Dingdong full speed ahead

Eighteen years in the business have rendered Dingdong Dantes more than a diamond in the rough. His career gleams brighter than ever, his heart is at the right place, and he never seems to back down from a challenge.

Just last March, he earned his Business Administration degree from West Negros University (WNU) in Bacolod. Due to a thriving showbiz career, it took Dingdong almost 16 years to earn his diploma — initially with Ateneo de Manila University in 1998 and then with WNU in 2012.

“Sometimes, you’d think it’s impossible to earn a diploma at my age, but age is never a hindrance,” he says brazenly. “If you really want it, you can do it. Not just with regards to education, it can be about anything. You just have to want it.”

For Dingdong, it’s important to “practice what you preach.” It’s for this very reason that he decided to earn his diploma despite the setbacks. Education is Dingdong’s primary advocacy, owing to his brainchild Yes Pinoy Foundation — an initiative he founded in 2009.

“I chose this advocacy because it’s the foundation of everything that you want to get yourself into. When you want to be successful at something, you will have to educate yourself on it first. Education doesn’t necessarily mean classroom teachings. It’s all about engaging yourself into the practical side of it.”

Is it imperative for actors to be involved in social causes? “It’s a calling,” he answers matter-of-factly. “It’s a choice that they want to make. If they feel that it’s not needed, it’s their choice. But I think it should be in everyone’s consciousness to always lend a helping hand.”

With a business degree in his arsenal, Dingdong has the world for the taking. “I plan to use it on my main business, which is show business, especially now that we’re producing the second part of Aswang Chronicles. It just falls perfectly into it.”

Dingdong has his own film studio which he named AgostoDos Pictures after his birthday, and co-owns a karaoke bar in Quezon City. This year, he invested in a car dealership business with a famous international brand.

“I love cars, so I decided to direct my interest and my passion into something that I believe will be very productive and successful in terms of economical reasons,” he shares his passion for the automotive industry. “I believe in the product so I decided to put my eggs in that basket.”

Although he admits to be fond of cars, Dingdong says he doesn’t attach himself too much to material things. “At the end of the day, they’re just cars, they’re just things. Pwede silang masira, pwedeng mawala. What I value most are relationships.”

True enough, Dingdong cherishes his long-time romance with girlfriend Marian Rivera. But Dingdong is not one to rush happy-ever-afters. “I guess the best consideration in tying the knot would be the right time,” he says, dispelling any rumor of sealed matrimony between him and Marian.

Still, Dingdong feels blessed to be in a relationship that’s anchored on love and longevity. What made him fall for Marian? It’s an easy response. “Her sweetness and thoughtfulness,” he answers almost instantly.

Over the years, the Kapuso Primetime King and Queen have grown inseparable on and off camera. They have done four TV projects together — Marimar, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang and My Beloved, and two film collaborations — You To Me Are Everything and One True Love.

Does he see himself working with his paramour anytime soon? “Yeah, why not! Sobrang excited ako to do that if it’s possible. Kaso nagkakataon rin na busy siya.” He adds that a rom-com would be a good addition to their onscreen partnership. “Something like that. Bagay sa kanya.”

But for now, Dingdong and Marian are on their own career-wise. Marian is busy with her upcoming self-titled dance show and Dingdong is working on the primetime drama series with none other than the Diamond Star herself, Maricel Soriano and Lovi Poe.

This series is unlike any other on TV — it’s interesting, it’s intriguing and it’s highly-relatable. Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real delves into the story of a man caught in a bigamous relationship with an older woman and a much younger flame.

Does age matter in a relationship? Dingdong says that it goes both ways. “It’s good na magkaiba kayo ng age because you learn from each other. Pero s’yempre, hindi rin siya nagiging advantageous kung hindi magkakaroon ng growth. If the younger one is stuck with being young, there’s really gonna be a problem later on.”

His character in the drama falls into the modern man archetype. “Si Anthony, he’s a successful engineer who knows what he wants in life. He’s okay with the things that are happening in his life. He likes challenges. He loves his family. Ayun yung mga gusto niya. Until he’s faced with a very difficult situation that he has to deal with.”

Dingdong says that playing Anthony is a big leap for him in terms of acting technique compared to his roles in the past. “It’s more realistic. It’s much more serious in all aspects. Anthony is more mature, in the sense that he has not just one, but two wives to love.”

Working with the Diamond Star also makes the drama series much more challenging. Dingdong is grateful to be given the chance to work with an actress her caliber, and he is quick to sing her praises.

“Sobrang galing at kahanga-hanga,” he says of Maricel, sharing how he was initially starstruck by her presence. “It’s a great experience. Each day is special because I learn so much from her. Yung pagiging artista niya, malalim. I respect her a lot because she really knows what she’s doing. Pag in character, in character talaga siya. Off-cam, she has a great sense of humor.”

In Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, he is also juxtaposed with another high-caliber actress, Lovi Poe. “Masaya rin ako na makasama ko siya ngayon because we have a certain rapport on screen, which will be easier for us because we already have a working relationship,” he says.

Dingdong and Lovi previously worked in Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles, a film project co-produced by GMA Films and Dingdong’s film outfit AgostoDos Pictures.

“The best thing about working on a soap like this is that I get to work with brilliant actors from different generations. Ang laking bagay para sa akin nun. With that, nakakagana talaga to work and to present something to our audience.”

His greatest influences: Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. “If they portray a certain character, you won’t see themselves in the role or characters they’ve portrayed in the past.” He also shares that he dreams of doing a biopic sometime in the very near future.

A stellar resumé with numerous acting awards is not enough to deter Dingdong from running at full speed. “It would be a great privilege to represent the country in an international award-giving body someday. It’s great to aim high.”