Karylle affected by Dingdong's closeness to Marian

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

FORMER dancer-turned matinee idol Dingdong Dantes has done quite a number of TV series on GMA 7 like "Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga," "Twin Hearts," "Encantadia" and "Altantika" but his career didn't take off until he made "MariMar" with GMA's newest star, Marian Rivera. Everywhere he goes, people call him Sergio, the popular character he portrayed in the local TV's highest rating TV series.

"I have to admit na malaki talaga ang naitulong sa akin ng "MariMar. " Actually, pareho kami ni Marian," he admits when we chanced upon him at the wake of colleague Nitz Mirrales' elder sister, Adelita Miralles Monday evening.

His role in "MariMar" is expected to slowly fade away as his new character, Fredo in his new TV series with Marian, "Dyesebel" surfaces. The program is again enjoying good ratings since it started airing last April 28.

"This is my 10th year and I'm very happy sa takbo ng career ko ngayon. I cannot ask for more," he muses.

Aside from the fantaserye, "Dyesebel," Dingdong and Marian will soon start shooting for their first movie together under GMA Films, a light romance-drama to be directed by Mac Alejandre.

"I have a very good working relationship with Marian. Maganda ang chemistry naming dalawa at pareho kaming kumportable sa isa't isa," he shares.

We asked Dingdong if Karylle gets jealous of his now popular leading lady.

"Minsan, naapektuhan na rin but I keep on assuring her that it's just work," he smiles.

"I really like Marian a lot. Wala kasi siyang pretentions and she's very professional with her work," he adds.

Meanwhile, we learned from Becky Aguila, producer of the trilogy movie, "Angels" that Dingdong is nominated for best director, his directorial debut for the "Angel" episode for this year's PMPC's Star Awards. Said episode is also nominated for other categories which include best child actor, best cinematography and best screenplay

"I feel honored for the nomination but I'm not hoping kasi mabibigat at mga veteran ang kalaban," he humbly says.

VALERIE SOON LAUNCHED AS SOLO STAR

YOUNG actress Valerie Concepcion was dancer-comedian Vhong Navarro's leading lady in Star Cinema's recent outing, "Supahpapalicious" and she's also Slenda's newest celebrity endorser. Aside from her daily stint on Willy Revillame's "Wowowee," she will soon be seen in ABS-CBN's upcoming gag show, "Banana Split" with Kristine Hermosa, Anne Curtis, among others to be directed by Edgar `Bobot' Mortiz.

"I was never busier in my life. I'm so thankful to ABS-CBN for giving me the break, to my manager (Becky Aguila) for taking good care of me, of course to my family and my daughter, Fiona who serves as my inspiration. Sana tuluy-tuloy na ito," she exclaims.

Becky Aguila's Eagle Eye Productions is also producing a solo launching sexy flick for Valerie.

"I think, hinog na rin si Valerie to be given a launching movie," says Becky who also co-produced "Angels".

WIN-WIN DEAL

STAR Cinema and GMA Films are not joining forces in producing the first team-up of matinee idol Richard Gutierrez and showbiz princess KC Concepcion but the two giant film outfits have forged special agreement which is also a win-win deal for both film companies.

Richard was allowed by GMA Films to do a movie opposite rumored girlfriend, KC under Star Cinema to be directed by Joyce Bernal and to be shown September or October this year. KC, on the other hand, has been allowed by Star Cinema to do a movie opposite Richard under GMA Films which will be the film outfit's Valentine presentation next year.

Let's hope that this new arrangement of Star Cinema and GMA Films will eventually initiate the move to end the ongoing network war.

EMPRESS IMPRESSIVE

FIFTEEN-year-old Empress Shuck was with her manager, Becky Aguila when they attended the wake for Nitz Mirrales' elder sister Adelita Miralles last Monday evening.

The pretty teener stands 5'4" and is still getting taller. At first glance, she looks like the young version of Gretchen Barretto. Given the break, Empress might just emerge as one of the hottest young female stars. She has the looks, the height and hopefully, the talent in acting.

A third-year high school student in Distance Learning Center (DLC), the young actress is in the cast of ABS-CBN's upcoming comedy show, "Parekoy" with Randy Santiago at the helm.

THIRD PARTY

HOW true is it that there was a third party in the Heart Evangelista-Jericho Rosales break-up? According to my source, Jericho's current leading lady in his Malaysian TV series is said to be the cause of the split- between the two whose relationship lasted for over three years.

Heart is mum about it, though. She'd rather focus on her newly-recharged career than dwell on her separation with Echo, who, from the start was disliked by his family especially her parents.

PERSONAL: My sincere condolences to the family of colleagues Ces Evangelista and Nitz Miralles for the death of their loved ones - the mom of Ces and the elder sister of Nitz, Adelita Miralles.

Bon voyage to my daughter, Aila Marie Reyes who leaves this Friday for Tokyo, Japan to study at the KCP International Japanese Language School in Shinjuku. Take care of yourself and study hard.
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a_amoyo@pimsi. net>

Source: People's Journal