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Multi-awarded actor, TV host, and entrepreneur Dingdong Dantes exuded pride as he faced members of the entertainment press during The Master Cutter grand media conference held at Wolfgang Premiere Lounge in Gateway Mall, Quezon City, on May 5.

Guests, including officers of GMA Network, VIPs, as well as the staff and crew of the GMA Prime series, were treated to an exclusive preview of a condensed version of the first few episodes of the much-awaited, action-packed series, which explores the world of Anthony “Atoy” Padua.

After the special screening, Dingdong answered a few questions during the panel interview and discussed how pivotal Atoy's role is in weaving the stories of the other characters in the series.

“Sa character kasi ni Atoy, habang nare-reveal sa amin 'yung kuwento bawat week, pakomplika nang pakomplika 'yung kaniyang kuwento—at hindi lang 'yung kaniyang kuwento kundi pati 'yung kuwento ng lahat ng characters,” the Kapuso star said.

He continued, “Very interesting characters, kagaya ng pagpasok ng character ni Shuvee [Etrata], nila Anthony [Constantino], nila Prince [Carlos], lahat!

“Nila Kuya Tonton [Gutierrez], si Ame [played by Jo Berry], si Jo, at si Sienna [Stevens]—everybody else. Tingin ko si Atoy, parang siya 'yung sumisimbolo talaga at tumatahi ng kuwento ng mas maraming interesting characters. Kaya napakita 'yun sa umpisa.”

“Kahit sa umpisa nakikita natin na isa itong action series because of the opening scene, but the truth is, yes, it is an action series with a heart dahil malaki talaga ang puso ng programa. The Master Cutter talks about finding things—not just literally, but also finding oneself, 'di ba, sa kani-kanilang mga characters.”

Dingdong also stressed that his passion for learning continues despite the numerous roles he has portrayed and the many recognitions he has received. The husband of Marian Rivera proudly admitted that he is “forever a student of acting.”

“Hindi lang siya 'pag sinabing action, action lang. Hindi lang 'pag drama, drama—kumbinasyon. So, hindi siya simpleng gawin, and wala naman sigurong magki-claim na somebody is a master of something. I would like to say that I will always be a student of something. Para sa akin, I'm always a student of the arts and of this craft.”

He also credited the creative team of The Master Cutter for producing a story worth telling.

“Something that I'm always grateful for, kaya I would like to mention our brilliant creative team for giving us this material.”

Director Dominic Zapata echoed the sentiments of his lead star during the media conference and emphasized that delivering a quality show would not be possible without the incredible production team behind the series.

Direk Dom noted, “Si Dingdong made it a point na pumunta at i-invite natin sila, because they never get to do this. Hindi nila nakikita, inaabangan lang nila sa bahay. Pero like I've said so many times, I think as directors we get too much credit for something that was created by a whole team. Kahit isang part lang ang bumigay—PA, post PA—kapag may pumalya, hindi namin maitatayo ang production. So, I can't thank the team enough.”

Completing the stellar cast of The Master Cutter are Sparkle actress Max Collins and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Shuvee Etrata.

They are joined by Charlie Fleming, Jo Berry, Sienna Stevens, Paolo Contis, Anthony Constantino, Polo Ravales, Ketchup Eusebio, Prince Carlos, Max Eigenmann, and seasoned actors Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, and Rio Locsin.

Catch the world television premiere of The Master Cutter on May 11 after 24 Oras.