Why ‘The Master Cutter’ speaks to Dingdong Dantes as a family man
MANILA, Philippines — DINGDONG DANTES HAS AN AMAZING ADVENTURE to recall and share with children Zia and Sixto, if ever they follow in his (and their mom Marian Rivera’s) footsteps in the future. Doing showbiz is in their genes.
Part of the reminiscing is the collective work that projects, such as his forthcoming GMA action-drama series titled “The Master Cutter,” entail. It will premiere on May 11.
“It really takes time to develop these things,” said TV and movie actor Dingdong in a one-on-one chat with The STAR. “My last teleserye in GMA was ‘Royal Blood.’ I think (it aired) three years ago.
“Tulad nung iniisip yun (like when it was conceptualized), nagkaroon kasi ng bugso ng mga (there was a surge of) whodunit series and murder mystery series.”
So, there was a need to respond to that entertainment trend or genre.
“I was just grateful na naisip nila na isama ako dun (that the people behind it thought of including me),” added he. “Ang kagandahan kasi dun, dahil sa series na ‘Royal Blood,’ (what’s nice about it and because of the TV series) nabuo yung tandem namin ni Sienna Stevens (my work tandem with child star Sienna Stevens was formed). I’m just so happy that we were able to think of another project that would include me and Sienna in it. Hence, ‘The Master Cutter.’”
Dingdong and Sienna played dad and daughter in “Royal Blood,” and the connection of their characters Atoy and Ibyang in “The Master Cutter” will be revealed soon.
“Siyempre, katulad ng pag-develop ng kahit na ano na series (of course, like how any TV series is being developed), it takes a lot of effort and a lot of time. Finally, dumating siya (the chance to do ‘The Master Cutter’ came). A lot of thought was put into it,” said he.
“Kudos to the creative team for coming up with something that’s original and this exciting. Kung na-e-excite sila, na-e-excite ako bilang artista (if the creatives are excited about it, I also feel the same way as an artist), and as an actor I’m also excited to portray such role, especially a role that I haven’t done before, which has multiple characters.”
The recent special screening of “The Master Cutter” gave everyone a sneak peek into the “double life” Atoy (Dingdong) is leading. The character wears many hats, such as those of a regular guy and a highly-skilled scout ranger.
“You know, more than the ‘characters’ that I portray in ‘The Master Cutter,’ it’s really the heart of the show, which I’m most proud of, which I’m more excited about,” shared he.
“Even if we’re seeing the action part, even if we see the spectacle around it, the core of the story (and the show) really is a modern family story. Dun talaga nag-uugat ang lahat (that’s where everything stems from). Dun ako drawn (I’m drawn to it).”
As for his rubrics, as one may put it, in choosing his projects, Dingdong said, “Siguro kung saan din ako nakaka-relate at nakaka-resonate (maybe a show or a role I can relate to and resonate with). Higit sa lahat ano ba yung mensaheng gustong sabihin ng mga programang ito (above all is the message the TV series wishes to put across). Aside from it being entertaining, what does it really want to say about society — about things in general — sometimes, there are considerations like that (and they are present here in) ‘The Master Cutter.’”
Again at the core of the Kapuso series is the modern family story, including the father-and-son relationship between the characters Atoy (Dingdong) and Delfin (veteran actor Joey Marquez), that will be unveiled to the viewers.
“And I can’t just reveal too much here. I’m just so excited for people to see that part of the show,” said he.
Aside from airing on free TV, “The Master Cutter” is streaming on Netflix. That describes the new entertainment viewing habit of people. Fans can switch from one platform to another and follow the story on both mediums. Creatives also have to adapt by incorporating and merging TV and film elements in any content.
Asked if the primetime show is the most action-packed project he has ever done, Dingdong said, “I think so, yes.”
He also displays his own brand of versatility as an actor, character- and genre-wise.
Please watch Dingdong in “The Master Cutter” weeknights at 8:15 on GMA Prime and via Kapuso Stream and GMA Play.
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