Dingdong Dantes addresses network transfer rumors

CEBU, Philippines — With his Kapuso Network contract expiring by month’s end, should fans of Dingdong Dantes – among the rare GMA-7 marquee names who constantly appears in Star Cinema films – worry about the actor considering a new home?

“Ang manager ko lang nakakaalam, kasi ngayon focus lang talaga ako sa ‘Cain at Abel,’” was the actor’s terse reply when asked on the sidelines after a press conference last Friday at Golden Cowrie Lahug.

“Happy naman ako [with his network],” he added when prodded further if turning Kapamilya was something he himself would consider.

The soon-to-be father of two was in town over the weekend with his “Cain at Abel” co-stars Solenn Heussaff, Dennis Trillo and Sanya Lopez for mall shows at Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok in Talisay City and at Robinsons Galleria Cebu. On Sunday, the group boarded the Kapuso float for the Sinulog Grand Parade.

While Dingdong, 38, is no stranger to promoting a TV series during Sinulog season, he hopes one day he’ll get the chance to experience the renowned festival on ground.

“Madalas kapag pumupunta kami sa Sinulog, nasa mall show o sa parada. While onboard the float, nakikita namin kung gaano kasaya yung mga tao sa kalsada talaga eh,” he said.

“So siguro isa sa mga gusto kung mangyari in the future, na talagang nandoon ako sa streets, experiencing the real thing and staying for more than just a day. Ngayon, dalawang araw kami. Kumbaga, level up sa dati. Sa susunod, sana talaga nandoon sa aksyon.”

Main task

His co-star, Dennis, dubbed their network’s Drama King, has already more than once conceded in interviews that “Cain at Abel” has had a hard time knocking down rival program “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” from its perch. The action-family drama, originally concocted to star Alden Richards and former contract star Aljur Abrenica, is one of many primetime shows that has failed to beat Coco Martin’s long-running series in the ratings race.

Dingdong himself shrugged off talk about digits, saying it wasn’t their place to confirm or deny.

“Pag numbers, very scientific and technical. Kami as actors, hindi namin dapat iniisip because our main task is to put to life our characters,” he said.

“For us, every week is a highlight because there is constant development with the story. We’re at the midpoint, and slowly, there have been revelations and it has been getting more exciting.

“Cain at Abel,” airing weeknights after “24 Oras,” is of two brothers, Daniel (Dingdong) and Miguel/Elias (Dennis), who grew up separately in contrasting circumstances. While Daniel was raised amidst wealth by his father, Miguel was taken by his mother to a poor fishing village. Years later, Daniel and Miguel/Elias’ paths cross as they struggle due to the father who brought them apart, the mother they yearn for, and the woman they both love.

“Malapit na namin malaman na magkapatid kami, Solenn’s character has had a change of heart, si Margaret, mare-realize na niya kung sino ba talaga…ano ba talaga yung mahalaga sa buhay niya – pamilya ba, pag-ibig o yung nakaraan,” Dingdong listed off on what viewers should watch out for.

Describing his character as not entirely the good cop, Dingdong said the challenge lies in portraying a decent man who just happened to inflict all this suffering upon his brother.

“Ang kagandahan kasi ni Elias, kung titignan mo yung porma, yung setting, nasa drug syndicate, bad eh. Pero yung totoo, yung pinaglalaban niya is right,” he shared.

“In fact, kaya siya nandoon, dahil sa kasalanan ni Daniel. Kaya ang hirap tignan kung alin ang bad at good sa dalawang characters. Daniel is trying to be good, pero yung totoo, siya yung may kagagawan nung lahat. Kaya nagiging exciting yung pagganap.”