Dingdong on top

Dingdong Dantes has a lot to be thankful for because 2007 seems to be his year. After landing the role of Sergio on Mari Mar, the public has now a newfound interest in this already quite famous actor. Has Sergio really changed Dingdong’s life? Text by Alula Love M. Dela Cruz. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. More Dingdong His all-new package as the rugged Sergio has brought Dingdong Dantes to a whole new level of stardom and not to mention sexiness. Last September 06, 2007 Dingdong walked the catwalk of the 2007 Cosmo Bachelors Bash. Women screamed as the sexy actor strutted his stuff and paraded his newly sculpted body. Dingdong reveals that he owes all this new found fame to his role on Mari Mar, “I owe it a lot to Sergio because it was required for the character.” Because of the new role as a hot blooded scion, Dingdong was advised by director Joyce Bernal to shed some weight. “Sumobra pa nga eh, pero tama na ito (current weight).” With a great body to back him up, Dingdong seems to be having the time of his life. Aside from the Cosmo party Dingdong has a lot of projects lined-up for him. Aside from posing for another magazine, he also has a new movie coming up. Resiklo, an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival is Dingdong’s new project. After Eternity Dingdong returns to the big screen in a very ambitious sci-fi fantasy film, “Batang isip ako doon, survivors kami after an alien invasion.” Dingdong is ecstatic about this project because of its amazing storyline, “Kaya Resiklo, from recycled materials (about) kung papaano kami makaka-create ng something powerful to fight.” Though it may have elements of fantasy don’t expect Dingdong to do his old Ybarro ways, “Walang powers, may typical street fighting and mostly it’s about Philippine ingenuity.” Apparently this amazing project has a very interesting back story. It turns out that it was Dingdong, along with Atlantika director Mark Reyes, who shot the initial pitch tape for the local producers, “Maraming artista nag contribute for free to do a pitch tape. It’s like a ten minute trailer.” Luckily enough Senator Bong Revilla took interest in this project and now the ten minute trailer will be viewed by millions this coming December, “I was fortunate enough na nakasama ako, kaya siya may value siya sa akin.” Loving Mari Mar Dingdong might be busy with photo shoots and movies but he hasn’t forgotten his top work priority: Mari Mar. With the continuing success of the show, the tight family of Mari Mar is adding a few new faces to spice-up the show. One of them is Cristine Reyes who plays the seductive Kim Chan, another temptress out to get Sergio. With beautiful women all around him, how does Dingdong handle the pressure, especially if two of his temptress (Katrina Halili and Cristine Reyes) used to call him “Kuya” during their StarStruck days? “It’s because they’re good, nabubura sa iyo yung dati at nakikita mo sila kung anu sila ngayon.” He even points out how Katrina has evolved into a convincing actress, “Katrina has definitely improved a lot mas magaling pa siya sa (dating) Angelika.” Sergio may have women all-over him, like any man he only has one love and that is Mari Mar (Marian Rivera) herself. How is the hottest on-screen couple doing? “Marian and I have become the characters already.” It’s been a wild year for this dashing hunk. With new doors opening for him, Dingdong just can’t be stopped as he conquers the country with his talent and sexiness. And the year isn't even over yet! Fall in love with Dingdong daily as Sergio on Mari Mar. Read more of Dingdong in these related stories: When Sergio meets Mari Mar At the top of his game Excerpts from Dingdong's Live Chat View him as Sergio in his new gallery: Dingdong Dantes: Take Two Missed their live chat appearance last August 17, 2007? Here’s your chance to see them in this exclusive webisode Feel the Fun with Dingdong! Text DINGDONG and send to 4627. (Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers). For pictures from Dingdong himself, text GOMMS DINGDONG ON and send to 4627. (Each GOMMS message costs P5.00 for all telcos.) Service is only available in the Philippines.