Triple D: Daddy Dingdong Dantes

DINGDONG Dantes and Marian Rivera on their wedding day JILSON SECKLER TIU

Dingdong Dantes can hardly contain his excitement about fatherhood. Among all the characters he has portrayed onscreen, being a father is the role he will surely relish. The qualities that make Dong such a wonderful friend will definitely make him a terrific dad as well.

But even after he becomes a proud papa to his and wife Marian Rivera’s firstborn, Dong will remain “papable” as ever.

Here’s my one-on-one with Triple D, Daddy Dong Dantes.

What excites you most about fatherhood?

The fact that I will be able to share lifelong learnings with someone who will grow up in my care. Also, given the fast-changing and ever-evolving world we live in, I am excited about how he or she will adapt and survive with the values that we intend to inculcate in him—or her.

Will you be a husband or a father first?

Of course I want to be a cool dad, but first I should be a great husband.

What names are you considering for the baby?

Yan (Marian’s nickname) and I want to know first if we’re having a boy or a girl.

Please share anecdotes about Yan’s pregnancy.

She has always been smart about eating right. Now she is even more conscious of what to eat and not to eat.

Will you allow your baby to join show biz?

We’ll know at the right time.

More to Nyoy

Nyoy Volante hardly misses any of my parties. I am forever grateful to him for gamely jamming with my other musikero friends to make my every bash complete.

Offstage, Nyoy is mild-mannered and unassuming. I was pleasantly surprised to see him come out of his shell in ABS-CBN’s “Your Face Sounds Familiar.” His awesome impersonations in the show prove that there’s so much more to Nyoy than his guitar wizardry.

Here is my tête-à-tête with Nyoy:

What is the hardest impersonation you’ve done so far?

It would have to be Justin Bieber. It was just impossible to pull off. No matter how hard I tried, I could not make myself sound like a 14-year-old boy.

Which impersonation did you enjoy doing the most?

Tina Turner. She gave me the license to go crazy onstage. It was simply a great role to play.

Among your fellow contestants, who does the best impersonations?

Jay R and Jolina Magdangal.

Can you share some wedding plans?

I plan to get married in February 2016.

What is your song for yourself these days?

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams. The lyrics sum it all up for me.