Dingdong Dantes explains snubbing incident between Rhian Ramos and Marian Rivera

DINGDONG Dantes admits he feels some pressure in topbilling “Stairway to Heaven.” “First of all, the original Korean version was very successful so it’d be a tough act to follow,” he says. “Then I have a new partner, Rhian Ramos, and we’re hoping viewers will accept our tandem. The material itself is not that easy to do. Physically, it’s not that demanding but emotionally, it can be draining sa dami ng dramatic scenes.”

How does he feel that Marian Rivera’s name is being dragged in the show’s promo, with some writers saying they had a lovers’ quarrel as Marian is jealous of Rhian?

“It’s really sad na kailangang haluan ng ganyang intriga. Siguro hindi maiiwasan but I think sa umpisa lang ‘yan kasi later, people will see Rhian and I just have a working relationship as Jodi and Cholo, wala nang iba. Hindi kami kailangang i-link sa isa’t isa.


When Rhian nga and I guested in ‘Show Me Da Manny’, I personally saw na nagbatian sila ni Marian, tapos nasulat nang nag-isnaban daw sila at umiyak daw si Marian sa selos kaya nag-away kami, which is not true. She knows there’s no reason para magselos siya. Both Marian and Rhian are respectable people, sana tigilan na yan.”

How is it working with Rhian? “She’s good. First taping day pa lang, I already saw the character of Jodi in her. Pagdating niya sa set, si Jodi na siya. The workshops we did together help a lot kaya positive ang vibes.”

Doesn’t he somehow feel insecure that Marian’s “Darna” is rating 40 plus percent? “Actually, I’m proud of her. Mas lalo nga akong bumilib sa kanya, sa ganda niya, sa talent niya. She deserves the success she’s getting.”

“Stairway to Heaven” will be shown right after “Darna” and after it comes “Rosalinda.” This new GMA sked starts this Monday.