Among the many roles that Kapuso actor-businessman Dingdong Dantes has played it’s being a father that he finds the most challenging and fulfilling.
“Fatherhood for me is the best job in the world. It is an everyday learning experience, filled with surprises, challenges and fulfillment,” says Dingdong who is happily married to Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.
Dingdong and Marian have two children, Zia and Sixto.
With its many responsibilities, Dingdong describes fatherhood as a role “bigger than one’s self” which has made him reassess his plans for the future.
Dingdong is currently seen in three of GMA Network’s top rating shows “Family Feud” (Mondays to Fridays at 5:45pm), Jose & Maria’s “Bonggang Villa” (Saturdays at 7:15pm) and “Amazing Earth” (Sundays at 5:20pm). But despite that, he knows what his number one priority is. “Simple. Family comes first.”
There are many wonderful joys that fatherhood brings. For Dingdong, it’s family bonding moments that he enjoys most with their kids.
“Our random road trips or kahit nasa bahay lang as long as magkakasama kami ay memorable. Nasa stage sila na very curious with everything they see and read kaya ang dami naming kwentuhan especially pag may mga roadtrip. Kapag nasa bahay naman, watching their favorite movies or kahit nagkukulitan lang while enjoying Marian's homecooked meals, sobrang saya na nun para sa amin,” Dingdong shared.
Like other families Dingdong’s was negatively affected by the pandemic. On one hand, it gave him the chance to spend more time with their children at home. “Seeing them grow before my eyes is the greatest highlight of being a father. ‘Yung nakikita ko ang development at achievements nila, ‘yun ang the best. Plus ‘yung “dada” every morning, random hugs and kisses, at facetime calls ‘pag nasa work ako are all very memorable.”
As a father, he describes his parenting style as a mix of both strict and play. Dingdong is also grateful for the valuable lessons in parenting he has learned from his children. He said Zia and Sixto taught him the value of quality time.
The actor dubbed “Kapuso Primetime King” is more than grateful that Marian is his partner because parenting is very challenging. Here's the full interview:
- What does fatherhood mean to you? Please describe yourself as a father.
Fatherhood for me is the best job in the world. It is an everyday learning experience, filled with surprises, challenges and fulfillment.
That’s why I am a mixed of both strict and play. I know how to have fun with Zia and Sixto, pero i also discipline them. Especially with Zia since she’s turning 7 in November.
But it’s really a role bigger than one’s self. It made me reassess my plans for the future. May pamilya akong dapat alagaan. May 2 bata na bukod sa nakasalalay sa akin ang kinabukasan ay tinitingala ako bilang isang role model.
- What highlight of being a father is most memorable to you?
Seeing them grow before my eyes. That's the greatest highlight of being a father. Although the Pandemic has negatively affected all of us, one of its upsides was we got the chance to spend more time with our family at home. I get to enjoy every moment of that with my kids. ‘Yung nakikita ko ang development at achievements nila, ‘yun ang the best.
Plus ‘yung “dada” every morning, random hugs and kisses, at facetime calls ‘pag nasa work ako are all very memorable.
- What are the things you learned from your parents that you want to instill in your kids too?
Simple. Family comes first.
- What family bonding moments do you enjoy the most with your kids?
Our random road trips or kahit nasa bahay lang as long as magkakasama kami ay memorable. Nasa stage sila na very curious with everything they see and read kaya ang dami naming kwentuhan especially pag may mga roadtrip. Kapag nasa bahay naman, watching their favorite movies or kahit nagkukulitan lang while enjoying Marian's homecooked meals, sobrang saya na nun para sa amin.
- What important life lessons have you taught your kids so far? What lessons have you learned from your kids?
I always tell them that it pays to be a good person. That they have to respect people around them regardless of their background and differences. I also teach them to share to those who are in need and to always be thankful for every blessing.
On the other hand, Zia and Sixto taught me the value of quality time. Mabilis lumaki ang mga bata kaya dapat sulitin. Kaya ngayon, less na ang screen at work time ko especially when i am with them.
- What are your thoughts on single parenthood? Can you imagine yourself being one?
Being a parent is very challenging. Single parenting pa kaya. Kaya naman i admire those who can do it and try to do it, salute to them. I cannot imagine myself being in their position. That’s why I am so grateful to have Marian as my partner in life.
- What's the greatest legacy you want to leave your children?
The love that I give to them, the values that I impart, and the body of work that i really worked hard for - those are the legacy that i want to leave for my children.
- What's the greatest happiness you get from your kids?
Marian and I’s greatest happiness is to see our kids grow up as happy, independent and well-mannered persons.