Dingdong: A happy groom-to-be

MANILA, Philippines - The happiness of Dingdong Dantes is contagious. And those who attended his send-off party with the media before he changes his status from “single” to “married” can’t help but agree. Dingdong is a happy man — and a happy groom-to-be.

“I’m very excited,” the GMA 7 actor describes the feeling of marrying Marian Rivera. “The feeling is different. When you have a project, you want to promote it and you want to do everything. The feeling is times 100 (of that). It’s really incomparable. You know the feeling that you’re in euphoria because of mixed emotions. It is one of the special things that could happen (to a person).” That’s why Dingdong and Marian are generous in sharing with everyone the details of their December wedding and the preparations leading to it through social media like Facebook and Instagram.

“We reveal some of our preparations,” says Dingdong. “But in a way, there are things we keep (to ourselves).” As a groom, he wants to document all the precious moments through pictures and videos.

Will there be a TV special for the wedding? “No arrangements yet,” answers Dingdong. “Ang mahalaga ay binubuo namin yung mismong wedding. We’ll see from there what will happen. Ang mahalaga ay ang seremonya (what matters is the ceremony and the wedding itself).”

Dingdong and Marian are busy finalizing the line-up of the principal sponsors. Vic Sotto is the latest ninong to be included on the list. “It’s definitely more than 10 pairs,” he adds. “We want to personally invite the (principal) sponsors.”

As for the venue of the reception, Dingdong, who will wear a Randy Ortiz suit, is mum about it and can only assure everyone that it will be located somewhere in Metro Manila and “basta walang toll gate na dadaanan.” He will have a special music for Marian and the manner of the presentation will spell the difference. “The important thing in all this is to make it a point that the wedding is very solemn and personal. Wala ng masyadong palamuti. It will be straightforward.”

That explains why there’s no exchange of vows between the newlyweds. However, the couple could do it at the reception. “We have to keep it very traditional. Kung ano yung seremonya na nararapat para sa Roman Catholic wedding, hindi namin pwedeng baguhin (We will stick to the traditional Roman Catholic wedding rites),” he says.

Since everyone, particularly the fans, wants to witness the wedding rites at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, security is a consideration. “We are discussing it. I’m already in touch with his (Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista’s) chief of staff,” says Dingdong. “There’s a proper coordination with MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) since it is their jurisdiction. The final security plan will be released a week before (the wedding). We have to make sure that everyone is safe.”

Right after the wedding, Dingdong and Marian will tour different islands in the country as they take Marian’s dad around. It will double as their honeymoon trip.

How many kids do Dingdong and Marian want to have? “Kahit ilan,” he replies. “Basta meron. Having a child is a blessing. Kahit ilan ang ibigay.”

In more than two months from now, Dingdong will finally change his civil status. And he is fully aware of what it entails. 

“Yung oras para sa sarili na wala kang ibang iniintindi, mababawasan na yun. Kung hindi mababawasan, mawawala (My time for myself without considering anything or anyone is something I will let go fully),” he says. “Kapag ako ay nagising o naglakbay (at) kung anuman, hindi na sarili ko ang iisipin ko, kundi ang aking pamilya (When I wake up and travel, I will no longer think of myself, I have to think of my family first).”