Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes share family life, reunite with Odette Khan on 'KMJS'

Ahead of their upcoming film "Remember," Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes shared a glimpse into their life as a married couple and parents on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

In the interview with Jessica Soho, the Kapuso power couple also reunited with veteran actress Odette Khan, who expressed her gratitude for the assistance they extended during her hospitalization in February.

DongYan on marriage and parenting

Marian and Dingdong, who are nearing their 12th wedding anniversary, shared that keeping God at the center of their relationship and family is one of the keys to their marriage.

"We always make it a point na pinapaalala namin sa sarili namin that you know, si God talaga ang nasa sentro ng aming samahan at ng aming pamilya," Dingdong said.

["We always make it a point to remind ourselves that, you know, God is truly at the center of our relationship and our family."]

Marian added, "Not everything is perfect, pero kapag talagang in-offer mo lahat sa Kanya, umpisa pa lang ng araw mo magiging maayos ang lahat."

["Not everything is perfect, but when you truly offer everything to Him, everything will turn out fine right from the start of your day."]

The couple also shared updates about their children, Zia and Sixto, who are into various activities, including music, sports, and art.

They also discussed setting boundaries for their children's gadget use and monitoring the applications they access, with Dingdong saying they want their children to appreciate their parents' work in showbiz rather than focus on the fame that comes with it.

Working on 'Remember'

The couple also discussed their upcoming film "Remember," where they portray Joseph and Ria, a couple who have long been separated but reunite to make their child happy before the child's memories are erased because of a rare illness.

Their child in the film has metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare condition that affects the brain and nervous system.

Dingdong said their real-life relationship helped them establish the foundation for their characters, although the complications in the film's marriage are different from their own experiences.

"Unang-una, 'yung pagmamahalan ng mag-asawa, it's already a familiar feeling. So, isang advantage 'yun for us as an actors. Kasi maha-harness namin. Kumbaga 'yun na 'yung foundation ng aming roles," he said.

["First and foremost, the love between a married couple is already a familiar feeling. So, that's an advantage for us as actors, because we can harness it. In a way, that's already the foundation of our roles."]

"Remember" also marked the first time the couple filmed a movie abroad. The production spent two weeks in Quebec, Canada.

They acknowledged the pressure surrounding their new project but said they chose to focus on their work.

Reunion with Odette Khan

In the same interview, Marian and Dingdong reunited with veteran actress Odette Khan.

In February, Odette was hospitalized due to pneumonia, emphysema, and edema. She also had fluid buildup in her right lung, prompting her daughter, Claudette, to appeal for financial assistance.

In an earlier interview on "Kay Susan Tayo Vlogs," Claudette expressed gratitude to Marian, who was among the first people to extend financial help to the family.

She also thanked Dingdong, who, through his position as president of Aktor Philippines, sought assistance from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) for Odette.

Odette, who became emotional while expressing her gratitude during the earlier interview, said she wished to thank Marian personally.

The "KMJS" team then arranged for Odette to meet the couple and personally express her appreciation.

Upon seeing Marian, Odette became emotional as she recalled how much the actress's assistance meant to her.

"I don't know what I would have done. Wala na ako sa lugar na ito, if you never extended your help," Odette told Marian.

["I don't know what I would have done. I wouldn't be in this place anymore if you had never extended your help."]

She also had words of gratitude for Dingdong.

"Dingdong, you are a wonderful person," she said.

Odette further emphasized the importance of Marian's help, saying, "I could have lost my life if she never helped me. And I'm not ashamed to let the whole world know. Because that's the truth."

Marian, meanwhile, admitted that she had wanted to keep her assistance private.

"Secret lang po 'yun, ba't n'yo po nilabas?" she told the team when asked about the help she extended to Odette.

["That was intended to be a secret, why was it disclosed?"]

During the reunion, Odette also expressed hope that Marian's kindness would inspire others to help people in need.

"What you did, I hope, I hope, some good soul will do what you did. Because I learned so many things with what you did," she said.

Claudette also thanked Dingdong for his efforts in seeking assistance from the FAP, confirming that the organization had already extended help to her mother.

Dingdong explained that Aktor Philippines serves as a link between actors and existing government programs, as well as private institutions that can provide assistance.

Odette, who recently received a Best Actress award from the Gawad Urian, also shared her gratitude for the support she received during her health struggles.

"Binago mo ang puso ko at buhay ko, Marian. Walang biro 'yan tsaka Dingdong, thank you rin sa strength at kabutihan," she said.

["You changed my heart and my life, Marian. No joke, that's real. And Dingdong, thank you as well for your strength and goodness."] —JCB, GMA News