Kapuso fans worldwide celebrated “Dingdong Dantes Kapuso Day,” as Box Office and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes renewed his contract with GMA Network on May 9.

For 28 years, Dingdong Dantes has traversed a remarkable journey with the Kapuso Network. From a heartthrob to a matinee idol and now an acclaimed actor and host, Dingdong credits the Kapuso Network for his growth in the industry. He expressed his astonishment at the vast strides his career has taken on the Kapuso platform.

"Hindi ko talaga inexpect na aabot ako rito ng ganun katagal sa GMA. Now I see these opportunities as chapters. So clearly yung dancing, isang mahalagang chapter yun sa buhay ko," Dingdong said during an interview after signing the contract.

(I didn't expect to make it this long in GMA. Now, I see these opportunities as chapters. So clearly, dancing is an important chapter in my life.)

"Many other chapters followed that. Andyan yung pagpasok ko sa TV, sa pelikula, pag-host. Pati sa personal ang daming kinalaman ang GMA rito. Nagsisimula naman ang cycle. Definitely this is a new chapter in my professional life.

(That's when I entered TV, film, and hosting. Even personally, GMA has a lot to do with it. The cycle begins.)

"Noong tumuntong ako rito, kampante naman ako na ito talaga ang aking magiging tahanan ko kasi higit kalahati ng buhay mo ay naka dedicate rito pati oras," Dingdong said.

(When I entered GMA, I was satisfied that this would be my home because more than half of my life is dedicated here.)

The award-winning actor stated that GMA could be his career-long home.

"Our working relationship with GMA is good and very clear. I'm here as a talent and collaborator. At the same time, GMA is genuinely interested in and concerned about talent's career growth.

"So wherever I can grow, for example, they allow me to film with other producers and networks. That's something I'm grateful for," Dingdong said.

New chapter

Dingdong mentioned that he is excited about what lies ahead for him in GMA Network.

"Under new chapter, kung ano yung existing, magpapatuloy yung Family Feud gabi-gabi, Amazing Earth magpapatuloy. Something to watch out for is The Voice Kids. Nandyan pa yung mga teleserye na pwede kong gawin but I'm not sure kung this year. And then movie collaborations with GMA Pictures. So marami. Napaka-exciting. Masaya ako dahil mas dumarami ang platform ng GMA. Mas lumalaki at tumitibay ang mga platform nila," he said.

"Under the new chapter, Family Feud will continue every night, and Amazing Earth will continue. Something to watch out for is The Voice Kids. 

"There are still teleseryes that I can do, but I'm not sure if this year. And then movie collaborations — so many. I'm happy because GMA's platform is getting bigger and stronger," the actor said.

Running for office

Dingdong stated that he does not have any plans of joining politics as it is not part of his current mission.

"Again sabi ko nga, may kanya kanya tayong way of serving. Para sa akin malinaw talaga na ito (showbiz) ang trabaho ko," he said.

The actor revealed that he had turned down previous offers to run for office, stating that his goals in life were apparent.

"Meron din (offers) in the past. But clear ang goal ko. For me, ito (showbiz) ang mission ko na kailangan kong gawin," he added.

Dingdong said he's also active with non-government organizations like Aktor, a non-profit, non-stock organization of Filipino actors and actresses in film, TV, and the theater industry. The organization offers projects and activities related to education, mental health, and regional outreach programs for its members' welfare.

"Lahat naman tayo ay darating sa point na we will think public service for our community. Iba't-ibang paraan yan. May iba kasi na gustong gumawa ng higit pa and I guess doon ako pumapasok. Mahalaga sa akin ang community kung nasaan ako, and that is the community of the entertainment industry.

"I think malaki ang naitulong nito sa aking pagkatao. This is my profession. Kung ano man ang pwede kong maibigay sa community of actors in terms of whatever time I have, then I will do it. We get to help one another kapag may challenges. Since we are organized, we can be there for one another if needed," Dingdong said.

Family time

Dingdong, 43, expressed his excitement about spending quality time with his wife, Marian Rivera, and their kids, Zia and Sixto, during their recent visit to the US.

"Ang lahat ng ito ay naka-sentro sa aking pamilya. Yun ang pinaka-importante na mabigyan ko sila ng oras. Hindi lang basta-basta oras kundi quality time. Kung alam ko na may sapat akong quality time sa kanila, that means kaya ko ng ibigay ang sarili ko sa iba. Hindi lang sa trabaho kundi sa ano pang pwedeng gawin.

"All of this is centered on my family. Time is the most important thing that I can give them. Not just time but quality time. If I know I have enough quality time with them, I give myself to others in work and what else can be done.

"First time pala namin lalabas na talagang kami lang at walang trabaho. Minsan sinasabay ko yung family trip kung may official work.

(It's our first time going out alone and without work. Sometimes, I accompany the family on a trip if there's official work.)

"Masaya dahil nasa tamang edad na sila (children) to appreciate. Nagbonding talaga kaming apat at feeling ko naging close silang magkapatid. Walang kaming agenda or deadline basta gagawin lang namin kung ano ang gusto naming gawin.

(I'm happy because they (children) are at the right age to appreciate. The four of us have bonded and my kids have become close siblings. We don't have an agenda or a deadline (during our vacation). We do what we want to do," he recalled.

Present at the significant event were GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable. Representing PPL Entertainment was its President and CEO, Perry Lansigan.

The contract signing event was also attended by Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sales and Marketing Group Lizelle G. Maralag, Senior Vice President for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista, and Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.

Also joining the grand “Dingdong Day” were Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Vice President for Business Development Department I Cheryl Ching-Sy, Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, Consultant for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon, Vice President for Business Development Department III Gigi Santiago-Lara, First Vice President for GMA International Joseph Jerome T. Francia, Vice President for Sparkle GMA Artist Center Joy C. Marcelo, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Enri Calaycay, Assistant Vice President for Drama Helen Rose S. Sese, and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.