At only 42 years old, Dingdong Dantes proves that juggling a multitude of things on a regular basis is all in a day’s work
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for people to wear many hats, even for someone who has already made a name for himself as one of the most prominent actors in show business. But for Dingdong Dantes, it’s just another regular day. From acting at the very young age of three, taking part in a lot of local series before eventually finding his footing in the entertainment industry, to founding different organizations and businesses, Dingdong Dantes has definitely proven that he can do more than just portray a character on tv—all while being a loving husband and a hands-on father of two.
The bibo kid
For a lot of us, work usually starts during or after college. That’s the norm in our society, anyway. However, it all began incredibly early for one of MEGA Man’s latest cover stars as Dingdong Dantes got his first acting gig when he was only a mere three year old by appearing in a milk commercial. According to the actor, “I was told that I was [kind of] ‘bibo‘ as a kid, and that’s what the agent saw when we were going around Cubao’s new mall back in the early ‘80s. Though I have no clear memory of that specific chapter in my life, watching the Betamax tapes of my commercials, [which] came quite a lot after that milk ad, carved that significant mark in me that being in the entertainment industry could [possibly] be something to take seriously later on.”
After some commercials that he was able to do here and there, Dingdong eventually got the feel of being on stage as he joined a dance group called Abztract Dancers in his teenage years, which he believes validated his interest in the arts.
While dancing on stage may have been the fuse that lit his burning passion for performing, Dingdong considers landing the role of Iñaki Torres on the youth tv drama T.G.I.S. in 1997 as his first professional entry into the local showbiz and tv industry.
The family man
When talking about the role or project that is closest to his heart, it came to no surprise that Marimar would be at the top of that list. Besides, this was the show that prompted what was initially an on-screen relationship to become a real-life partnership between him and his co-star and now-wife, Marian Rivera. However, the 42-year old also added, “With regards to acting performances, I could say that in each and every role I portray, I make sure I challenge myself to be at the edge of that cliff where I am no longer comfortable, [so that I am able to] discover that in each sacrifice from my explorations as an artist, I gain something more inside, something [that] adds to the tricks inside my pocket. Kumbaga, lahat may marka sa aking puso at pagkatao.”
But apart from being one of the most notable names in showbiz, Dingdong is also a doting and proud father to kids Zia and Sixto. With the joy that fatherhood brings, he considers being a parent as the best job in the world. He believes that being present and creating meaningful and wonderful memories with the family, especially while his kids are still young, is truly important because having these experiences is what they will carry on for the rest of their lives.
The veteran actor
After about 25 years in the entertainment industry, it only makes sense that Dingdong has some tricks—or at least, some advice—up his sleeve.
It goes without saying that an actor who has remained relevant and influential over the years, especially in the prime age of social media, knows how to even stay relevant and influential to his audience. In Dingdong’s case, he’s even one of the most beloved actors in the industry. But how does one stay on that pedestal in the first place? “I would always focus on my own race. [I challenge] myself to evolve as an artist and grow as a person, and to always be my best and give my best in everything that I do. I also tell myself often that a good working attitude would trump talent [at] any given day. The skills can be learned and best actor awards can be forgotten, but how you treat people and build long-lasting quality relationships is timeless.”
The business owner
Hearing about an actor who has delved into the world of business is not something new. In fact, we may not be aware of it, but some restaurants we frequent and items we purchase are actually either franchised or owned by celebrities. And one of those who has entrepreneurship under his belt is Dingdong Dantes. From founding an organization called YesPinoy to launching Dingdong PH, he has continuously expanded his reach and influence to help his fellow Filipinos.
The YesPinoy Foundation, which has been up and running for more than a decade now, is one that was initially created to help bridge resource gaps in education. Eventually, the team realized the need to further push for climate change awareness, as well as disaster preparedness and relief in the country. He shared, “The scope of work grew by building resilience and responsible citizens in the country.”
Meanwhile, Dingdong PH, his own logistics and tech start-up company, came about after a personal delivery service experience for his wife Marian’s floral arrangement shop. Although the preparations to officially launch Dingdong PH were slowed down due to the global pandemic, Dingdong witnessed how their foundation’s partners still strived to get back up. This inspired them to fast track the launch of the business to be able to provide more job opportunities to those who needed it.
The actor-turned-businessman also shared how he is as a boss to his subordinates. According to Dingdong PH’s Chairman of the Board, “I do my best to empower people around me by giving them the opportunity to step up and become leaders. I also encourage participation in [the] decision-making processes and listen to my team’s opinion and insights. I do my best to show that I value their feedback and contribution to the company while keeping in sight the fulfillment of [our] vision.”
The modern gentleman
After a long day, it’s only a must for someone as busy as Dingdong to destress and relax. For the Family Feud game show host, working out is what he considers his “me time” so he could relax and calm himself down. Apart from this, he also enjoys going on rides with his friends from Euromonkeys, as well as spending quality time with his wife and kids. “As I end my day, I always make sure to spend time with my family and say a prayer with them,” he said.
This truly makes a modern gentleman as Dingdong knows how to not only balance work with his personal life, but he also does so in style. On a normal day, his personal style consists of three articles of clothing he can’t live without: a white shirt, a pair of jeans, and a really good pair of boots. Who says you need much to look and feel good accomplishing each task on your to-do list? Definitely not Dingdong Dantes.
With everything he has going on, it can get a bit difficult keeping up with Dingdong and all his shows and businesses. However, whether we like it or not, he continues to prove time and time again that he is more than just any actor we see on tv. Dingdong Dantes is one to grace our screens with his charming good looks and impeccable talent in acting and hosting, inspire and encourage us to step out of our comfort zones and do more for those around us, and show all of us that being a responsible, caring husband and father is something to be proud of. This jack of all trades is a true modern gentleman, indeed.
Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Grooming Direction MIA CASTRO
Styling MELVILLE SY and MAITA BAELLO OF STUDIO 24C
Grooming JUAN SARTE
Hair NELSON CRUZ, assisted by VICSON ANDREI SANTOS
Videography EXCEL PANLAQUE
Video Production REGINA ACERON
Shoot coordination KZ FRANCISCO and MJ ALMERO
Special thanks to BEYOND FLOWERS BY SABRINA
The post Man of All Hours: Dingdong Dantes is More Than Just Another Actor appeared first on MEGA.
Man of All Hours: Dingdong Dantes is More Than Just Another Actor
Source: Insta News Pinoy
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