Dingdong Dantes, Max Collins reflect on growth, friendship as they reunite for 'The Master Cutter'

Dingdong Dantes and Max Collins are reuniting onscreen in “The Master Cutter,” marking their first major project together about 14 years after they first worked side by side in the 2012 series “Pahiram ng Sandali.”

In an interview with GMA News Online, the Kapuso stars looked back on their previous collaboration and reflected on how much they have grown both personally and professionally since then.

Dingdong shared that he witnessed Max’s development as an actress.

“Na-witness ko ‘yung growth ni Max as an artist kasi una kami nagsama sa isang napakagandang teleserye rin, ‘Pahiram ng Sandali,’ kasama si Direk Maryo J. de los Reyes. And grabeng experience ‘yon kasi na-push talaga kami doon pareho dahil sobrang intense acting din ‘yung show na ‘yon. At after non nakita ko na kung gaano siya kahusay ngayon lalo bilang isang actress kaya masaya,’ he said.

Dingdong described “The Master Cutter” as a meaningful reunion, especially because of the friendship they have maintained through the years.

“Napakagandang reunion nito para sa amin. And mas masaya ako—actually, sa totoo lang, kasi si Max is I consider her a very good friend because we also belong to the same talent management,” Dingdong said.

He also candidly shared that Max may actually be closer to his wife, Marian Rivera, than to him.

“But I believe mas magkaibigan sila ni Marian kaysa kami magkaibigan,” he said.

For Max, working with Dingdong again after more than a decade brought a noticeably different dynamic compared to when she was still younger and relatively new in the industry.

“It’s been so fun because I worked with him so many times and also nice because the last time that we worked together for a long period of time was like ten years ago on ‘Pahiram ng Sandali.’ And I was so young back then and like, kinakabahan pa ako no’n. And now, to work with him as an adult, it’s a different dynamic,” she said.

The Sparkle star said their conversations now often revolve around family life and parenting, something that reflects how much their lives have changed since their first project together.

“It’s been super fun. We get to talk about our kids, you know, about our adult life and it’s been such a great ride. And also, he’s such an amazing actor, director also, so I’ve been learning so much from him,” she said.

Directed by Dominic Zapata, “The Master Cutter” also stars Paolo Contis, Jo Berry, Sienna Stevens, Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming, Anthony Constantino, and more.

It will premiere on GMA Prime on Monday, May 11. It will also stream on Netflix starting May 8. —CDC, GMA News