Though Dingdong is romantically paired with Iza Calzado, his eyes are only for Karylle. On the other hand, it’s common knowledge that Iza has her own love life with Jerry Garcia.
But Dingdong and Iza still click on screen, and how!
After being paired for the first time in Moments of Love, the two team up once more in Regal Films’ Eternity. The romantic film will again showcase their chemistry, especially in a couple of love scenes.
The amazing thing is, the two are not romantically linked in real life.
Dingdong also gets to show his dramatic prowess once more, something he cannot do in Wag Kukurap, the defunct horror show on GMA 7 and other thrillers he has done before.
"Although horror also has the basics of drama, it is only now that I get to be more serious with drama acting," Dingdong says.
The film dates back to the Spanish era of the 1800s. Dingdong plays Crisanto, who fights for his love for Milagros (Iza) since their parents are against the relationship.
Scenes were shot in Vigan, Pampanga and Bulacan, with the love sequences done on a rainy day in Fort Santiago, Intramuros.
Dingdong and Iza are garbed in splendid Spanish attires especially in the masquerade ball sequence. They underwent a series of workshops with Peque Gallaga before shooting the film. Training for Dingdong meant fencing and horseback riding lessons. He even performed stunts without a double. A few Spanish lessons were also needed for some of the dialogues.
Asked if he would do a Crisanto in real life, Dingdong replies, "Definitely. I will also fight for my love. It’s a good feeling if you are in love, better if you are loved and best if both of you feel the same way for each other. It won’t be hard to face the consequences of fighting for love together."
But Crisanto’s story is different from Dingdong’s. He is in good terms with Karylle’s mom Zsa Zsa Padilla and dad, dentist Modesto Tatlonghari. Dingdong can visit Karylle at home and hear Mass with her on Sundays.
Karylle, on the other hand, is well-loved by Dingdong’s family. They welcome her every time she comes over during special occasions. Karylle attended the family gathering during Dingdong’s 26th birthday last Aug. 2 in the latter’s house, gifting him with a bar stool, perfect for Dingdong to sit on when he eats at their kitchen counter table.
With their kind of relationship, Karylle is assured that she’s truly in Dingdong’s heart, with no reason to get jealous over Dingdong’s and Iza’s love scenes in Eternity. Never mind if the love scenes were shot for three hours in the middle of the Intramuros ruins.
Eternity boasts not only of romantic scenes but also drama with an element of action from its other stars Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Hilda Koronel and Jaclyn Jose.
"It’s only now that I’ve been given the chance to portray a role of someone from the past and do stunts I’ve never done before," Dingdong says of his role.
And if reincarnated, Dingdong wants to live the life of Jose Rizal, whose patriotism and intelligence have impressed the actor no end.
There’s only one thing Dingdong says he doesn’t share with Rizal: the national hero’s winning ways with women.
"I don’t see myself good-looking and appealing to women," Dingdong humbly admits.
Karylle will surely protest.