How Dingdong handles the paparazzi

Since Anne Curtis and Dingdong Dantes are from rival networks, it’s not possible for them to be part of the same TV show. So, it’ll be quite refreshing and interesting to watch the two stars work their magic together on the big screen.

The Kapamilya Queen and Kapuso King topbill Viva Films’ “Sid and Aya: Not a Love Story,” which opens on May 30. In it, Sid (Dingdong) is an insomniac whose lonely nights suddenly brighten up when he meets Aya (Anne). How will the two lunar-powered strangers change each other’s world?

The disclaimer in the movie’s title (“Not a love story”) is so intriguing—no romanticizing allowed. It entices us to find out what potent force there could be aside from love that draws Sid and Aya together.

In this millennial age where “no label” relationships are common, this movie could help us deal with ambivalent feelings that are almost—but not quite—like love.

Here’s my chat with Dong:

Why is your movie described as “not a love story”? Because in any love story, there’s more to it than just “love.” It also deals with the internal realities and struggles that come with it.

Any amusing off-cam moment with Anne? The Japan leg of our film is memorable. The Shibuya crossing scene is something to watch out for.

How do you and Marian handle paparazzi shots? Nowadays, people are courteous enough to ask first, and this is something we ap preciate very much. We respectfully decline for them to take pictures of our daughter, but Marian and I gladly accommodate requests every now and then.

How do you balance being a dad, husband and actor? Family first—and everything else follows.

When your daughter Z is old enough, what advice will you give her about men and love? I’ll let her grow first before giving any advice. In the process, I will make sure that her parents will become instruments and role models of how it should be done. Later on, we evaluate.

What are some of the things left on your and Marian’s bucket list? The list goes on and on—but this time, it is a shared list with our daughter, Letizia.

The ‘AlEmpoy’ magic

I am hooked on ABS-CBN’s “Since I Found You.” What Piolo Pascual and Arci Muñoz lack in chemistry is more than made up for by the cute duo of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez, who totally click.

Alessandra portrays the secretary and Empoy, the driver of Piolo’s character, Nathan. After the blockbuster movie “Kita Kita,” Alessandra and Empoy more than deserve to be the main stars in their next show. “AlEmpoy” shows us that odd couples outlast power couples because of their low-maintenance, but high-reward kind of relationship.