Dingdong Dantes opens up about family traditions, Marian’s sweet reaction, and working with Max Collins.
Mother’s Day isn’t just a calendar event for Dingdong Dantes but more of a full-blown family gathering, complete with snapshots with all the maternal figures who shaped his life.
“I always say that every day should be Mother’s Day. But of course, it’s nice to have that kind of celebration because I also get to celebrate it with my mom—together with Marian and the mothers in her life,” Dingdong told reporters during a recent media gathering organized by Netflix for his series “The Master Cutter.”
This means not just his mother, Angeline, but also his wife Marian Rivera’s inner circle: her grandmother, her mother, and even extended family like his Tita Louie. The day has become a tradition of gathering everyone in one place, a rare and meaningful moment in an industry that rarely slows down.
“It’s nice to see them in one place, also in one frame,” he said, explaining why their Mother’s Day photos have become something of a ritual. “That’s why we always take pictures.”
It’s a simple tradition, but one that reflects the actor’s grounding in family, even as his career continues to evolve.
Precision and grit
This year, that evolution transforms into “The Master Cutter,” his latest action-drama series that premieres on Netflix last May 8.
In the series, Dingdong plays a man living a double life—a tailor by day and a relentless bounty hunter by night. It’s a physically demanding role, packed with action sequences that push him to his limits.
And if you ask Marian, she felt those limits, too, just by watching.
“She said it felt tiring,” Dingdong recalled with a laugh. “She said, ‘Wow, watching the character on screen makes me feel so tired.’ But she was happy for me.”
That mix of exhaustion and pride seems to mirror the kind of support system Dingdong has at home—one that cheers him on, even when the work looks grueling.
The Max Collins connection
Joining him in “The Master Cutter” is Max Collins, a longtime friend who has grown alongside him both personally and professionally. Their connection goes back years, he said, to one of her earliest projects, “Pahiram na Sandali.”
Since then, they have met many times, including in the film “Only We Know,” allowing Dingdong to witness her evolution firsthand. “I saw her growth as an actress and as an artist, and I’m just so proud of her,” he declared.
Off-screen, the bond runs even deeper. Dingdong said Max shares a close friendship with Marian, something he finds both natural and heartwarming.
“In fact, I know that Marian and Max are closer than us,” he admitted. “So it’s nice that they have that kind of friendship. I think that’s so sweet.”
That closeness extends to how Max approached working with Dingdong on the series.
Both artists are under PPL Entertainment, and before taking on “The Master Cutter,” Max even made it a point to reach out to Marian first—a gesture Dingdong only later learned about through reports. “Marianne didn’t tell me about it, either,” he added.
For him, it was a strong indication, not just of professionalism, but of respect within their circle. It also underscored how their collaborations are rooted in shared projects and genuine relationships that carry over from real life to the screen.
I always say that every day should be Mother’s Day. But of course, it’s nice to have that kind of celebration because I also get to celebrate it with my mom—together with Marian and the mothers in her life
Dingdong dantes
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