Dingdong without the Hood

By babysitting.

That, according to Dingdong Dantes, was how he prepared for the second coming of Alyas Robin Hood, his hit GMA series which starts airing on Monday, Aug. 14.

“This toddler stage,” referring to his and wife Marian Rivera’s daughter Zia who is turning two in November, “got me doing sprints all day during my babysitting duties.”

He’s right. Dingdong and Marian alternate in their “baby duties.” When Marian is busy with her two GMA shows, Sunday Pinasaya and Tadhana (with a third one, SuperMa’am coming soon), Dingdong stays home and so does Marian when Dingdong has to work.

In Alyas Robin Hood, Dingdong is back as Pepe, the former vigilante known as Robin Hood who buried his identity towards the end of season one. Moving forward with his life, he is now a competent lawyer who continues his mission to serve the poor and the oppressed.

“The Season 2 is a great blessing for the entire cast and crew, which is why they are working twice as hard to meet and exceed the viewers’ expectations,” said Dingdong.

The series’ director, Dominic Zapata, shared that they are pushing boundaries to make the show as successful as the first one, if not even more so. “Iba na ang panlasa ng Pinoy, so you have to give them what they deserve. Conceptually, sa effects, sa story, mas malaki ang gagawin natin. It’s the only way to go, and it’s the only reason you can give the audience for doing a sequel.”

Aside from babysitting, what other workout do you do?

“I like running and, sometimes, if conditions permit, cycling. I also cross-train it with crossfit endurance.”

Part of body that needs improvement?

“My left calf always gets injured lately. I have to bring this to PACE prehab for therapy. I can’t afford to run around with only one functional leg in Robin Hood’s fight scenes.”

Favorite part of your body?

“Still my left eyebrow.”

Part of a woman’s body that you notice first?

“Face.”

What about your diet?

“Food. Beer.”

What’s for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner?

“I like Paleo meals.”

Any snacks between meals?

“Peanuts, manggang hilaw, kamias and fishballs.”

What medicines (and vitamins) do you take?

“Multivitamins and lots of fruits.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Three.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Boxer shorts and white shirt.

Do you snore or sleepwalk?

“I can’t confirm that.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I kiss my girls and pray.”

First thing that you do as soon as you wake up?

“Same. I kiss my girls and pray.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I kill it in my mind.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Inside a helmet.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.) Photos by VER PAULINO