Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for people to wear many hats, even for someone like Dingdong Dantes, who has already made a name for himself as one of the most prominent actors in show business.
From acting at the very young age of three to taking part in several local TV series and 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. Dingdong got his first acting gig at only three years old, when he appeared in a milk TV commercial. According to the actor, “I was told that I was 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 in quite often 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 several 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. This, he believes, strengthened his interest in the arts.
He recalls, “This exercise of performing on stage, with all the lights, smoke, and fanfare, validated my interest for the arts. I had first stepped onstage as a theater performer back in grade school.”
While dancing may have been the fuse that lit his burning passion for performing, Dingdong considers landing the role of Iñaki Torres in 1997, on the youth TV drama T.G.I.S., 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 comes as no surprise that Marimar (2007-2008) is at the top of that list. Besides, this was the show that prompted what was initially an on-screen relationship to become a reallife partnership between him and his co-star and now-wife, actress Marian Rivera.
The 42-year old actor also adds, “With regard 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 clif f where I am no longer comfortable, and I make sure that in each sacrifice I make for 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, are truly important because they will all carry these experiences 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. For young actors, he has these words of wisdom to share: “Number one: do not follow. Be way better than I am. Two, in whatever career you aspire for, you have to be 100% committed—committed to learn, grow, and become better each and every day. And three, all these would require a lot of hard work.”
It goes without saying that Dingdong knows how to stay relevant and influential to his audience. In fact, he’s still one of the most beloved actors in the industry. But how does one stay on that pedestal? “I would always focus on my own
race,” he replies. “I challenge myself to evolve as an artist and grow as a person, and I always aim to 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 how you build long-lasting quality relationships are 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 have entrepreneurship under their belt is Dingdong Dantes. From founding an organization called YesPinoy Foundation 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 awareness, as well as disaster preparedness and disaster relief in the country. He shares, “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 Marian’s personal experience in dealing with a delivery service for her flower shop. Although the preparations to officially launch Dingdong PH were slowed down due to the 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.
Dingdong, who is the chairman of the board, says, “Dingdong PH enshrines excellence and professional malasakit. We take care not only of the packages we deliver straight to your doorstep, but also of the people who take care of the packages.”
The actor-turned-businessman also shares how he is as a boss to his subordinates: “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.” Apart from this, he also enjoys going on motorcycle rides with his friends from a group called Euro Monkeys, 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 reveals.
This truly makes a modern gentleman: someone who knows how to balance work with his personal life, and how to do it 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 while accomplishing each task on your to-do list? Definitely not Dingdong Dantes.
“I follow a modern-rugged look, with a white shirt as a staple outfit,” he says about his everyday style.
With everything he has going on, it can get a bit difficult to keep 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 graces our screens with his charming good looks and impeccable talent in acting and hosting. He also inspires and encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and do more for those around us. Through the years, he has proven that being a responsible, caring husband and father is something to be proud of. Dingdong Dantes is a true, modern gentleman, indeed.