In a recent virtual press conference, Dingdong Dantes talked about Marian Rivera’s dedication as a homemaker putting her showbiz career in the back seat.
It’s public knowledge that the actress was set to do the GMA primetime series First Yaya opposite veteran acting stalwart Gabby Concepcion but decided to drop the project because she’s not comfortable with the lock-in taping set-up, which is being practiced these days. She couldn’t afford to be away from her children Zia and Ziggy that long. Due to this, the Kapuso management replaced her with Sanya Lopez.
In her past interviews, Marian averred, “I really would like to do First Yaya. My heart and mind were already set for the project. But the pandemic came and there were changes in television tapings. It’s hard since it would require me to be away from my kids for a considerable length of time. I still breastfeed Ziggy and I attend to Zia’s online class. Perhaps, it’s not yet time for me to do a comeback in the soap opera scene.”
For Dingdong, he commends Marian’s decision to put their family first among all things.
“I perfectly understand where she’s coming from. And I respect her decision. I know her sacrifice in turning back from a project which she would really like to do. It was really a difficult decision on her part,” Dingdong said.
As support to his wife, Dong said that he is ready to make adjustments in his work to be able to help Marian in raising their kids.
“I can choose the projects that are being offered to me. I wouldn’t accept heavy workload as possible so I can be with her in the house and take care of the children. It’s either that or there would be times when I have to double-time because I also need to earn for our needs. But either way, I’m okay to do it,” he shared.
Speaking of work, his current soap Descendants of the Sun is back airing fresh episodes. How did he feel when he had to be out for a couple of weeks for the taping?
“I’ve been with my family day in, day out because of the quarantine. I got used to it. So, when the time came that I had to be locked-in on the set of DOTS, I felt sad when I left the house,” ended Dong.
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It’s good to know that majority of GMA shows which were put on hold because of the pandemic have either gone back or readying for taping.
First to have a recap is the chart-topping afternoon soap Prima Donnas, which stars Aiko Melendez, Katrina Halili, Jillian Ward, and Althea Ablan. It will start airing new episodes starting next week.
Barbie Forteza and Kate Valdez’s Anak ni Waray Vs. Anak ni Biday, which also stars veteran acting stalwarts Dina Bonnevie and Snooky Serna, just wrapped up taping.
The top-rating afternoon soap Magkaagaw starring Sunshine Dizon, Sheryl Cruz, and Jeric Gonzales is also taping fresh episodes soon.
Cameras have also started grinding for the hit afternoon soap Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit headlined by Kyline Alcantara, Mylene Dizon, and Nora Aunor.
