Marian, Dingdong target 2014 wedding

CEBU, Philippines- Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes are now engaged. The Kapuso actor proposed to the 29-year-old actress on her GMA-7 dance show “Marian” on Saturday, August 9. “Sa tagal ng pagsasama natin... may isang bagay na malinaw sa akin—it’s that I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” Dingdong told Marian while on his knees.

“Kaya ngayon, saksi ang mga mahal natin sa buhay, gusto kong ipagsigawan sa buong mundo na ikaw ang sagot sa aking mga dasal,” he added.

The proposal happened during the actress’ birthday celebration on her dance show “Marian.”

Before the proposal, the GMA-7 star, who will celebrate her birthday on August 12, took the stage with Dingdong while photos of them together flashed on the background. After the photo presentation, Dingdong showed a video of  him and Marian with his family during his birthday celebration in Macau in 2012.

“Yan, meron akong kailangang aminin, meron akong kailangang sabihin sayo,”  he said. “Alam ko na nung nangyari yun, meron akong isang importanteng bagay na hindi nagawa. Marami akong bagay na hindi nasabi... Pero, allow me to do it right this time.”

Dingdong added, “Sa tingin ko mas magiging espesyal siya ngayon dahil ngayon, kaharap mo na ang pamilya mo. At andito ang mga taong nagmamahal sa atin.”

“Isa lang ang gusto kong mangyari. Gusto kong ipagsigawan sa buong mundo kung gaano kita kamahal. Like what I said, I want to do it right this time.”

The GMA-7 actor knelt in front of Marian. “Yan, whenever I pray, tuwing nagdarasal ako, alam mo, ito ang isa kong parating hinihiling—na sana bigyan Niya ako ng makakasama ko sa kalokohan, sa kalungkutan, sa kasiyahan. Isang taong makakasama kong mangarap,” he said.

Dingdong further said, “Isang taong alam kong ibibigay ko ang buong buhay ko sa kanya. And right now, wala na akong mahihiling pang iba. There’s nothing else that I want and could ask for but settle down and have a family.”

Dingdong then brought out a ring and said: “I offer you this gift on your birthday, something that’s beyond any material thing or tangible one. But I offer you myself, my love.”

He asked, “Today, and all the days of my life, so please, Marian... will you be my wife?”

An already sobbing Marian gave her answer by kissing the actor a number of times. After embracing Marian, Dingdong announced: “Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly present to you my fiancée. The birthday girl in her last dance with me before we become one—Marian Gracia, the soon to be Marian Gracia Dantes.”

After the proposal, Marian told Dingdong: “Sa dami ng pinagdaanan natin, sa lahat ng batikos na binato nila sa akin, lahat yun kaya ko lunukin. Dahil alam nating dalawa kung ano ang totoo. At isa lang ang sasabihin ko sa iyo — habang buhay kitang mamahalin at aalagaan.”

“Kahit ilang anak, wala akong pakialam. Kahit lumaki na ang katawan ko, maibigay ko lang lahat ng ikasasaya mo,” she quipped.

Marian and Dingdong first worked together in the 2007 remake of the Mexican soap opera “Marimar.” Reports of real-life romance between the two surfaced as their love team became a hit, particularly after Dingdong broke up with actress-singer Karylle in 2008. Marian an Dingdong confirmed they are officially a couple early 2010.

Dingdong took to Twitter to thank those who congratulated him and Marian Rivera on their engagement. “Thank you to all the well wishers. You are all part of our love story. This is certainly one for the books. Life changing! Cheers!” Dingdong tweeted yesterday.

Meanwhile, on her Instagram account, Marian said she’s still on cloud nine after the proposal.“Hanggang ngayon e nasa alapaap pa rin ako, lalo na sa sinabi mong ako sa sagot sa yong mga dasal at gusto mong ipag sigawan sa mundo kung gaano mo ako kamahal... haaay mahal ko... Mahal na mahal din kita,” she posted.

According to reports, Marian and Dingdong plan to get married this year.  — Philstar.com