Dingdong Dantes considers himself 'a scholar of so many people'
Multi-awarded Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes imparts an important lesson in his exclusive chat with vlogger and manager Ogie Diaz about the value of giving back.
Dingdong, together with his wife Marian Rivera, were interviewed by Ogie for his channel to promote their Metro Manila Film Festival entry Rewind, which is set to premiere on Christmas Day, December 25.
The Kapuso Primetime King recalled the time when his parents were having a hard time paying for his tuition then.
Dingdong studied at Ateneo de Manila from grade school to high school. In 2014, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, major in Marketing, from the West Negros University in Bacolod City.
He told Ogie that he considers himself a “scholar of so many people.” Dingdong explained, “Nahirapan din siyempre 'yung parents ko to pay for my tuition and they are very hardworking parents. Pero, talagang mahirap lang talagang mabayaran 'yung halaga na 'yun at that time.”
“So, may mga tumulong sa amin nun para maipagpatuloy ko lang 'yung pag-aaral. So I consider myself a scholar of so many people, lalo na 'yung mga kamag-anak. At, narealize ko ito nung high school na ako na parang, 'Grabe, oo nga noh. Nandito, nakarating ako sa puntong ito dahil sa tulong ng maraming tao, aside from my very hardworking parents. Kaya sabi ko, kapag magkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maibalik 'yung binigay nila sa akin, gagawin ko kaagad.”
When he was already earning from his work in show business, Dingdong took the responsibility of providing for his family.
“Kaya nung pumasok ako sa Abztract [Dancers] bilang isang dancer sabi ko, 'Uy! Kumikita na ako kahit paano.'”
“Tapos after Abztract, pumasok ako sa T.G.I.S., sumusuweldo na ako. Sabi ko, 'Oh, sandali lang, may kapatid pa akong apat, kaya ko silang paaralin. Sige, ako na bahala.'” Dong said.
He continued, “Hanggang sa dumagdag nang dumagdag 'yung project. Sabi ko, 'Mom, Dad, relax na kayo. Gawin n'yo pa rin 'yung gusto n'yo gawin, pero tutulong ako.' Commitment ko 'yun.
“Bakit? Kasi naranasan ko na may tumulong sa akin at para sa akin, feeling ko na it's something that I really have to give back.”
“Malalim 'yung reason kung bakit nagpupursigi kami [pertaining to Marian]. And siguro dapat, 'yun 'yung magandang ituro sa lahat ng tao, lalo na sa bata.
“Ano 'yung dahilan para gusto mo magpursigi?
“Regardless kung nasaang estado ka sa society. Kailangan mero'n kang grit ba. Ito pagbubutihan ko ito, dahil ito 'yung ultimate goal ko.”
THE STELLAR CAREER OF THE ONE AND ONLY KAPUSO PRIMETIME KING:
Next year, Dingdong and Marian will reprise their roles as Jose and Maria in their high-rating sitcom Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa.
The first season of the popular comedy program ended in August 2022.