The Marian-Dingdong tandem: where it started and where it’s headed

Let us recount the rise to stardom of the Dingdong-Marian love team, and how fame brought them tons of intrigues and issues last year.

Some eyebrows were raised when the pairing of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera was announced by GMA-7 less than two years ago. Back then, the guy had successful TV series under his belt, but his “leading man” status was not yet synonymous with “established.” The lady, on the other hand, was plucked out of the afternoon slot to become the “new queen of primetime TV.” It was a big risk, which turned out to be a phenomenal success two soaps lat

Marimar started it all for Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Since 2001, Dingdong has been a staple figure in the primetime block of GMA-7. He had his share of leading ladies—from Tanya Garcia to Karylle to Iza Calzado—but the “ultimate leading man” tag got attached to his name after playing the role of Sergio Santibañez.

Marian, on the other hand, has been in the business for less than four years. She officially made her showbiz debut in 2005 via the afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, and was first seen in the most-watched time slot of Kapuso network when she played the mom of Super Twins, portrayed by Jennylyn Mercado and Nadine Samonte.

He was a handsome actor who had yet to prove his versatility, while she was a pretty face out to make a mark with the Pinoy viewers.

As fate would have it, Marian was christened with the title “new queen of primetime TV” when she bagged the coveted role of Marimar in 2007.

For his part, Dingdong became the object of women’s fantasy when he returned to the TV screen with a leaner build, a tanned skin, and a more charismatic appeal. He even landed the cover of “Cosmo Bachelor Bash” that same year.

And that was how journey of the Dingdong-Marian love team began.

The following year, they did the TV remake of Dyesebel, which topped the Mega Manila ratings and ranked second in the NUTAM (Nationwide Urban TV Audience Measurement). Add to their growing list of accolades Marian’s FHM Sexiest Female title, plus, their numerous endorsements—whether individually or as a tandem, Marian and Dingdong became very visible with their television commercials and billboards.

And their love team did not only sizzle on the set, but also on stage. Yes, both of them have what it takes to conquer the dance floor. Dong, the actor’s nickname, started his career as a member of Abztract Dancers; while Marian took dance lessons, and it paid off—she earned rave reviews for her signature kembot as Marimar.

They hit the jackpot. They cracked a formula.

SUCCESS STORY. The idea of pairing them up was quite a big risk on the part of GMA-7, but the Kapuso executives had high hopes—primarily because of the phenomenal success of the original Marimar.

And they looked good together. During their promo, the viewers instantly sensed the chemistry.

With bated breath, the supporters and detractors waited, and based on the ratings, they liked what they saw.

The story had the nation sympathizing with the fate of Marimar, and rejoiced when she bounced back with a vengeance. It hit the masa right to the core.

Marian did a fairly good job in portraying the most coveted role of Marimar. Gone was Thalia’s signature dreamy look and it was replaced with Marian’s ingenuous style.

Critics expected more from the “transformation” episode, where Marimar turned into Bella Aldama. The hottest female star of GMA-7 did not have the inherent sophistication of the queen of Mexico novella, but her performance was a little more spontaneous.