MANILA, Philippines - Juggling the demands of work and school can be very challenging. Especially in the busy world of showbiz, not many artists would still want to pursue their studies when they’re already successful in the business.
But for Kapuso actor, host and producer Dingdong Dantes, who is busy preparing for his upcoming international movie titled Dance of the Steelbars and is also currently taking up BS Technology Management in West Negros University (WNU) Bacolod, keeping a balanced career and education requires sacrifice.
“It’s important for me to earn a degree because I plan to pursue masters. Due to my busy work schedule, I only get to travel here in Bacolod to study once a month. So I’m very thankful with my school because they make it easy for me as a working student,†said Dingdong.
Just recently, Dingdong was in the city together with Max Collins and Julie Anne San Jose for the 20th Panaad Festival Opening. After the annual local dance contest, they staged a mini-concert party at the Panaad Park and Stadium last April 8 for all present Kapusong Negrenses who came from the province’s various cities and municipalities.
The actor admitted that the province of Negros is really close to his heart because aside from spending some of his free time studying in Bacolod, he revealed that he also has Ilonggo roots. “Malapit po talaga ang province ng Negros sa akin. Especially the Ilonggos because the family of my Mom is from Iloilo. That’s why I’ve always considered it as my second home.â€
Meanwhile last April 12, Indio’s Aljur Abrenica and Kakambal ni Eliana’s Chynna Ortaleza spiced up the Panaad festivities even more as they graced the Lin-Ay Sang Negros Pageant Night as guest singer and host, respectively. The following day, tween stars Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio bannered a Kapuso mall show in SM City Bacolod.
The full details of the network’s participation in the Panaad Festival will be featured in the weekly travelogue Let’s Fiesta via the network’s regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod and CDO.