Dingdong Dantes is the first celebrity male endorser of Gran Matador. Dingdong was chosen because of his staying power in Philippine Showbiz. Dingdong Dantes was only 17 when Viva introduced him in “TGIS” which became the defining teen show of his generation. From that time onwards Dingdong can be considered as the most successful member of TGIS. For all these Dingdong is grateful. “I’m really thankful dahil tuluy-tuloy ang career ko and I feel that it’s only now that my career is reaching its peak. Kung before, teen idol lang ang tingin sa akin ng tao, now, they look at me as a more mature romantic leading man, thanks to my role as Sergio in “Marimar” and as Fredo in `Dyesebel’. Through the years, I was also able to invest in some businesses, like my own production house and investment company, and the Centerstage KTV on Timog Rotonda,” Dingdong said.

Dingdong is also happy that despite a successful career, his lovelife with actress Karylle is also doing well, a feat in Philippine showbiz. Normally, a good career meant an unhappy lovelife or vice-versa. Dingdong muses, “I’m really thankful that fans and viewers now know how to separate the private and public lives of stars like us.”

Gran Matador is all praises for Dingdong as well. “Bilib na bilib kami kay Dingdong as he’s a force to reckon with whether as an actor, director or businessman. He’s a man of character who’s decent and responsible. Gran Matador stands for excellence seasoned by time and that’s exactly what Dingdong is as he has learned to hone his craft in his 10 years in the business. Isa pa, pampainit ang Gran Matador and Dingdong is also very hot now kaya perfect siyang endorser namin,” says Nelson Elises, VP for Marketing of Gran Matador.

But it’s not all roses for Dingdong Dantes. He recently figured in a blind item where he was said to have picked up some girls in a fastfood. Dingdong didn’t deny that such an incident happened but he corrected that he didn’t get on with anyone. “I would say na ako nga yun [subject of blind item] and it was in Timog kung saan nag-burger kami. Late night or midnight na rin noon at hindi lang ako yung nandoon, I was with my cousin and my brother.

“What happened is that, yung kasama ko, gustong manghiram ng lighter. Pumasok yung mga girls, they are group of girls na…beautiful girls. So, nahihiya yung kasama kong manghiram kaya sabi ko, ‘Sige, ako ang magsasabi.’ So, ganoon lang yun. Definitely, walang playtime na naganap or something. Because yung mga girls, they look beautiful and decent girls. At hindi ako lasing or anything.

“Afterwards nga, dumating din yung mga kasama nila, some are guys. And it so happened pa na yung isang guy, I know him pa. Nakasama ko or nakatrabaho ko na siya before. So, you know, it’s purely healthy conversation,” Dingdong clarified.

Video below is the Marimar auditions. It featured GMA’s then fledging female stars like Camille Pratts, before she got pregnant, imagine if she was choosen as Marimar, although it is a long shot; Bianca King, Nadine Samonte, Jennylyn Mercado, before she also got pregnant, eww; Jewel Mische, Ryza Cenon, LJ Reyes, Pauleen Luna, Katrina Halili, who eventually was choosen to be the kontrabida (lol) ; Valerie Concepcion, Nancy Castiglionie, Cheska Garcia, Karylle, Rhian Ramos and the actress chosen for the role, Marian Rivera. Oh, what the stars will do to be sikat ! GMA Network got the rights for a remake of the popular Mexican telenovela for Angel Locsin. But she turned down the offer and decided to transfer to rival channel ABS-CBN. Watch the Marimar auditions video below:

These reactions are from kibitzers, about the Marimar audition video:

Camille Prats: malaki masyado ang boobs. she wouldnt wear the costumes nicely.

Bianca King: doesn’t dance well enough

Nadine Samonte: acting points - negative 500

Jennylyn Mercado: uhm uhm uhm. i dont know.

Jewel Mische and Ryza Cenon: i dont know them. unnoticeable

LJ Reyes: duh! no personality

Pauleen Luna and Katrina Halili: reputation takes precedence over the ability to attract the masses for the role.

Valerie Concepcion: acting down plus dance.

Nancy Castiglionie: oh! she was there? joke. wrong face and hair. needs more plastic surgery to fit the role.

Cheska Garcia: saan?

Karylle: pwede! pero may kulang eh.

Rhian Ramos: walang dating..

Marian Rivera: dancing points: 1000000000points. acting points: 10000000000pts. voice quality: 10points. hahahaha. but i guess the masses did learn to love her.n