CEBU, Philippines - GMA 7 brought in a handful of its stars for a mall show at the Ayala Terraces in celebration of its 60th anniversary, but it’s safe to say that it was the presence of the Dongyan loveteam that pulled in the 15,000-strong crowd who gathered at the venue, undeterred by that night’s downpour.
The most anticipated tandem of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera was the last to arrive at the nearby Café Laguna restaurant, which was bustling with activity inside as Kapuso talents came in after the other. It was crazier outside with fans elbowing each other so they could peer into the glass windows and catch a glimpse of the “Endless Love” cast comprised of Dingdong and Marian, Dennis Trillo, Nadine Samonte and Marco Alcaraz. Also there were child star Jillian Ward of “Trudis Liit”, the singing trio La Diva, Public Affairs hosts Tonipet Gaba and Roxanne Barcelo of the kiddie art show “Art Angel”, Mike Nacua of “Ilumina”, as well as Monica Verallo and Andrea Torres of “Ka-Blog”.
Dingdong, who currently plays Johnny Dizon in the Philippine remake of the Korean hit “Endless Love”, had just turned 30 years old last August 2nd. Hitting 30 doesn’t faze the actor; in fact, he said he’s looking forward to accomplishing a lot more in his career and personal life in the next few years. A political stint or wedding coming anytime soon, perhaps?
“Wala pa naman. Pinag-aaralan ang mga bagay na yan, at tsaka enjoy ako sa showbiz. Ang kasal anytime, pero ang politika, pinag-aaralan ‘yan,” mused GMA 7’s top leading man.
He celebrated his birthday with a dinner party at his home organized by his girlfriend. “Si Marian yung nag-arrange ng caterer, siya yung nag-imbita. Hindi naman siya surprise na wala akong alam, pero hindi na nga lang ako nagpunong-abala. Kasi, kapag tumatanda ka na, ayaw mo nang masyadong mag-abala. Family niya at mga kaibigan dumating. For me, enough na yun.”
Asked what his birthday wish was, Dingdong replied: “Pagdating mo ng 30 years old, may konting crisis at sana ma-guide ako sa maayos na direction sa career at personal life ko. Sana mabigyan lang ako ng strength at i-lead ako sa tamang direksyon na matupad lahat ng mga plano ko, kasi sobrang dami. I just need clarity of mind and strength.”
In the previous months, there have been brief news items of Dingdong being spotted shooting something at the Cebu Provincial Jail, but his contract stipulated that all details should be hush-hush until given the go-signal for a proper announcement.
But after being announced last Sunday at “Party Pilipinas”, it’s now out in the open that Dingdong is set to be seen in an international indie movie titled “Dance of the Steel Bars”, together with Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin (co-star of Julia Roberts in “Sleeping with the Enemy”) and other Filipino actors. This was directed by GMA 7 veteran news reporter Cesar Apolinario and Marnie Manicad.
Dingdong portrays a dance instructor who is jailed and definitely, one of the scenes to watch out for is his dance showdown with the world-famous, Youtube wonder known as the Cebu Dancing Inmates. He is in his element here because before he dabbled into acting, he was once a lanky member of the Abztract Dancers.
His active involvement and vocal endorsement during the recent national elections had since seen him hounded with queries if he will join the bandwagon of celebrities moonlighting as politicians. Dingdong has consistently reasoned that he’d like to focus his energy on his strengths, which is “ang kakayahan ko sa industriya ng pag-arte at pagho-host.”
Even if he’s visible in cause-oriented and government activities, Dingdong said that back in college at Ateneo de Manila University as an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts major, he wasn’t really active with the student government. But since celebrity has given him the power to mobilize and influence, he has since done his part as a concerned citizen. He has served for the National Youth Commission, the Department of Education and a couple of NGOs. Last August 21, 2009, he founded Yes Pinoy Foundation, a non-government organization that will provide educational scholarships to the underprivileged youth.
“I choose to concentrate muna sa pag-arte kasi it’s a rare opportunity. Ang hirap mag-concentrate ng maraming bagay. Itong mga bagay na ito, ginagawa ko lang kasi I feel it’s also our duty as citizens na makialam kahit papaano. But it doesn’t have to be in a government position. Lahat naman tayo, we have to do our own duties may posisyon man or wala,” he said.
Often, when newbie actors are asked who among this generation’s male personalities they’d like to emulate, Dingdong’s name is a favorite. How does he feel about his younger colleagues wanting to follow in his footsteps?
“I would like to think na I did something right. It’s a challenge na hindi ako dapat magkamali. Pero hindi naman siya masasabing pressure dahil wala namang peke sa mga kinikilos o ginagawa ko.”