Dingdong Dantes excited for Marian Rivera's Cinemalaya entry; won't join MMFF 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Actor Dingdong Dantes has already laid out his film festival plans for the rest of the year, especially with his wife Marian Rivera headlining a competing movie.

Last June 28 in Manila Hotel, Dingdong confirmed that actors collective Aktor PH — for which he is the chairman of — officially nominated Vilma Santos-Recto for consideration to become a National Artist.

Dingdong read out the group's statement backing Vilma's nomination, citing her six decades in the entertainmeny industry and untarnished record in public service.

He also read out a number of her iconic portrayals in "T-Bird at Ako" and "In My Life" to "Anak" and "Dyesebel," quipping the latter was familiar as Marian played the mermaid character 35 years after Vilma did.

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Speaking to members of the media including Philstar.com, Dingdong expressed his excitement for Marian's upcoming film "Balota" at this year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, echoing what she said previously about bringing out a different kind of dramatic acting from her.

Marian previously appeared in the 2013 Cinemalaya film "Ekstra," which was coincidentally headlined by Vilma, who won that year's Best Actress plum.

Dingdong then shared he wouldn't have a film competing at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) this December in order to spend time with his and Marian's kids.

"Babawi kami kina Zia and Sixto," the actor explained.

At the last MMFF, Dingdong and Marian starred in "Rewind," which is now the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time.

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