Marimar Airs August 13 on GMA Telebabad

Dingdong explains, “(For) Most of my leading women, ako 'yung humahabol (sa characters nila). Ako (‘yung) unang may gusto sa kanila. Pero dito, baliktad – it’s the other way around. In fact, medyo magkakagusto sa akin si Marimar muna, then magkakaroon ng dahilan kung bakit ko siya gugustuhin na medyo hindi maganda 'yung dahilan. Kaya panoorin na lang nila!”

The true test of a good love team is the ability to separate their onscreen and off-screen relationship. Everyone knows that Dong is already with long-term girlfriend Karylle, and Marian clarifies that this never caused any conflict in their roles. These two are mature and talented enough to handle complex onscreen emotions that need not transcend to real life.

“Alam namin ni Dong (ang) limitations namin (sa trabaho). May personal na buhay siya; ako rin, ganoon ako. Trabaho lang kami. Ang maganda sa amin, nag-workshop kami na alam ko kung gaano niya kamahal 'yung isa. Pero kailangan namin ipakita sa tao na may chemistry din kami -- syempre, Marimar at Sergio, kailangan talaga may chemistry! (Walang problema kasi) nag-usap na kami ni Dong, alam na namin (ang) tungkol (sa) lahat niyan!”

Joining Dong and Marian in the show are Richard Gomez (Renato Santibañez), Katrina Halili (Angelika), Manilyn Reynes (Corazon), and Michael V. (as Fulgoso’s voice), among others.

It’s Marian’s first time to work with most of the cast members, and she looks forward to getting to know all of them better in due time. “Kilala niyo naman ako, ganito, simple lang, so tingnan natin, kasi ang hirap din ng feeling close – parang ayoko naman (pilitin ‘'yung bonding). Siguro darating naman sa point na magiging (sobrang komportable) na, hindi 'yung pinipilit.”

Marian admits that she feels the pressure of leading such a well-loved show, especially since the original was a phenomenal hit. “Tulad ng sinabi ko dati, ibibigay ko 'yung 100% ko dito -- hindi 'yung pabanjing-banjing. Pero sinasabi ko naman (na sa) lahat ng trabaho ko, never na hindi ako nagseryoso. Lahat ginawa ko, binuhos ko lahat. Lalo na dito sa Marimar, kasi ako 'yung lead dito, at saka primetime ito, so kailangan ko talagang doblehin at triplehin pa!”

Fall in love with Marimar all over again starting on August 13!