REVIEW: Firefly - Let Your Imagination Make You Cry

GMA Pictures joins the Metro Manila Film Festival for 2023 with an emotional film filled with adventure, love, friendship, and a lot of imagination with FIREFLY. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Alessandra De Rossi, Euwenn Mikaell, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, and a special participation by Dingdong Dantes.

Interestingly, many films with the word 'firefly' are known to be tear-jerkers with a very moving story. And when I heard the title of the film, I knew that this would really move the viewers and indeed I saw and felt it when I saw this at the premiere night of the film with the stars along with the key personalities of GMA Public Affairs like Jessica Soho and Kara David.

FIREFLY tells the story of a kid named Tonton, who went on a journey to find the island of the fireflies which his mother (Alessandra) would tell stories filled with magical creatures and one can fulfill one's wish when they would reach it. The unexpected travel would lead Tonton to meet Louie (Epy), Linda (Yayo), Billy (Miguel), and Erika (Ysabel) along the way. 

Shopee Brand Ambassadors Dingdong and Zia Dantes Share What’s On Their Wishlist This Christmas

Here’s what the celebrity father-and-daughter tandem will be getting for themselves at Shopee’s 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Like most Pinoys, the Dantes family considers Christmas to be the most exciting time of the year. The fun gifts, heaping noche buena table, festive carols, mood-boosting decor, and, of course, the company of people they hold dear—it’s definitely the season everyone looks forward to. 

To prepare for an intimate Christmas celebration at home with their loved ones, here’s what Shopee’s newest brand ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes, plan to get this year at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale: 

Shopee Wraps Up 2021 and Introduces its Newest Brand Ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes, at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Users can enjoy fun content from the celebrity father-and-daughter duo, free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily at Shopee’s most anticipated year-end sale 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, closes the year with its annual 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, the most joyful year-end celebration in the region. 12.12 is set to bring a smile to users as they shop from the widest variety of products to reward themselves and their loved ones during the happiest time of the year. Through the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can also spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses, with 2 times more items sold by local businesses this year.

Medical Workers Given Tribute On Bonifacio Day Though Philippine Flag Light Tableux

“In the darkness of Covid, stars of hope, exemplified 
by Filipino frontliners globally,  have emerged.  
Where there is light, there is always hope,” Diaz said.

At the sunset at Rizal Park on Bonifacio Day, a unique tribute was launched as tribute to the valiant medical heroes of doctors, nurses, and other frontlines who have passed due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 was recognized through a large installation of light forming the Philippine flag. 

This initiative was made by partnership led by non-government organization Liter of Light, whose advocacy is to make solar lamps that brings sustainable lighting to far towns and barangays. The light mosaic is comprised of 3,000 lamps that were individually assembled by volunteers from all over the country who have united for the project.

“This is our tribute to heroism on a global scale, a tribute to all the Filipino frontliners worldwide who have fought to contain the pandemic. It is a profound expression of solidarity with those who have risked life and limb to be in the frontlines of the fight,” said Illac Diaz, Founder of Liter of Light and organizer of the event 

Dingdong Dantes Signs In As Mesa Filipino Moderne Endorser

There is no denying that Kapuso leading actor Dingdong Dantes is the network's biggest asset and also a role model for his generation and family men. With a long list of brands that put their faith in him and his family, they have also gained a massive following online which makes them a very influential family.

Dingdong now welcomes a new chapter as he signs with Foodee Global Concepts to be the brand ambassador of Mesa Filipino Moderne. The restaurant is known for their menu of Filipino cuisine which some dishes come with a twist.

Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story - Or Is It?

Who would have imagined that Dingdong Dantes and Anne Curtis will be paired again for a movie?  Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story brings them together in this film which they said is not a love story, or is it?

Sid (Dantes) and Aya (Curtis) come from different worlds but both are driven by their passion. Sid is a stock broker, while Aya has a lot of jobs to fund her dream of living abroad. The two met and made a professional agreement of for companionship to cope with Sid's insomia. From there, being more connected to each other leads to the complication of their terms. 

Is Sid and Aya, really not a love story? I feel its complicated, and you have to see it to judge it. Because it some perspective, it does, but in some aspect it doesn't. Kinda confusing, yet I think it will also depend on personal perspective. The story was nicely told with less pretentious story lines which can disconnect it from the viewers. It did not dwell on the social status of the two which has been the forever cliche of these types of movies.

Nutrition plays a vital role in helping older adults maintain strength and achieve their dreams

A new survey found that 9 out of 10 older Filipino adults still have dreams they wish to fulfill, but lack of strength prevents them from fulfilling their dreams. In the survey sponsored by Abbott, children acting as caregivers (aged 30-50) and parents (aged 50-70) were asked about fulfilling their dreams – including what they were and what, if anything, prevented them from realizing their dreams. 

Nutrition For Strength And Family Support Are Vital To Helping Parents Fulfill Their Dreams

The importance of family closeness and support is evident across both parents and their children, as the responses from the caregivers complement those of their parents.  The majority of surveyed caregivers knew their parents well, with 83 percent of them saying they are aware of their parents’ dreams and are willing to support them. 

UNICEF and NYC photo release_climate change talks and D Quest app launch‏

EMPOWERING THE YOUTH. National Youth Commission Commissioner Dingdong Dantes and UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander launch the D’Quest app at the #NowPH event, ahead of the 21st United Nations climate change conference happening on Nov. 30.

D’Quest is an electronic learning and gaming application on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation designed to make learning more fun and interactive for young people. It aims to motivate children and youth to learn about disaster and climate risks and increase their involvement in ensuring their own safety, and those of their families and communities. UNICEF Philippines developed the app with the help of experts in the field, as well as children, and young people.

Marian Rivera is KumpleTuna with 555 Tuna

We all know that Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes will be soon-to-be-parents upon the official announcement of the "royal" baby lately. And with this new chapter in her life, Marian looks forward to finally complete her family. But it does not stop there, as she is also revealed as the newest endorser of the canned prepared tuna meals 555 Tuna with her new commercial under the theme of "KumpleTuna"

In a new TV commercial for 555 Tuna, the Kapuso Primetime Queen describes her married life as happy and complete. “KumpleTuna ang buhay ko!” exclaims Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in her new TV commercial (TVC) for 555 Tuna.

Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2 REVIEW

This upcoming MMFF season, I am happy to see that GMA Films and Reality Entertainment has an entry for the Film Festival which gives another flavor among the recurring films which has left it saturated. Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2 is a follow up to TikTik which was shown back in 2012. Starring Dingdong Dantes as Makoy, he ventures first to Pulapandan to get her pregnant girlfriend back which eventually led them into a big fight with the Tiktiks. And the conflict continues with another group of aswangs called the Kubot, aswangs who have very long hair which they use to envelop their prey and eat their insides.

We have always seen aswang in many ways in Philippine Cinema but we have yet to discover the diversity and the various aspects that they add to the Filipino society. And direk Erik Matti's concept of having a trilogy about them would help us know more about our own monsters which is not limited to tyanaks and Mananangals.

REEL DEAL: The Aswang Chronicles Continues With Kubot

We have waited enough and Direk Erik Matti and Dingdong Dantes has finally made Christmas complete with the entry of Agosto Dos and GMA Films for the second installment of the aswang series after Tiktik with Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2.

The second movie will continue from where they left off after defeating the group of Tiktik which had a lot of action and unfortunate events. Though there were a lot of things to improve on for the first movie, they have made amends and applied that on the second movie. This time the action moves from the rural landscape into the urban city life. Makoy finds himself more involved with the Aswangs as another kind wants him and his family dead.

Rhian Ramos gears up for a different kind of competition

GMANetwork.com chanced upon actress Rhian Ramos during the press conference of her upcoming primetime series on GMA, "Genesis," which is top-billed by Primetime King Dingdong Dantes. 

The actress shared how happy she is to be a part of the series, which began production barely a few months after her previous series “Indio” aired its grand finale. 

"Every one on the set of ‘Genesis’ does his job really well. Every one is helping each other. ‘Pag nasa eksena ka, you feel that you are in a team," said Rhian. 

Apart from working on the series, Rhian is also seriously preparing for a motor sports/car racing event on Saturday, October 12, at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.  It is organized by a popular automobile manufacturer. Aside from Rhian, kapuso hunk actor Aljur Abrenica is also joining the competition. 

Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and his Queen Marian Rivera sit down for a "royal" interview with Startalk

Primetime royalties and real-life couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera sat down for a rare and exclusive interview with Philippine Star columnist and co-host of GMA's showbiz-oriented talk show "Startalk" Ricky Lo.

The royal couple of Philippine television talked about their travels abroad and their favorite places. They also shared their memorable vacation in Spain and the first meeting between Dingdong and Marian's Spanish dad.

Dingdong recalled trying to converse with Marian's dad in Spanish unaware that Marian’s old man is actually conversant in Filipino.

Lo asked Marian how Dingdong is as a boyfriend and an actor.

JUAN MINUTE: 7 Things you’ll love about Dingdong Dantes

He has an “international” appeal.

With his washboard abs and his dashing looks, women not only in the Philippines but also all over the world find him very sexy. In fact, in 2008, the actor landed in E! Magazine’s 25 Sexiest Men in the World and he’s the only Filipino in that list, which by the way also includes David Beckham. Dingdong ranked 3rd.

He exudes a positive vibe.

Ask the people close to Dingdong and those who have worked with him in the past and they will utter only kind words about the matinee idol.  “Dingdong is such a kind-hearted person on and off-camera. He treats everyone on the set equally. He doesn’t discriminate. He is also very approachable and accommodating,” says a staff member of one of Dingdong’s previous TV series. “The actor is always there to inspire everyone around him despite any situation,” the staff member added.  In a TV interview, Dingdong’s girlfriend, actress Marian Rivera, shared how much she has changed for the better because of Dingdong. “Tinuruan niya ako maging patient, bawal ang maging negative,” she said.

Dingdong Dantes’ upcoming primetime series tackles politics and the end of the world

GMA’s Primetime King Dingdong Dantes is going to star in an upcoming primetime series which is scheduled to replace the controversial “My Husband’s Lover” come October.

The series entitled “Genesis” is mainly drama with a bit of science fiction (sci-fi).  In the story, a large asteroid is approaching Earth, endangering the lives of all of its inhabitants. But even before that happens, Earth is already on the brink of an apocalypse due to natural calamities (e.g. tsunamis, typhoons, etc.).  Chaos is everywhere and death tolls are rising.  How people go about their business during these trying times is the pivot of the series.

In “Genesis,” Dingdong portrays a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) whose main mission is to protect the supreme leader of the land at all costs.  In his performance of his duty, he comes across danger brought about by crime and calamities.  In the end, he will have to choose between saving the lives of others or his own. 

Primetime King Dingdong Dantes renews contract with GMA Network

It is confirmed: Dingdong Dantes is still very much a Kapuso!

The actor, touted as Primetime King, officially renewed his contract with GMA Network today, September 14, making him an exclusive talent of the network for the next five years.  

The renewal, which took place at the Manila Polo Club this morning, ultimately debunked rumors of a possible transfer of the actor to another network. 

Present during the contract signing were GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, Entertainment TV OIC Lilybeth G. Rasonable and Dingdong's manager Perry Lansigan. 

Five celebrities vie for the Elan Awards

Each one of us has a definition of the term “gentleman” but for those who have voted for “The 2013 Elan Awards: The Search for the Modern Filipino Gentleman,” it seems that impeccable style, inspiring achievement and high-wattage visibility are the unique factors that sum up this irresistible figure.

Since voting began last June 17 in McJIM Classic Leather Official Facebook Page, supporters have pushed the names Christian Bautista, Xian Lim, Dingdong Dantes, Coco Martin and Piolo Pascual to the forefront, giving us a foretaste of a heated competition among some of the most bankable celebrities today.

Coming both from the Kapamilya and Kapuso networks, they each portray unique roles in television and film and have different strengths and talents but what draws them together is their self-confidence that comes from having proven something of value.

GMA Network lauds Dingdong Dantes and Jun Lana for Gawad Tanglaw citations

GMA 7 congratulates two of the network’s award-winning artists, Dingdong Dantes and Jun Lana, after being cited by the Gawad Tanglaw (Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw).

Kapuso primetime royalty Dingdong Dantes was named Best Actor for his remarkable performance in one of the entries in the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Dantes is currently working on his upcoming primetime series Genesis which will air soon on the Kapuso Network.

Pahiram ng Sandali emotion-filled finale airs this Friday

GMA Network’s compelling drama on love and relationships, PAHIRAM NG SANDALI, concludes its run with a touching finale this Friday, March 15.

The series, which is under the helm of award-winning Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, featured a formidable cast headlined by Ms Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, Mark Gil, Alessandra de Rossi, Max Collins, Neil Ryan Sese, and Dingdong Dantes.

As the program wraps up this Friday, will Cindy (Max) finally forgive Janice (Lorna)? Will the mother and daughter seek the path of reconciliation in the end?  

What will be Cindy’s reaction if she finds out about Alex’s condition? Will Cindy’s heart soften and give Alex another chance at love or be a father to her child?

Pahiram ng Sandali airs after Indio on GMA Telebabad. 

Dingdong Dantes laughs off transfer rumors; says he is still happy with GMA-7

In an interview on the set of his primetime series on GMA-7 – “Pahiram ng Sandali” – Kapuso royalty Dingdong Dantes belied rumors that he is negotiating for a possible transfer to another network after his contract with GMA-7 expires.  

Although Dingdong did not expound on the terms of his existing contract with the kapuso network and the duration of its validity, he gave the assurance that his contract with GMA-7 is still very much active and that he is still very much a kapuso.