Co-starring with Vice Ganda in the currently showing 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Fantastica, Dingdong Dantes and Richard Gutierrez are both happy to have worked together once again in the silver screen.
“Our last film together was Mulawin in 2005 which was also an MMFF entry. But in that movie, we just appeared together in one scene,” recounts Chard.
“Of course, this is a different experience. Actually, Dong and I realized that in our long stay with GMA, now is only the second time that we’ve appeared together in one movie. Add to this the fact that it’s with Vice and it’s a comedy. It’s real fun,” he adds.
Dingdong totally agrees that their experience in Fantastica is far different since Mulawin is a serious movie while Fantastica is a comedy. According to the Kapuso star, the film is something fresh so they are both excited to work together again.
Curiously, did they have any hesitation in accepting the project when it was pitched into them?
“Oh, no, not at all,” says Dong. “For one, this is a rare opportunity in so many levels. My crossover in Star Cinema, I consider it a huge privilege so I just want to make the most of it. Secondly, it’s my first time to be paired with Vice on the big screen and again, it’s my privilege to be part of whatever project he does. Then, there’s Richard…the opportunity to work with him again after so many years. So, you see, there are a lot of reasons why I should be grateful for this opportunity.”
Chard also has the same viewpoint.
“I didn’t have any hesitation whatsoever. Like what Dingdong said, its one rare opportunity. We are both part of Vice’s MMFF entry which aims to bring laughter to movie buffs this Christmas.”
Asked as to their experience working with the three love teams included in the movie (Ronnie Alonte–Loisa Andalio, Edward Barber–Maymay Entrata and Donny Pangilinan–Kisses Delavin), the two popular actors say in unison: “They’re kind and humble. They are respectful, good conversationalists and easy to work with. We are inspired by how they see life. It’s not only them who learn from us but we also learn from them.”
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Zanjoe Marudo is not affected at all with the general observation that lately, the focus of the story of his daytime soap opera Playhouse is already on Angelica Panganiban and Carlo Aquino.
“There is no doubt that the CarGel tandem has helped boost the ratings of our program and for that, I’m grateful. So, let’s not create a big fuss about it since from the very start, all of us in the cast already knew where the story would go. It’s all part of the plan,” he says.
“You know, because of such development, our set has become happier. The more, the merrier, right? And it’s a good thing that Carlo is our friend so everything’s light and easy. The program became better and has become more challenging for all of us,” he further shares.
Working with Angelica is already a big bonus for the hunky actor.
“She’s one actress whom I liked to work with ever since. I’m grateful that it happened here in ‘Playhouse.’
The theme of the soap, which is about family appeals to Zanjoe so much.
“It carries a universal theme and many can relate to it. We’re happy that we are able to touch the hearts of the viewers. Personally, I want to do teleseryes like this where people can somehow see themselves in the characters we portray. I’m grateful to be part of the cast and is proud of the bond we’ve established. It reflects on our on-screen performances,” Zanjoe states.