Dingdong Dantes posts birthday message for Direk Dominic Zapata
Around GMA
Around GMA
UAAP women’s volleyball: UP downs UE as Casiey Dongallo faces former team Francis Libiran spotlights signature designs in new home collection Young Negrense swimmers excel at Bangkok swim championshipArticle Inside Page
Showbiz News
Dingdong Dantes remembers his journey with his first director, Dominic Zapata.
Dingdong Dantes shared a heartfelt tribute to Direk Dominic Zapata, reflecting on their journey together in his entertainment career.
In a touching birthday post, Dingdong reminisced about the moment that set him on the road to stardom.
PHOTO SOURCE: Dingdong Dantes (Facebook)
"29 years ago, an agent approached me in a mall and asked if I wanted to audition for a television show. When they said TGIS, that was it. Matic - yes. Back then, the idea of becoming an actor wasn't even something I seriously imagined for myself. But I wanted to follow in the footsteps of Bobby Andrews, who I thought was the coolest guy on television as Joaquin Torres. That alone was reason enough to walk into that room. And there he was, Direk Dominic Zapata, waiting, making me read a full sequence for Iñaki Torres, cousin of Wacks. After that, the rest was history."
Dingdong described Direk Dominic as his first director on television and his first mentor.
"He became my first director on television…and my first teacher. Being on set opened my eyes to filmmaking and eventually led me to study film. Little did I know I'd spend most of my professional life working with him, with many of my most significant shows created with him."
Standing with Direk Dominic on stage for his new show, The Master Cutter, meant a lot to Dingdong and symbolized their years of collaboration.
"So standing beside him again on stage at Netflix's 10th anniversary to launch The Master Cutter felt like a full circle. From the analog days to a global digital stage, what an honor to share that journey with him. Stepping onto that stage together meant representing not just the network or the show, but the years of professionalism we've shared."
For his birthday, Dingdong wrote a beautiful message for Direk Dominic, "So today, February 14, I celebrate this man on his birthday. I remain his actor, sometimes co-director, mentee, student…and now kumpadre, ninong to my son, Sixto."
He added, "Happy birthday, Direk! (He doesn't have social media, and I would always say, good for you. 😁) And thank you for the 29 years of doors opened, lessons given, and stories shared."
'The Master Cutter' holds star-studded storycon: The Master Cutter' holds star-studded storycon
