As 2023 drew to a close, an Instagram video went viral, capturing the emotional moment when Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera witnessed their fans flooding the mall to the rafters for the screening of their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rewind” under Star Cinema.
(Photo courtesy of GMA)
True enough, the film quickly gained traction among moviegoers, and its success was solidified when it emerged as the top grosser at the MMFF, reportedly earning an impressive 815 million pesos in domestic box office sales by Jan. 18. Though the film did not win any awards, Dingdong and Marian, popularly known as DongYan, expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from the moviegoers.
“Para sa akin, isang malaking karangalan na maisabuhay ang script lalo na magawa ko ito together with very, very good actors and such brilliant creative people under the helm of Direk Mae lalo na kasama ko asawa ko. Higit pa ito sa sapat,” Dingdong enthused.
(Photo courtesy of Star Cinema)
“Sa puntong nakapasok kami sa MMFF sa dami ng nagpasa, the mere fact na andito kami ngayon very thankful na kami. Kung ano iyong nabuo rito, at ano ang io-offer namin sa mga tao very proud na kami doon,” Marian added.
The Much-Awaited Comeback
The much-anticipated film marked DongYan’s comeback to the big screen after 13 years, following their last project, “You To Me Are Everything,” in 2010. The power couple revealed that they fell in love with the material after reading the script. Seeing snippets of the film before its release reinforced their belief that they had made the right decision by starring in it.
‘Jose and Maria’s Bonggang Villa 2.0’ Opens Doors Anew
Dingdong and Marian have finally reopened the doors of the newest version of their Bonggang Villa to Kapuso viewers on Jan. 20.
In this much-awaited sitcom, lovely couple Jose (Dingdong) and Maria (Marian) are once again faced with the challenge of reviving Mommy Janice and Lolo King’s BnB business. However, this time, a new challenge awaits them.
(Photo courtesy of GMA)
From last season’s 500,000-peso quota, the couple is challenged to reach a whopping 1 million-peso quota for the hotel. But the challenge does not end there! Viewers should also look out for the newest Bonggang Villa rival—Bed & Breakfast @ Tiffany’s.
In this jam-packed season filled with challenges and adventures within the walls of Bonggang Villa, will Jose and Maria once again emerge victorious in the BnB battle for their future? Find out in “Jose and Maria’s Bonggang Villa 2.0,” airing every Saturday at 6:15 p.m. on GMA Network. Global Pinoys can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. - Len Armea, with reporting from GMA 7
Read the full article in the January 2024 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal, out now in Japan.
