Beyond the spotlight: Here's why Dingdong Dantes is committed to service

June 13 ------ Award-winning actor Dingdong Dantes owes a big part of his success to the people who paved the way for him. Now that he has the means, he feels the need to give back. In an interview with Bianca Gonzalez for her Paano Ba To? podcast, the actor recalled how his life was changed by the generosity of other people.

“As a student, beneficiary kasi ako ng maraming tao na nagpaaral sa akin, aside from my parents who [were] very hardworking parents at the time,” he said. “Medyo hindi (naging) sapat ‘yung kinikita (ng parents ko) para ma-sustain ‘yung education ko kasi they chose to put me in a school na medyo mataas ‘yung tuition. So may risk of not continuing studies. But literally, there was a pool of people, parang community talaga, na [nagtulungan para makapagtapos ako],’” he added.

The support and trust that he gained from those people continuously inspires him to be of service to others. “Wala ako rito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa mga [taong] naniwala (sa akin). I told myself na kung magkaroon ng opportunity na maibalik ko, kahit sa isang tao lang, ‘yung impact na binigay sa'kin ng mga taong ito, gagawin ko,” he said.

Dingdong’s contributions as an actor go beyond the hit shows and blockbuster movies under his belt. He always makes sure to maximize his platform, in hopes of making a difference to other people’s lives. When asked why he is passionate about this mission, he emphasized that he acknowledges his obligations as a public figure. “I try to be aware about this platform that I have been given,” he said. “Siyempre the influence that comes with it, the opportunities that come with it, the challenges and even the limitations. So I try to be aware." "Pero siyempre kasama nung awareness na ‘yun ay ‘yung recognition that there is a certain level of responsibility that comes with it, and also accountability,” he added.

For him, the job of an actor has a deeper purpose. “Kapag nga tinatanong, ‘pag artista ba ano ba ang kahulugan? Ano ba ang ambag? Ano ba ang ginagawa?’ Tingin ko it’s not just about performing, it’s also about empowering, it’s also about inspiring. And parang nabanggit ko kanina, it’s also about shaping perspectives through the stories that we tell,” he said.

Dingdong currently serves as the chairman of Aktor PH — a foundation that is committed to “empowering Filipino actors to uplift their craft,” according to its website. It was founded in 2020. In 2023, he became part of the board of trustees of Mowelfund or Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. Founded in 1974 by former actor and president Joseph Estrada, the foundation focuses on helping the “marginalized workers” in the film industry. In 2009, Dingdong also founded the YesPinoy Foundation Inc. According to its website, its primary focus is “education, and assistance for out-of-school youth and children of fallen soldiers.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com