Dingdong on becoming his best self- for his family, his craft, his community and country
Welcome to another conversation of the clock. Hi, I’m Carmina Constantino Torres and this is Casy Afters. You felt joy while performing . And actually that’s the same type of joy I also get every day when I go up the stage, when I emerge from the family field stage. It’s the same feeling I get that first that first time.
Mm. So I can’t forget that. That was the point where I took him seriously because I had a deeper reason. There’s a deeper objective behind why I’m there. I said, I hope one day there will come a point where they will really look up and be proud. This is my job. This is honorable work. Ah, I’m happy doing this and I want to do it for the rest of my life.
Being in media, the platform we have is also unique. And I think that’s a very, very powerful tool that really needs to be respected and nurtured. The bottom line here is that we are all humans and more importantly, we are all Filipinos. For me, that’s really the worst kind of evil. But most of all, of course, I listen to my wife.
No matter what my wife says, I believe in my wife’s instincts. What is clear to me, what is uh in my heart right now um is that I want to serve my community. His start was an almost textbook beginning. He entered the industry by appearing in commercials, went on to become a teen star, then on to becoming one of the country’s most bankable man.
But he’s not just an actor. He is a producer, director, and leader of the industry he belongs to. Besides being a husband and father. a pretty perfect formula to just wait for the other sho to drop but not with ding dong dant because with every single thing he does the more time and intention and purpose he has which only tells me that the answers are in and the survey says he’s in this for the long haul joining us today ding dong dant ding dong dantes in the podcast thanks for making time [clearing throat] for us thanksmina that’s great I mean I know how
busy you are and it’s heartbreaking that you’re here no matter what and apologies know it’s been a long time since it happened but sorry it’s really busy yeah the schedules on the TV series are overlapping like that parenting or ‘didn’t that’s one thing that people should know about you if they don’t already know when you say something you mean it or that’s why I just waited I’m not pressuring just wait He said yeah let’s just wait.
Yes, that’s right, it seems like it was last year, but it seems like I’m repeating it [laughs], it was last year, no, but really, thanks, thanks. Yes, yes, so what if it was last year, maybe I didn’t wish you a happy 30th birthday. Hey, you did some research too, I see who has what, line after line . Yes. 30 years. So we know the beginning, right? Started off commercials eventually.
You know, you’re a big star now. But when, if you can pinpoint it, when did Ding Dong Dantis become serious about the craft, the industry, what he could share? I started when I was 3 years old. Uh, I did commercials until I was probably around seven. Then, there’s an awkward stage when casting happens, like I don’t want to because it’s embarrassing for preteens to become teens.
Ah so but the early part of that childhood um I knew that um I was coming to terms with it. And maybe um early on I knew I seemed to have a certain um comfort level when in front of the camera. Yes. Cow. Yes. It’s probably like a matic because my aunts also train me when there’s a party. Or you’re right, what are you doing there, perform there.
I’m a gamer. The game is a bit childish. But then, of course, when you become a teenager, you seem to become a little shy somehow. Um and when I reached about 16 years old m um I was introduced by my cousin to this dance group. the abstract abstract dancers. So I said he was doing it there, but you were really dancing.
No, nothing really, as in, maybe trying to dance but not or that you had the rhythm you had the beat, like yes but not to be a dancer, right? It seems like that. Our acquaintance was in that setting. Come watch me. Look at my performance in Okay. So that was the first instance. Yes. That’s the first instance.
So I stood on the stage in front of what was behind the camera, it stinks, he’s welcome, stop outside, they dance well, my cousin Arthur dances well. Then after that dance number he said, “What do you want to try?” So I said, ” How can I not know?” No, just come and join me. So, okay? I mean, I’m 16 years old and I don’t do anything else but school.
” Okay, let me just try. So I tried. Mm. Said, “Oh, you’ll be ready tomorrow.” There’s something, there’s something, there’s a show. There’s just a show. Okay. Oh, that’s fine . I said it was just a game. So I was in trouble because I said I would show this on TV because my classmates might be mad at me too.
I said, “It’s up to you.” So there we go, let’s go out. When I got on stage, I danced. Then I said, “That feels good.” It’s like something is different, something is different, the adrenaline is different, the euphoria is different, you feel a certain joy when performing. And actually that’s the same type of joy I also get every day when I go up the stage when I emerge from the family field stage.
It’s the same feeling I get. That’s that first that first time. So I can’t forget that. So you entered okay, 3 years old, you’ve kind of forgotten that. Seven in your teens. Was there a fear of being rejected by your peers, but is there also rejection built into the industry because were casting calls and auditions trendy during your time or not? Yes.
In fact um my first show um was because of an audition which I attended. They were casting for a character for this um youth oriented weekly show. So I said what is that show so that’s it so I said what is that TGIS you know what I said I said yes I know I watch it because my idol is Bobby Andrew yes not because the characters are cool eh ‘ is it okay is it like yes is it cool I mean that show is really back then I really liked that show yeah so I went there for the audition t’s reading me I didn’t have any expectations really I just read it. Okay. Then okay the
usual we call you get back to you? Yes. So then I got the call back. So have you ever been rejected for a role or not? Oh yes, there is. maybe rejected um not in the sense that I auditioned for it but because uh I expected uh because it was promised something like that. And how do you how does a ding dong dantis deal with a promise that was not Oh, devastated devastated.
Of course I was young back then. I didn’t really understand the reasons why, of course you’re hoping, isn’t it like this is your ultimate dream as a young guy, you seem to want to achieve it but it has n’t been fulfilled. Mm. But later on, of course, as you get older, it’s probably better not to. When was the turning point? If you can if there’s one turning point where he’s not just, “Oh, you’re having fun.
” He’s no longer just the one who has fun, but you’ve become serious, oh I can give more of myself here and this is who I am now. I think that was when I realized that um you are right that there is a greater reason why why I was put there in the first place. Because I was really just playing around with dancing then when I was in TJIS until Anakarina, the Sunday show was on.
So I feel like this is just a game and then I see them being serious. I said I’d still study . So what is this? Um but then came the point that I felt growing up that uh it wasn’t really it wasn’t easy to raise kids and uh bring them to uh schools and high schools. Just like me and my siblings. We are five siblings.
Wow. So I said it seems like there’s a point that I’ve felt and that I’ve witnessed as well. My parents are also having a hard time supporting me in continuing my studies. So the point also came where he seemed to wonder, should we continue here? We will move him. So I just took the initiative and said I’ll try because since I’m earning money again, I’ll help you at least for my own tuition so you won’t have to understand me because I have other siblings. Yes.
So that was the point that I was jealous of him because I had a deeper reason . There’s a deeper objective behind why I’m there. So I said, “Okay, I’ll make it better because he’s not just for me. Of course I want to help you because of everything you’ve given me, for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me, I said okay, just try.
” Mm that framing and that mindset have also changed. So I gradually started to love the job. I gradually understood why things are this way. This is how the process is. To the point that I really loved him so much that I studied him. I mean, it really seems like I studied it further at college.
Uh, I asked, I got mentored by the directors. Ah, I said, “Wow! That sounds great. This industry is so great.” And listening to you, Dingdong. It seems like it happened at a moment when you removed yourself from the situation. you then figured out that okay this is not just for me for the one I love in life but what came out is that you also loved yourself more because it unlocked a lot of things further knowledge further caring not just for yourself but for the people that you love it seems like it became something it became a key that something was opened
yes something was opened yeah there really is it It seems like that’s it looking back I said oh my dream then what is it ah soldier that’s why there are soldiers. Is there a basketball player or pilot, that’s what they say, but how could it be if I didn’t discover it? So I’m just so grateful that um you know the doors were opened and I think it just needed one person to believe in me.
That’s all it takes to open the door, maybe even just one person who believed in you and let you in. So I won’t waste it. I said, “Okay, I’ll improve this as much as I can.” And who were these people who mentored you along the way? Yes, a lot. Um, just in the dance group, of course our manager, Kuya Zai, was there.
I’m at GMA um all uh the leaders there GMA who believed in me of course my manager is Perry Lan and my colleagues now even in those daily decisions even not in grand gestures e the small people who believe in me it seems like when you compound that you become stronger your heart eh ‘ it seems like more validated ah okay it’s okay what you’re doing you’re in the right place you’re you’re on the right track but but was it ever a chase Was it ever a dream to be chased? Because it’s not like you were just okay, you found yourself here and then you
found yourself here and then you realize oh I love it. Yes. It seems like he comes naturally if there’s a chase, not a change in stature. He doesn’t change into a tangible or a physical thing that I want to touch or possess or achieve. But it’s really more of a feeling, a proud feeling. I said that when I was young, I looked down on artists, on those who danced on TV.
I said, I hope one day there will come a point where they will really look up to them and be proud of who they are, not just the ones who look on, but the people who do it. They will be proud that this is my job. This is honorable work. Ah, I’m happy doing this and I want to do it for the rest of my life. You said it didn’t just come, it wasn’t as if you were chasing a dream but in the process you had to let go of other dreams.
Just like you said, being a pilot, a soldier, a basketball player. There’s still a lawyer. Lawyer. Yes. That’s a lot too, right? Of course, of course. But that’s really the pilot. But do you live now with regret or not? No. No. Um, of course you can’t help but think, what if that were the case? And you know the truth is um through my roles I am able to uh step on the shoes of these characters.
Even the characters, at least you can somehow feel what it is like to be in their shoes. Maybe you can say, ” Okay, that’s right, but maybe not because you can do everything.” Oh no, you can’t do everything. It’s not like there’s no basketball, we’re just a little hesitant about that.
Seriously? You’re not playing? Playing but not just not good, maybe you’re like a bad rebounder. You got it. Yes, rebound. I don’t wear it anymore. Just rebound and sing. Anyway, with everything that you just told us, Ding Dong, there’s one thing that really stands out and it’s that you’re so involved in whatever it is that you do outside of, you know, your personal life in in show business, outside of show business as well, you’re also involved in in a way that you really care where this country is going. Mmm. Why aren’t you
afraid to say that this is what I believe, this is what I want to happen in the country, others would just keep quiet because it might have an impact on your career but not you. First of all, I think we should all be like that. meaning when we see something we think we know it’s not right, right? We have the right to speak, right? But we don’t all have the same platforms, and like being in the media, the platform we have is also different.
And I think that’s a very, very powerful tool that really needs to be respected and nurtured. But he’s not just about saying what you want to say. I think it’s also about listening to what’s happening. It’s also about uh getting feedback. It’s also about just feeling um what is really happening to society? It seems like he’s not just one way. Yes.
Does it seem okay where we are? It seems like he doesn’t see any difference in his work because when you act on a set, you give something. So that’s your truth. Mm. M so thate as a cenun is my truth but as a performer this is my truth. And for a scene to work, I have to listen to someone’s truth and we’ll create a scene, like, and then the magic starts when we understand each other, when we see each other, and then there are dynamics and you can create a story. Mm.
So it seems that I also see it that way. Mm. And when and why should it be in situations that, let’s say, involve things that affect that can affect us as citizens. It seems like my first concern is, how will this affect me as a person? Second, how will this affect my family as a unit? Um, and everything is not just for Marian but for my children.
How will this affect my community on that level? And in my case, it is the entertainment industry and you know the actors community. M and finally how will he affect the country in general and if it cuts across all these layers and dimensions and then the answer is yeah I think it is the proper time to say something. Mmm. And it’s just about saying it.
Um, not for nothing, just for nothing, just for at least, at least your perspective will be seen and hopefully, at least, someone will hear it and maybe, hey, and maybe if they see it, hey, there’s a point and then we will consider it. But without any expectations, hey that I’m always right. It’s wonderful what you said about, you know, in a way, knowing each other’s truths and understanding.
You said earlier that he’s not one-sided. We know what we’ve been through in recent years, where it seems like all these conversations are happening in silos that don’t cross over to understand the other side. Um, vice versa, how important is it to you that even if you don’t believe what they believe, you can still know why they believe it? He is important because the basic bottom line here is that we are all humans and more importantly, we are all Filipinos.
So that’s the bare minimum that we should understand at a certain level . But it’s it’s just basic uh human respect for each other. So even if we don’t understand each other, at least let’s respect that and not go overboard, crossing boundaries that can actually make us say things that are not really appropriate, and then the insults that are hurtful. Mm.
More than anything, it’s not just the physical feelings that hurt, sometimes it reaches that level. Yes. Were you ever a recipient of that at the peak of everything that you were actually attacked and ah how were you able to deal with it? I guess there is one too. But what if I do, it seems like there is one too? You’re not paying attention? Yes, yes.
But okay, it’s not that I’m not paying attention, but you know, I’m looking at it, it’s actually like I’m looking at it more, why did he say that? That’s more like it. That’s what I’m saying, I also want to listen, is that why he said that? Because if the motivation is because he truly believes that, then that’s his truth.
I said, “Oh, I can’t blame you.” Yes. For example, fake news. Yes. When someone responds to fake news, it means they believed that post or whatever they read. That’s why he reacted and there was a reason for it. There is an origin. So I won’t take that away from you. But the bigger problem with that is that it’s fake.
Where did that come from? So if I have more concern, it is not really the person but it is the culture. It is really uh the cause of whatever that is. And the people behind the proliferation of these fake news. Imagine you know that a sector has such a vulnerability and you exploit it. Exploit it. Yes.
And that’s what’s sad, of course I don’t have proof but I heard that you know sometimes these things are deliberately done. Of course, that’s a different perspective, really disinformation, really delivery, and for me, that’s really the worst kind of evil in this entertainment. Why are you so brave? I mean, you already explained it a while ago, but was there ever a point that Mm.
This bravery of yours, your courage, your determination, um, was prevented. Some said no. Don’t be so stubborn, don’t talk anymore. Don’t show up. Don’t do it. Just go there . Just be an artist. Mm. Is there such a thing? Or there is. Not all of them. As I said, I really choose him based on what will affect me, whether it’s from my family or from your management, yes, but from your family for example, have they ever told you? Of course there are those too, but I’m listening too. I also listen because of course
it’s different um you felt it the instant you felt the first reaction. Mm. Ah, it’s different when you process it. ‘ when you actually see everything that’s happening. Yes, of course. And I I I listen I listen. Uh and especially I listen to the people who I respect, the ones who are really, really lost in attraction.
But most of all, of course, I listen to my wife. Whatever my wife says, I admire my wife’s instinct. You know when she was here and we talked about you, I’m sorry but we talked about you [laughs]. We also talked about entering politics because I’m sure you know that many people say, “Oh, that’s just how it is . They’re going to enter politics.
” Or there are also people who encourage people to enter politics, but you’ve always said no. is that your decision to say no is it based out of what? Out of fear, out of knowing yourself fully that it’s not you when you enter? Um, yes. This is how I think about public service, what is it? I think about the respect and honor I have for the word public service, very, very high.
And I think um public service I think is a privilege because serving humanity is one of the probably the greatest callings anyone can have. Yes. Is it public service, it automatically demands your full time, your full uh focus at the very least, accountability and integrity at the very least. Because the family I grew up in growing up, that term service has always been around because I grew up in a family of a military men.
My grandfather served in the military. I have my uncles, my relatives. So it’s like that duty to serve that sense of duty to serve the country shaped me early on. It seems like that. So no, he hasn’t disappeared from my awareness, from my consciousness, from my mind. In fact, that’s why I enlisted, that’s why I was reserviced because that’s where my dream was to become a soldier.
Okay? So that’s the reason. But I think service also comes in many shapes and forms and even sizes. So it’s clear to me what is uh in my heart right now um is that I want to serve my community and that is the the actor community the entertainment industry and that’s why I’m committed to what we do through our work in actor and I consider that a deja parang ano Siya full time job full time job yun na nga eh parang you’re so involved as I say as I said a while ago with your family with your career um hindi na rin naman din nawala yung pamagalang
mo sa bayan you help whenever you’re called to help but to put up and lead your your colleagues to put up actor um iba iyon iyon um and it takes a visionary to to do what you did. Um, what was the very origin story of that? Why do you think it’s necessary, maybe others say, to be an artist, is it happy, rich? Many projects.
Uh, that’s what we see. Mm. What we don’t see is that you need to organize because not all states are like that. So what was the origin story behind it? Well, first of all, it’s not just me. We have a lot of Carmina uh it was a group of around 20 plus actors that got together one evening 2020 during the pandemic. It was May 2020.
So more than 5 years ago. So we were just talking because of course during the height of the pandemic, it wasn’t just our industry that was a bit on hold, it was like it was on hold, waiting to see what would happen to us. There are many fears, many uncertainties. Um, we don’t know what we’re going to do tomorrow.
Will we still work together? How is our health? So um that night we were just there for each other. We just listened to each other and decided that you know it would be better if we solidified the association of actors first and so that we can collectively at first ask, right, our partners, our stakeholders, what will happen to us in our industry, how can we help first, how can we contribute and more importantly, what will be the future, how can we collaborate, Mm.
um the working conditions given the COVID ano Yeah. is it context let us know then we we can work together, let’s collaborate started. Mm. And uh, those first 20 plus people decided, okay, let’s put up an organization. Let’s formalize this. The objectives were simple um protection and just belonging to a community.
Just like having a sense of community uh among actors. Why was it important to have that sense of community between and among all the actors in the country? Why? Why is it important? Because sometimes it’s important when you’re alone with your feelings, you don’t know if what I’m feeling is right? Umm, what solutions can I do here? Especially since not everyone is part of a large organization or network.
There are many actors who are not their own managers. So there are things like that, but when collectively you share your experiences and more than struggles, what’s fun is that we share our dreams for not just each other for the industry but for each other. That’s the most wonderful feeling when you hear that this is my dream for us. Wow.
What makes him unique is that sometimes I mean no not sometimes most of the time the image is that when you when you hear of actors and your industry competition rat race first in the role first in who can achieve his dream as an individual but you’re telling me in this group you actually dream for each other. Yes. Yes. Yes.
It’s like this is our dream for each other. So how do we do this? So that’s one of the driving forces of what the actor organization is. And then how do you contend with the amount that is already there? There are a lot of you know the movies, the streaming services. Um, now it’s okay because our um products are being released, right? But the external influence is also strong . Okay.
So the actor, for example, how do you face that in your group? How do you intend to face the external forces, foreign talents, foreign movies? First of course we have to be aware of um what is happening not just here in our country or in our industry to be specific but also uh outside globally. And the reality today is that the situation is not very good.
Ah, there are many, many uh, there are many challenges, maybe that’s all I can say, there are many challenges for the industries, especially maybe the movie industry, um challenges but also opportunities. You mentioned that all of a sudden now our shows and movies can be seen worldwide, but before that it couldn’t be . Mm.
So it’s up to us to balance these challenges, these problems, versus these potential opportunities. And the value of being part of a guild or an organization comes into play. Because we can attend seminars, we can attend talks, we can attend new developments and anything that is innovative about our industry. We know.
So now we are given the platform to upskill ourselves so that we can improve our work even more so that when we are in an empowered state, we can contribute to the larger problems of the industry. So we are we are part we want to be part of the solution. If you compare a Filipino actor to other actors, what are the advantages over other races? Oh, it’s hard because it really seems like someone else .
The culture is really different. It’s different, it’s different, the sensibility is different too. And I ca n’t also because I’ve never been able to like working with a foreign actor. I think there’s only one, maybe just one. Yes. Do the Dance of the Steel Bars. Mm. But foreign production isn’t really Hollywood yet. Yes.
Um what do we bring to the table you? One thing is for sure, our talent as Filipinos is truly amazing. Not just in acting but also in directing, even in writing. So it seems only right to give the creative industry an opportunity to blossom even more , to flourish even more. And the big thing is the support not only from us as actors, not only from all stakeholders but also from the government.
And I, I just want to say that the past years, um, we really feel the commitment of the FDCP, of the FAP to the guilds, they really support us. Um, they allow us to grow um using our platform and just simply empower ourselves to be better at what we do. Mm. So I am grateful for that. Talking about blossoming and support, do you think you would have ever blossomed the way you’ve blossomed had it not been for the support of your wife, Marianne? Because you’re so different now.
Compared to the beginner. You’re free to do whatever it is that you put your mind to. Do you think that would have happened without her support? Oh, definitely not. And I think I’m here because uh I chose to be here with him and whatever the result is, I think it’s uh it’s it’s a grace from God.
It’s God’s gift and uh a big factor is what he’s been supporting me with . Not only professionally but also personally. Ah, that’s where it really comes in. I understood what the deeper reason for having a spouse was. Not just maybe as co-parents but also as a partner in life. Someone who really understands you, someone who um makes you want to be a better person? So that’s really something I appreciate.
You already have a partner. There really is a partner. And you’re able to do all of these things while she takes it because when she was here her love for your children was so great that she would drop everything for your kids. Um while you’re pursuing your dreams. How important it is that while you’re here, you do everything for yourself, for your family, for your children, knowing that you’ll be safe when you get home, knowing that Marian will be there with the kids.
You know now that you’re asking, it seems like I’ve just really connected. Although it is happening. It happens every day. It seems like that’s really the reason why we were given to each other. I mean it seems like you know listening to you. Yes, of course. Because when we met, I knew that family was important to him and he knew that it was important to me.
And without and now being married for 11 years without saying a word that this is what we will do that I don’t mean he’s deliberate but he’s not the one or this year we will do this as if you drew the line you’re there it seems natural he came okay I will do this without ayu without anyone imposing he’s clear that I will be here I will I will work um and I will do every everything to protect this family And while I’m not at home, you will you I know, right? Even if I know that um there is some desire in you to still create stories
and maybe appear on TV and make movies but what’s more important to you right now is our family. So I will support you there too. M but there will be times when we can switch, especially when he also has other things going on, sometimes he’s the one who’s busy and I’m the one in charge of the kids, like that. Mm.
But he’s actually the one who’s more focused these days. And I’m grateful for that because presence is important now, isn’t it? In this day and age, it’s important to be there while your children grow up. Mm. What did you experience growing up that you’re doing either similarly or differently um with the way you’re raising six to Enzia? The importance of being solid and intact in the family because I mentioned earlier that despite my parents having a difficult time, you know, sending me to school and they were very hard-working parents, but they never
really gave up, they never compromised on values. They didn’t compromise their beliefs and they just continued doing what they thought was right, what they were good at. They just continued raising them, loving them, despite not having all the resources that they needed at that time. So that’s the value of that and what’s the difference.
There are actually a lot of differences . So we have to do what others don’t like, but we have to, right? Yes, that’s a lot. But just adjust, like back then, we were okay with it if you tripped or something like that . So we’ve adjusted differently now. Mm. As parents. But your parents, Ding Dong, aren’t artists. Those parents aren’t artists either.
You two are artists. And little by little we’re seeing more of Sixo and Zia, right? Um how much how much of what we see is the real deal? How much do you how much of your lives do you still get to keep to yourself? Oh, a lot. In fact what we see these are just snapshots like really snapshots of um the whole truth of what is really happening.
And um right now uh especially Zia she’s she’s very beautiful 10 like ah she they call it pretin there is that there is a prein then but in her mind she is 10 there is about 20 so ah we we we we want to make sure that we protect that what that space also for them but when there are some there are things they also want they want to do.
Um, Zia really wants to perform. So sometimes there are opportunities for him to perform on stage with an audience. So we were the ones who said, “Wait, let’s talk about this first, maybe not.” But since it came from him that he wanted it, then we are there to support him. But of course at least it’s still with within parameters right? We are still there, six.
Um, he’s just really on stage and he’s just really enjoying everything. Yes, 6 years old. Like, if only there was a commercial like that. Um, someone took us. Do you like it? It seems like that. Yes. I like that we tested it sometimes we didn’t include it. Is it like I’m not there? I want to go with that. Okay.
But of course there is a limit to that too. Some are only up to a certain age. But do they realize how big of a star their parents are? How that you’re two of the country’s biggest stars. Are you saying that? Do they know that? Do they know? How? How do you wake up in the morning, go to school, and go home? Daddy’s home, like mom’s home, like uh, that’s all .
like uh but do they know how do they know how much do they know ah how much do they know it got to the point where we had to really let our kids know what we were doing because I mean it was inevitable that maybe a classmate would say or see us watching YouTube oh that’s you ah like like that and of course I’m always like I’m always not in what’s what’s your work what do you do mm ah so one day I took them to what in the studio. Mm. On Family Feud.
I said, “This is what daddy does. This is what this is, this is the office.” It seems like that. They are amazing. Wow. So they know. So when I’m not at home, they know it’s a family feud. So if I do something else like a movie, so what’s this now? It’s a movie. A movie? Netflix. It seems like that. Yes. You’ll be a Netflix.
Yes. GMA etc. etc. Yes. Oh wow. Oh, that’s so cool. So now, um, because we’re introducing them to what we’re doing, um, we have more now, hey, everything we do should be worthy so that our children can be proud later on, ha. So it’s not just that we’ll just do it because uh we haven’t thought about it, is n’t it okay because sometimes there are things like that that don’t suit you, aren’t there things like that so all the projects that are being done are very intentional and anything and everything for
that matter but you know this industry, you know how good it can be, you know how awful it can be as well, aren’t you afraid that they are gradually entering your world? Are there any fears if we really continue? Um, of course there are restrictions. Right now they need to finish their studies or up to a certain age maybe.
Um, if that will be their decision later on after finishing their studies then that will be their choice. But what’s important now is for them to see the options. They see our side, their parents’ side, me and their mommy’s side, how proud we are of what we do, because we are proud of what we do, so I brought them there, so I’m just trying to bring them to the shooting set, but it’s not possible yet, because it’s also not allowed, but sometimes maybe there will be an opportunity.
I want them to see the process, understand the process and appreciate it as much as I did before, but maybe not yet, it’s all about also providing them with options, not just when it comes to sports, when it comes to music, what we can give them when it comes to guidance, and then of course with proper guidance, and they’ll be the ones who will choose later on.
So career wise, it’s up to them, whatever they want to do, as long as they’re at the right age, 100% that Marian and I will be there to support them and guide them. Down the line they are the guardians of this country, are our children their generation? Do you have any fears, Dingdong, given that you’re so um in tune with the times and you know what’s happening? Is there a fear now of the kind of country that they will eventually inherit when their time comes and this is still happening? What are the concerns, if any? Yes. Ah, in fact, there’s too much
fear and ah, fear, sadness and ah, it’s like panic. ‘If no major changes happen, it’s sad that this is the world our children and the next generation will inherit.’ That’s why of course, even as storytellers, as actors, as people in the media, it seems like it’s good that we show the realities of today through the characters we portray, through the stories that we tell, but that’s our role, but the question is who will answer these truths that hopefully will change because we don’t want our children to inherit this in the next
generation. So it’s it’s really my hope and prayer that um things change um uh here in what we have in our society. I have hope because you know we’re seeing young leaders, we’re seeing new leaders. Um, even though we know there are challenges like the ones mentioned earlier, there is an opportunity for the good ones to lead.
That’s my prayer, that we will be filled with good leaders, not just the country but the industry in everything we do. Well ding dong throughout this conversation you’ve proven that you’re very present when it comes to the industry country your family most especially your marriage. But if we ask you in the long run, what kind of man do you still hope to become? What would your answer be? Maybe, yeah, just someone who is just present um but more importantly present for for the family.
And I think that’s one of the most important roles because we all have a lot of rules, right? It seems like sometimes I put on the actor hat. Uh I put on the sun hat. right? And I’m also a father. I put on the father hat. For me, that’s one of the most important roles I have to play. And like what I said, I’m I’m a work in progress, right? So uh and my wife and my family is always pushing me to be the best version that I can be.
And I try my best every day to be that for them. Well, for this day, thanks for trying to be here. Ding Dong Dantes in the podcast. Thanks again for joining us today. Thank you, Carmina. Thank you very much. Thank you. And that’s it for another episode of CC After Os. You know the drill. Like and subscribe. I’ll see you on the next one.
[music] You started earlier, huh? It seems close to 30. You started seven. Will you count the commercials yet? Yes, indeed. I guess not. Yes, of course. Seven commercials actually seem like three commercials. Yes. Oh, you’re older.
