MANILA, Philippines - There was a commotion on the way to The Philippine Star office. Apparently, a bus just flew out of the bridge and a crane was lifting the vehicle out of its sorry state. Feeling mobile journo, I quickly tweeted the photo from my car’s window. Seconds after, fellow citizen journalists updated me — it was a scene from the latest Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes starrer, My Beloved.
Everybody knows the reel to real-life romance between Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, from the sparks that flew during their first tandem in Marimar which made it into a record-breaking smash-hit teleserye to their latest project together where they play mystical creatures that turn the city upside down — something that happened to this writer that fateful afternoon on the way to the Port Area.
The couple, collectively called “Dongyan” by their diehard fans, is a bit of an enigma. They have magic together and can stand on their own when given projects apart. Some may have tried to tear the two apart, but their mettle as a couple has stood the test of time, their star power has been proven and is undoubted in an industry where “rise and fall” is the norm. “In this day of overexposure, stars rarely have “screaming” fans, (but) they do. They have the most, in fact,” entertainment stalwart Wilma Galvante told me over dinner in LA while US promoters were discussing who among Filipino stars were most effective with Pinoy communities here and abroad.
Being in show business, the great thing about the two is that, apart from the fact that they look great together, you only know so much about the two. Apart from when the cameras follow them, they lead pretty private existences. I remember one Valentine’s Day when they quietly walked in and sat in the most quiet part of the restaurant, savoring the rare quiet time they could to be together, despite hectic taping and shooting schedules. It just so happened that I was on the other table. But I stepped outside to give them their privacy, mind you.
Think Mr. and Mrs. Smith
The thing about Dingdong and Marian is that they know the game and they play it well. Think Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They know the “show” part and the “biz” part of being in showbiz. They are there to support each other through and through, from projects and advocacies to their personal lives, they are “partners” in the truest sense. In my mind’s eye, I think I know when one of them is not in the mood, but the other one knows how to adjust and give in. Stars are not camera-ready all the time; they are only human, too. Marian has proven time and again that she will fight for her love. I find that admirable at a time when most couples hit the eject button when hard times come.
Dingdong, on one hand, has graduated to higher pursuits, going after more humanitarian efforts, for the less fortunate, for education, for things that his star power can aid in terms of support. From awareness to funding, he has proven his sincerity in these, adding to his already stellar belt of achievements. Marian has always been there by his side, quietly supporting her man as he made his speech at the Yes Pinoy foundation launch, among many other moments where the couple has proven their support and yes, love for each other.
Marian just finished the long-running teleserye Amaya and is starting 2012 on her best foot. My Beloved — how apt a title for the on and off-screen partners. The TV series’ trailer that is being shown almost daily on the Kapuso network seems pretty inviting: A Twilight-slash-True Blood-esque spectacle, which promises to be more than that.
So in the end, what is the Dingdong-Marian magic? That their chemistry is palpable, being a real-life couple? That all hell breaks loose when someone tries to come in between? That their eyes light up when they’re together? Yes to all and more.
Magic is something that you can see, but cannot explain. To try to decode it would be pointless. For now, let us sit back, relax, and anticipate what each other’s Beloved has in store for each other, and for us, as captive audience.
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