'Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa' inspired by DongYan's short clips at home amid pandemic

Just like many celebrities, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have been creating content online when the pandemic halted many activities, including shooting for television shows.

Aside from taping the episodes of "Tadhana" at home, the couple also did some short videos for a ketchup brand which they titled "Jose En Maria." The series was an instant hit, with one episode even reaching over half a million views.

According to Dingdong, the project is one of the inspirations behind their upcoming sitcom "Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa."

"May na-unlock kami na isa pang aspeto ng samahan namin both professional and personal which we both believe na puwede siyang ma-elevate to a bigger platform like this one sa television," said the Kapuso Primetime King.

("We unlocked another aspect in our professional and personal relationship which we both believe can be elevated to a bigger platform like this one on television.")

The videos were light and had a touch of comedy, which showed the potential of DongYan in bringing laughter and good vibes to the viewers.

"May comedy side din kasi si Dong eh. So 'yung maganda sa kanya, medyo hindi maganda 'yung timing so 'yun 'yung nakakatawa sa kanya," Marian said about her husband.

("Dong also has a comedy side. What's nice about him, his timing is not that good so that's what makes it funny.")

"Ako wag mo nang tanungin kasi si pamilya namin isa ako sa mga clown so sanay na sila sa akin," she added.

("As for me, don't ask because in our family, I'm one of the clowns so they are already used to me.")

Dingdong quipped in response: "Alam mo na kung sino nagpapatawa sa akin, ito nasa tabi ko."

("You already know who makes me laugh—this person beside me.")

Dingdong and Marian will play newlyweds who open a garden inn in "Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa." Joining the cast of the weekly sitcom are Pekto, Zonia Mejia, Jamir Zabarte, and many more.

—MGP, GMA News