Pepe Herrera on Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera: 'Very koboy, hindi untouchable'

MANILA, Philippines — Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are among the biggest Filipino stars today, but their co-star Pepe Herrera finds them easy to get along with. 

Pepe Herrera played the crucial role of Lods in the couple's record-breaking, comeback film "Rewind." 

The theater actor, who successfully transitioned to TV and films, recently sat with the press upon the invitation of his agency, Star Magic. 

He was asked how it was working with the couple in 2023's highest grossing Metro Manila Film Fest entry. 

"Mas naka-bonding ko si Dong dahil siya ang mas madalas na ka-eksena ko," Pepe began. 

Pepe plays the mysterious Lods who helps John (Dingdong) set things right before he passes on, including his strained relationship with his wife, Mary, played by Marian. 

"Si Marian, nakakatuwa kasi pangalawang araw pa lang namin, umaakbay na siya. Very koboy at saka hindi untouchable. One of the boys and girls siya," he shared. 

Koboy comes from the English word cowboy, which is slang for good sport or someone who is easy to get along with. 

"Si Dong naman, nakakatuwa kasi siya 'yung nagri-reach out kasi ganon ako usually para mawala 'yung ilangan. We have to be friends. So kakaibiganin kita. Nagkataon this time, siya 'yung nag-initiate. Nagtatanong ilan 'yung anak ko, kamusta ako. 'Yung mga usual 'breaking the ice' questions tapos hanggang noong naka-receive ako ng award sa MIFF... Nakakatuwa kasi nu'ng pag-receive niya ng award, dami niyang message sa akin. Pang testimonial sa Friendster (defunct social media network popular in the early 2000s)," the actor recalled. 

Dingdong and Pepe won the best actor and best supporting actor awards, respectively, for their roles in "Rewind" at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival recently held in Los Angeles, California. 

"Nakakatuwa sila parehas," he added. 

Pepe also quipped about receiving the award. "Gulat ako. Wala akong idea e. Akala ko nominee lang eh, 'yun pala nanalo na. Masaya naman. Okay lang. Andiyan na e. (laughs) Siyempre grateful tayo."

Pepe's most recent project is his lead role opposite Toni Gonzaga in the movie adaptation of the hit Korean film with the same name "My Sassy Girl" currently showing in cinemas.  

He will also be stepping on the theater stage again with the upcoming musical "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical," which is based on the songs by the iconic Filipino rock band.

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