MANILA, Philippines - In a man’s everyday life, it is not what he takes up but what he gives up that makes him rich. And knowing fully that to whom much is given, much is expected, Dingdong Dantes proves that, indeed, he is a no non-sense guy.
At 29, it is undeniable that the world, so to speak, is at Dingdong’s feet. Dingdong, who landed in third spot as one of Entertainment Tonight’s 25 Sexiest Men in the World, is a bankable star. His mother network, GMA-7, makes sure a telemovie is in the offing long before the ending of his current one. His face graces many a billboard all over the country. Advertisers get him to endorse their products because in market research, his name is on top of the mind of consumers.
Even with fame and fortune, Dingdong has remained sincerely grounded. He takes care of himself well but he also knows how to take care of others. It is in being a man for others – a virtue he probably learned from Ateneo de Manila University where he took up Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts – that he has decided to make a difference in other people’s lives. This dream is taking shape when he put up recently Yes Pinoy!, a foundation that aims to give college education to the children of soldiers who died in battle.
“My advocacy revolves around the youth, education, and service. That is how Yes Pinoy! was formed. We intend to provide college education to the children of fallen Marines. It is also the foundation’s positive battle cry to say YES to a brighter future for our youth, YES to a fulfilled dream,” Dingdong says enthusiastically.
His advocacy was probably roused early on when he was playing with his G.I. Joe toys and his favourite toy guns when he was three, the age he began his love affair with the klieg lights when he started doing commercials. Perhaps, being the commander of his toy army, he realized early in life the need to give of himself all the more.
Even with his very hectic schedule – he just finished a movie, Kimmydora, just launched a DVD album, and he’s now busy shooting for his next soap, Stairway to Heaven – Dingdong knows how to give himself to the people very close to his heart. His parents, his three siblings and his “loved one” remain the source of his ultimate joy. Last Aug. 2, Dingdong says, when he was ready to celebrate his very low-key birthday with them, he was surprised because they arranged “this most unique birthday party” for him.
“Their effort, the fun they created and their sincerity are priceless,” Dingdong – who has a very un-showbiz name in real life, Jose Sixto Gonzales Dantes III – says of the surprise party given to him by his loved ones. “This year, I wish to find real reasons why I am given such talent and opportunity, and improve on them,” says Dingdong, who is also itching to dip his hand again into directing. He directed two years ago an episode titled “Daddy’s Angel” in the trilogy “Angels.” If in the future Dingdong leaves centerstage and concentrates on working behind the camera, he will definitely prove to be a competent director. After all, as an artist, he is not lackadaisical in honing his craft.
When the subject of his love for his family is brought to the fore, Dingdong becomes unstoppable. “I would dive to rock bottom and climb instantly to the top for my family,” he says.
He adds heartily, “I make it a point to be with my family at least once a week, whether I am busy or not. More than conversations over meals, it is in doing activities together that strengthens our bond… like playing our favorite Pinoy Henyo, a guessing game.”
Dingdong is very happy that his parents taught him fear of the Lord, value for family and finding truth in everything. His siblings taught him how to find happiness even in the most simple of things.
What about his love life? How has romance inspired him to be what he is now? “My ‘love’ life added a supreme element to the reason while I should live my life to the fullest nowadays,” Dingdong says. In fact, he adds, “I begin my day by talking to God’s ‘most beautiful creation.’ And I end it by thanking Him for the beautiful and not so beautiful things that I have encountered during the day.”
With all these things happening in Dingdong’s life, he still finds time to be an entrepreneur. He has put up food and entertainment businesses but he is quick to admit: “The entrepreneur in me is always saying that I am the product. Therefore, I should make it a point to always strive to excel in the chosen industry. I should never have room for complacency.”
Dingdong is known in the industry as one of the most professional of actors. He works hard but he also knows how to relax. “With my hectic schedule,” he says, “I see to it that I get to run at least twice a week to let go of the stress. Sleep and a good massage can accompany an entertaining DVD marathon, too. Food tripping is another remedy to relaxation, especially if it is Persian food, coupled with my favourite liquor.”
The matinee idol is bent on finding more relaxation as he also wishes “to connect to the cyber world and learn how to enjoy it.” He is serious about learning about this world as he is in the process of putting up the website for his Yes Pinoy!, the foundation that further defines Dingdong as a man, the advocacy that verifies why he matters all the more now.