Why Marian Rivera almost skipped filming 'Remember' with Dingdong Dantes
MANILA, Philippines — Marian Rivera admitted that leaving her children behind to shoot her and husband Dingdong Dantes’ upcoming film “Remember” abroad was a difficult decision, but said the experience proved worthwhile after seeing the movie.
During the movie's press conference, the actress recalled initially hesitating when she learned that the film would be shot overseas, as she was used to personally taking care of their children, Zia and Sixto.
“Actually, nung nilatag sa akin na sa ibang bansa gagawin, medyo sabi ko, ‘Dad, parang kailangan natin mag-usap. Parang hindi ako ready kasi maiiwan ko 'yung mga bata,’” she said.
Marian said Dingdong reminded her that shooting a film abroad had long been one of their dreams and encouraged her to consider the opportunity.
“Rinemind niya ako, ‘Di ba ito 'yung dream natin? Makapag-shoot tayo sa ibang bansa. Baka ito na 'yung chance natin.’ Sabi ko, ‘Hmmm… sige,’” she recalled.
The actress said she spent months preparing their children, as well as herself, for her time away from home to make the separation easier for the family.
“Siguro ilang buwan ko kinausap 'yung mga anak ko para sa araw na aalis ako, handa na kami, pati ako. So naging okay,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Marian said watching the film’s trailer made her emotional and helped her realize that the sacrifice had been worth it.
“Tapos nung napanuod ko 'yung trailer, talagang ina-admit ko na naging emotional ako. Para maisip ko na mahirap mawalay sa mga anak, pero worth it din pala nung napanuod ko 'yung pelikula,” she said.
Signs
For Marian, the film carries a message of hope for Filipinos who may be going through difficult circumstances.
“Kaya nasabi ko, ‘Ang sarap gumawa ng isang pelikula na malapit sa puso mo na ma-o-offer mo sa kapwa Pilipino mo na hindi mo alam kung ano pinagdadaanan nila, pero isa lang ang malinaw sa amin dito, ang misyon namin, mabigyan kayo ng hope at pag-asa, kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan niyo,’” she said.
She also recalled several moments during the overseas shoot that she considered meaningful signs connected to the film.
One such instance happened when she and Dantes entered a church and noticed a snowflake design on its ceiling that resembled her tattoo.
“Tinawag ko agad siya (si Dingdong), sabi ko, ‘Dad, it’s a sign! It’s a sign!’ Kasi nakakatuwa, ang dami namang puwedeng pagkakataon, pero bakit pareho sa tattoo ko 'yung nasa simbahan?” she said.
She also noticed that some vehicle license plates appeared to carry a meaning related to the movie’s title, “Remember.”
“Eh 'yun yung title ng pelikula namin na hindi namin sinasadya,” she said.
Directed by Mae Cruz Alviar, “Remember” also stars Joross Gamboa, Ana Abad Santos and Zia Grace.
The film is a collaboration among ABS-CBN Studios, APT Entertainment, Regal Entertainment Inc. and AgostoDos Pictures.
“Remember” opens exclusively in cinemas on November 11.
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