AFTER more than two decades, Kapuso Primetime king Dingdong Dantes has once again affirmed his loyalty to GMA Network during the renewal of his contract on Monday.
“I’ve been here for 21 years…higit kalahati ng buhay ko sa GMA. Dito ko nakilala ‘yung asawa ko, siyempre kinasal kami, nagkaroon ng panganay, at ngayon nagkaroon ng pangalawang anak. Practically lahat ng highlights ng buhay ko, dito na nangyari. GMA is definitely part of my life,” Dingdong shared.
Present during the signing and media conference were GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; President of GMA Worldwide, Inc. and GMA Network Films, Inc. Atty. Annette Gozon Valdes; Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Chief Risk Officer and First Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Program Support Department Regie C. Bautista; Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie A. Magno; Vice President for Business Development and Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon; Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar; Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz; GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso; Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Senior Program Managers Ali Nokom Dedicatoria, Cathy Ochoa Perez, and Mildred Natividad; and Dingdong’s manager Perry Lansigan.
More than his magnetic charm and undeniably attractive looks, it is Dingdong’s commitment towards public service and genuine love for his craft that makes him an industry royal in his own right.
This latest contract renewal paves way for a deeper partnership between Dingdong and the Network. As a way of showing his gratitude and appreciation to GMA, and his dedicated fans, he will be taking on a more vigorous participation not just on-screen, but also behind the scenes as a creative consultant of his shows. With this, he hopes to share what he has learned through his years as a Kapuso.
Currently, he is the host of top-rating infotainment program, “Amazing Earth,” and is standing in as the host of weekly drama anthology show, “Tadhana.” He will also take on the iconic role of Captain Lucas or Big Boss in GMA’s highly-anticipated adaptation of the hit Korean series, “Descendants of the Sun.”
Dingdong is also an active advocate of nation-building and social movements that empower the Filipino Volunteer Sector. He is the founding chairman of YesPinoy Foundation, an institution which partners with several organizations that promote education, disaster preparedness, battling climate change, and more. The said foundation will celebrate its 10th anniversary later this year.
During the contract signing, Atty. Gozon expressed his gratitude towards Dingdong’s unwavering loyalty to the Kapuso Network, “Dingdong is truly one of our home-grown talents. He embodies what GMA stands for: quality, professionalism, integrity and above all, heart. In everything he does, he excels. Whether it’s in acting, producing, hosting or directing, ibinibigay talaga ni Dingdong ang kaniyang buong puso” he said.
Mr. Duavit, on the other hand, had nothing but praises for the Kapuso star, “Si Dong ang one of the very first na lumagda ng exclusive contract with us. And now, parang nagbabalik tanaw tayo. There’s a great sense of happiness and pride kasi bukod sa hindi siya nagbago, bagamat ang laki na ng itinaas ni Dingdong dito sa industriya, he has remained the same – very humble, very professional, very conscientious, loyal as an actor and as a friend. Lalo na ngayon, padre de pamilya na siya. Time really flies and it’s great to continue working with a person who has remained to be an example to everybody.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Valdes also praised Dingdong, dubbed as GMA’s son, for his long list of accomplishments and professional contributions to the network, “Dingdong has accomplished so many things here in GMA during his career. I become a witness to many of those, from being the best leading man in the country, to being a legitimate movie star, to being a director also to being a producer. Makikita mo ‘yong dedication and love niya sa kaniyang career and profession and of course also to GMA and we’re very thankful for that. Isa siyang tunay na Kapuso through and through.”
Rasonable also voiced her admiration for the Kapuso actor. “Magkasabay kami halos na nagsimula dito sa GMA. Kaya masasabi ko talagang nakakagalak na makita siya mag-develop as an actor, as a director, as a producer, and as a family man. He’s such a versatile actor, so ang sarap niyang gawan ng iba’t ibang characters kasi kayang-kaya niya. Every time you see him on screen, may bagong napapanood sa kanya,” she shared./PN
