Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and his Queen Marian Rivera sit down for a "royal" interview with Startalk

Primetime royalties and real-life couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera sat down for a rare and exclusive interview with Philippine Star columnist and co-host of GMA's showbiz-oriented talk show "Startalk" Ricky Lo.

The royal couple of Philippine television talked about their travels abroad and their favorite places. They also shared their memorable vacation in Spain and the first meeting between Dingdong and Marian's Spanish dad.

Dingdong recalled trying to converse with Marian's dad in Spanish unaware that Marian’s old man is actually conversant in Filipino.

Lo asked Marian how Dingdong is as a boyfriend and an actor.

"Lahat ng ginagawa niya talagang nandoon ‘yung dedication niya, maging pagdating sa pamilya niya at sa akin bilang girlfriend niya," the actress replied.

Marian added that what's more endearing about Dingdong is his being a family man.

"Sa halos apat na taon naming pagsasama, nakita ko yung pagmamahal niya sa pamilya," she said.

Despite the many intrigues that shook their relationship, Marian and Dingdong's relationship remained strong, thanks to their complementary personalities.

"Sobrang malambing talaga siya e," said Dingdong of Marian. "Kahit medyo strong ‘yung personality niya minsan, para siyang baby kung maglambing. Siguro nakuha rin niya ‘yan sa kanyang papa," he added.

"Ibang klase siyang magmahal. Si Dong kasi yung tipo ng tao na kapag karelasyon mo siya, hindi lang siya isang boyfriend, gina-guide din niya ako sa kung ano ang tama, ano ang hindi tama," Marian said of her boyfriend.

Dingdong is starring in the upcoming primetime series "Genesis," which will air its pilot episode on Monday, October 14.

The action-drama series also stars Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Jackie Lou Blanco, Irma Adlawan and Ronnie Henares. Completing the cast are Carlo Gonzales, Luanne Dy, Albert "Betong" Sumaya and child stars Sasha Baldoza, Rainier Gisin and Anette Samin.

Although the story of Genesis kicks off from a time when planet Earth is on the brink of extinction due to a cataclysmic event, much of it is heavy drama rooted in love -- for one's family and country.

Dingdong said that the most important lesson that the series wishes to impart on its viewers is the importance of family.

"Yung dedication sa family, hindi talaga matatawaran 'yan. You have to respect them and give back to them," the actor said.

Genesis is directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal and Mark Reyes.

For more of Ricky Lo's exclusive interview with Dingdong and Marian, watch “Startalk” this Saturday after "Eat Bulaga" on GMA-7.