The search is over: Marian Rivera has been chosen as Dingdong Dantes's leading lady in My Beloved, the upcoming soap of GMA-7.

The statement released by Kapuso network's corporate communications at 7:09 p.m. on Friday, December 16, states:

"GMA Network happily announces that no other than Philippine television's primetime queen Marian Rivera will be the leading lady of Dingdong Dantes in the upcoming series My Beloved."

This is the fourth team-up of "DongYan" (how the fans call them) after starring in past television hits like Marimar, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, and Endless Love.

Still, according to the statement, "Fans of the real and reel couple have long been clamoring for another television project together.

"Hence, the Kapuso management is granting their request.

"Since the launch of their last project in April 2010, the showbiz royal couple will once again grace the boobtube together and bring another truly memorable experience on primetime."

My Beloved is set to launch first quarter of next year. -- Karen A. Pagsolingan, PEP