Dingdong expresses dismay, concern to Ang Probinsyano prod

Attaching a video edited by the Dongyonatics to showcase the specific “Ang Probinsyano” episodes which had the subjected photoshopped photos, Dingdong then ended his post by an excerpt from his letter. (File Photo: Dingdong Dantes/Facebook)

With a lot of people having their eyes glued to their screens and their hands attached to their phones, almost anything can be posted on the internet for netizens to feast on. The Kapamilya network’s “Ang Probinsyano” is one of these things that join regular trending topics online; but instead of being the talk of the town for its latest plot twists and turns, jokes and memes, and cast and characters, this time it is trending for something different.

As the show is currently on people’s television screens at night, despite the many episodes and the fact that it is airing on the rival network, fans of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera – or the DongYanatics – did not miss out a very important detail.

In a Facebook post by Dingdong in his personal account which was shared by his official page, he revealed that DongYonatics brought to his attention some photos supposedly used by the “Ang Probinsyano” staff in certain episodes. The said photos were of his and his family but were photoshopped to fit the scenario of the teleserye.

“In two episodes of Ang Probinsyano, our wedding photo and a photo taken during Zia’s baptism were edited and featured without the consent of our photographer and our family,” he wrote.

“I have been deeply thinking about disclosing my response to the public. However, I owe it to the DongYanatics, to other friends who also expressed their concern, and to our family, to share our action regarding this,” he added.

In the August 8, 2018 episode of the action serye, Dingdong and Marian’s wedding photo was used – printed in a frame in one of the scenes. However, instead of having their smiling faces for the wondrous occasion, Edu Manzano’s and Alice Dixson’s face were placed on top of their faces – to fit the role of a wedded couple.

This was not the first time for the “Ang Probinsyano” production staff to use a photoshopped image of the Dantes family, because back in its November 9, 2017 episode, a photo of Joko Diaz and Mickey Ferriols holding a baby was used. But again, this was manipulated with editing tools for the original photo was actually that of Dingdong and Marian with their child Maria Letizia Dantes. Though Joko’s and Mickey’s faces were pasted on the couple bodies, Maria Letizia’s face was left untouched.

The Kapuso actor expressed deep dismay and concern over the incident, prompting him to air out his statement on Facebook. According to him, a letter has already been forwarded to the teleserye production team.

“Courtesy and fair practice must always be observed especially in an established industry like ours. But whether or not it is done within the entertainment sector, we should always be reminded of the basic etiquette for online photo use and sharing that includes asking permission and/or citing sources,” Dingdong further said, hoping that it will not happen again not only to him but to anyone.

Attaching a video edited by the Dongyonatics to showcase the specific “Ang Probinsyano” episodes which had the subjected photoshopped photos, Dingdong then ended his post by an excerpt from his letter.

“I appreciate that you found artistic inspiration from the original photos. Unfortunately, there is the inescapable consequence that legal and moral rights were violated here. And as you may very well be aware of, established industry practice is against such act as it amounts to disrespect. Worst of all, as a father and husband, I cannot help but feel offended and deeply hurt by such actions, which happened not just once, but twice. Basic rules of courtesy, in this case, dictate that you first secure permission from the photographer and my Family,” he wrote.

As of writing, the camp of Coco Martin’s “Ang Probinsyano” has yet to respond.