For Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, marriage is an intricate dance of two souls, a journey where partners harmonize to create a life filled with shared dreams, laughter, and even challenges. They believe that, at its core, marriage is a dynamic partnership.

In an exclusive interview with Metro Talks, the power couple took a trip down memory lane, revisiting the cherished moments from their wedding and offering insights into their roles as reel and real-life partners.

Asked their fondest memories from their wedding, Dingdong wandered back to that candid moment when reality took him by surprise. “No’ng papunta na kaming reception, parang, ‘Anong nangyari? Tapos na ba?’ Parang hindi ako makapaniwala nu’ng time na ‘yun na natapos siya nang ganu’n kabilis lang pero ‘yung preparation niya ilang buwan, taon pa nga.”

“Sabi nga nila, ‘yun ang ceremony. Pero ang totoong marriage nagsimula noong araw na ‘yun. Para sa akin, ‘yun na talaga ang nag-jumpstart ng napakagandang married life together with her.”

Marian then fondly recalled the joy of having the three most important people in her life – her mom, dad, and grandma – present on their special day.

When asked about the essence of marriage, Dingdong likened it to a dance – fluid and dynamic. “Kasi 'pag sumayaw ka, hindi ‘yung pupunta lang tayo sa kaliwa o kanan. Mayroon kang nararamdaman na dapat sabay kayong pumupunta together, na ang nagsasabi lang nu’n ay pakiramdam,” he mused. Drawing from their on-screen partnerships, he emphasized the importance of a give-and-take approach, which they seamlessly incorporate into their real-life relationship.

Acknowledging their roles as parents, they highlighted the significance of being a united front. They make sure to end up with mutual decisions, but at the same time, recognize individual tasks. As Marian puts it, “Basta magkakampi kami... ‘Pag galit si Dada, galit din ako. May kanya-kaya din kaming task, eh. Halimbawa, minsan ‘pag may kakulangan ako, ire-remind niya ako. Gano’n din ako sa kanya. Sa madaling salita, ang pagiging magulang ay pagtutulungan. Hindi pwedeng ako lang magaling, siya hindi.” They aren’t perfect parents but they give their best for their children. “Kailangan both kami nandiyan para sa kids. Kailangan both ng kids nakikita kung paano kami nag-e-effort para sa kanilang dalawa.”

They underscored that parenting is a collaborative effort, with the kids learning from the teamwork they invest in their relationship. In Dingdong’s words, “Parati kaming mindful sa aming paraan ng pakikitungo sa isa’t-isa, hindi dahil pinepeke namin but we should always show the good traits kasi balang araw ito ‘yung gagayahin nila.”

Asked which of their kids’ traits resemble their own, DongYan said that their children – Zia and Sixto – are a mix of their personalities. But they admitted that Zia is competitive and a fighter like them, so much so they’d have family meetings to prepare Zia for her competitions in school.

Sharing their Christmas traditions, the couple revealed that they usually spend Christmas Eve with Dingdong’s side of the family, and Christmas Day with Marian’s. But this year will be different as they’ll be busy promoting their film, “Rewind,” which is an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Despite their busyness, they feel blessed for the opportunity to impart a meaningful message through their film.

Reflecting on the challenges and blessings of 2023, Dingdong expressed gratitude for a demanding yet fulfilling year. Juggling numerous opportunities without compromising family obligations, he credited strength from God for navigating a busy schedule and maintaining a harmonious balance between work and family time.

Marian, too, acknowledged the challenges of having too much on her plate but expressed gratitude for finding time for her children, especially during school activities, taking after her husband’s reminder to take things one day at a time.

Inspired by their film, the couple shared their mantra for the coming year – “to live more and to love more.” Dingdong imparted, “We’re not certain kung gaano katagal pa tayo sa mundong ito and definitely hindi natin na mababalikan ‘yung mga oras na natapos na. So, ‘yung ngayon ang mahalaga.”

As Dingdong and Marian navigate the complexities of life, love, and family, their story serves as an inspiration.