Marian and Dingdong’s love story continues to be the talk of the town over the years, and here are some of the moments that prove their organic evolution from reel to real life and love partners

For some love teams, the magic that they have created on screen can translate to their lives behind the camera. Such is the case for Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, whose love story has gone from reel to real.

^{Photo: MARIAN RIVERA (via Instagram)}
The impact of their partnership continues today, as the couple’s recent project, Rewind, is a blockbuster hit of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. With Marian and Dingdong giving life to the movie’s touching take on relationships between couples and of families, they continue to cement their power as a love team. Given the success of their cinematic comeback as a pairing, MEGA Entertainment gives you a lookback on the couple’s true to life love story.

The first tension of their connection

In 2007, the pairing co-starred in the Filipino remake of Marimar. “Walang magic, walang spark. Wala at all. Wala talaga!” the actress described her first meeting with her leading man in the series. At one point, she even declared that she was close to hating him. However, after he rescued her in one mishap during their taping for their project, Dyesebel, Marian started seeing Dingdong in a different light.

Many believed that they started dating after their first show together, but their love story began between 2008 and 2009, during Dyesebel and Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, respectively.

An adventure of a lifetime

Recalling their most memorable date in their recent Magandang Buhay appearance, Dingdong told the story of how they rode to Tagaytay. This was already the beginning of their many trips together as a couple, and later as a family with their children, Zia and Sixto. Their prenuptial photos were even shot in Dubai. According to Marian, they mostly spend their trips today at the beach or near the waters, where her husband and children mostly enjoy.

The two-time proposal

Did you know that before their public proposal in 2014, the actor already proposed to his real-life leading lady back in 2012? During their trip to Macau, Dingdong prepared a special moment for Marian involving a dome of butterflies, a favorite of the actress. And back then, she already said yes to her future husband.

Two years later, Marian received another proposal from the actor to get things right this time around. In the actress’ self-titled variety show, Dingdong asked for her hand in front of the audience. Receiving another yes from his future wife, he and the dancer-actress tied the knot in December of the same year.

Their dream wedding

In December 2014, the couple officially sealed the deal as they got married at the Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a grand reception at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Their Spanish-themed wedding was highlighted by the overarching red motif of the entourage, as well as the table setting. Violet blooms also accentuated the event, along with red roses. Dingdong wore two suits designed by Randy Ortiz, while Marian’s bridal bodice was courtesy of Michael Cinco.

A family of four

Always pertaining to her husband as the answer to her prayers, Marian has been living the life she has longed for with Dingdong throughout the years. In November 2015, their daughter, Maria Letizia, was born. Almost three years later, in April 2019, they welcomed their second child, Sixto. Taking their family roles seriously, the mom of two referred to herself as the disciplinarian of the children. Meanwhile, the patriarch of their household would fulfill his role as a provider and foundation of their family. For the couple, a clear distinction of responsibilities as parents is one of the reasons why their partnership as a couple and as parents works.

A move forward with Rewind

Back in June 2023, Star Cinema shared the good news that DongYan would finally star in their first film together under the production company. Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar and written by Enrico Santos, Rewind was a story of two lovers who would know love and sacrifice like no other. During the project announcement, the director revealed that the movie pushed through three years after its initial offer.

Six months later, Rewind finally premiered as one of the films for the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie was DongYan’s reunion project since 2010, and Marian’s first film under Star Cinema. With this breakthrough in their careers, will we expect more DongYan projects and even more movies for the actress under Star Cinema in the near future?