita sa akin. Pero pinadala ko sa kanya. Usually matagal siyang magbasa ng script, mga days. Pero parang wala pa yatang one hour na-reply na kaagad siya. Natapos niya in less than an hour.”
He expressed his belief that even after reading it multiple times, the script still evokes the same feelings. Dantes eagerly anticipates seeing Director Mae Cruz-Alviar’s interpretation of the story.
According to APT Entertainment’s Mike Tuviera, ‘Rewind’ was initially presented to Rivera and Dantes in late 2019. Among approximately ten stories proposed at the time, the script written by Enrico Santos instantly captivated the couple’s hearts.
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar beautifully describes ‘Rewind’ as a captivating family drama woven with enchanting elements of magic realism. Delving into the profound concept of second chances, the film takes audiences on a transformative journey, exploring the depths individuals are willing to go into to pursue or seize that elusive opportunity.
As the press conference came to a close, the beloved Kapuso couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera reaffirmed their commitment and promised that ‘Rewind’ would grace the silver screen later this year. With an unwavering dedication to their craft and the endless support of their loyal fans, the couple eagerly anticipates sharing this extraordinary cinematic experience with audiences.
