After almost three decades of working for GMA Network, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes remains a loyal Kapuso, after renewing his contract with the Network on Thursday, May 9.
Dingdong began his career with GMA as a young celebrity dancer, growing into one of the country's finest and most celebrated actors.
During the 'Dingdong Dantes Kapuso Day' event, Dingdong praised GMA Network for fulfilling his dreams and bringing his career into the next chapter.
Here's what went down during Dingdong Dantes' contract renewal signing event with GMA Network:
Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes reaffirms loyalty to GMA Network, his home for almost three decades, with a contract renewal signing on Thursday, May 9.
The signing ceremony was attended by the network's key executives, namely GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable.
Dingdong's talent manager, President and CEO of PPL Entertainment Perry Lansigan was also present during the contract signing.
Senior Vice President, Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable gave Dingdong Dantes a heartfelt message for his contract renewal with GMA.
She said, “On a personal level actually parang magkasabay tayong nag-umpisa sa GMA. So, ganun na katagal…that's why I can say na I personally saw your growth not only as an actor but also as a member of our community, citizen of this country, and most importantly as a family man.
“We are all very proud of what you have become through these years you have added value to yourself and GMA is very proud and happy that we are part of that journey. Dahil nga sa matagal na pagsasama natin, legit na masasabi kong hindi ka talaga nagbabago.”
GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong delivered a brief but meaningful message to Dingdong Dantes.
He said, “I've seen 'yung development from where he started…Aside from being a good actor, I think no one can now contest that Dingdong is the prime and proudest host of GMA Network.”
GMA President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. believes Dingdong Dantes would become a more successful actor.
“Each time there was always a marked growth in you. Hindi lang mas sumisikat, mas humuhusay, mas bumibilog ang kabuuan niya bilang isang artista, bilang tao, maturity, the humility.
“Today, we see an actor, a father, a public servant tulad ng nabanggit na walang katumbas, sa simpleng dahilan na walang bagay kung saan inuuna niya ang sarili niya, pirma ibang tao, ibang layunin, ibang pakay ang inuuna. If this is why he is what he has become, ehemplo siya hindi lang sa ating lahat kung 'di maging sa mga kabataang [artista] ngayon na nagnanais na sumunod sa yapak ng isang Dingdong Dantes.
“His story is known but when you see the achievements, you start to wonder, meron pa bang puwedeng itaas? Sa lahat ng nakakakilala sa kaniya, ang simpleng sagot, Oo, meron pang ikatataas,” he claimed.
GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon thanked Dingdong Dantes for his loyalty to GMA and expressed his wish that the actor and network would continue to flourish together.
He said, “Sa tingin ko, 'pag magaling ka, ay lalo kang gagaling 'pag sumama ka sa GMA, ang exhibit one ay none other than, Dingdong Dantes. Hindi lang siya versatile na actor as you know, host, action man, lover boy, name it. Bihira sa caliber ni Dingdong, alam n'yo naman ako lang ang puwedeng tumalo sa kagwapuhan niya.
“Ito lang ang masasabi ko, hindi niya pa nararating ang pinakatuktok ng kaniyang mararating, hindi kamukha kong matanda na, na pababa na, si Dingdong pataas pa, kaya Dingdong, maraming maraming salamat and I hope GMA and you will go higher together.”
Dingdong Dantes was asked a “survey question” that goes, “What's the best part of being a Kapuso?” The actor answered, “Dito sa Kapuso (GMA Network), dito mo makikilala ang mapapangasawa mo.”
Dingdong Dantes expressed his utmost gratitude for the next chapter ahead of his career, citing GMA Network's unwavering support of his craft as an artist.
Dingdong Dantes praised GMA for fulfilling his dreams and bringing his career into the next chapter.
Dingdong said, “Masasabi ko na dahil sa GMA naging klaro kung ano po ang pangarap ko sa buhay. Nandito po ako sa harapan ninyo fulfilling that dream everyday and now I have the opportunity - a renewed chapter to fulfill these dreams again everyday.
“I welcome this new opportunity and chapter wholeheartedly kaya maraming salamat sa muling pagtitiwala po ninyo.”
GMA Network executives also attended the contract signing of Dingdong Dantes.
(From left to right) Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Ms. Joy Marcelo, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Executive Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for GMA Public Affairs Ms. Nessa Valdellon, MA Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and concurrent Chief Risk Officer and Head of Program Support Ms. Regie C. Bautista, GMA Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Mr. Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, GMA Network Vice President for Business Development III Ms. Gigi Santiago-Lara, and GMA Network First Vice President for GMA International Mr. Joseph T. Francia.
GMA program managers were also present during the contract signing to show support for Dingdong Dantes.
Dingdong Dantes was all smiles during an interview with GMANetwork.com, as he expressed his happiness over his successful contract renewal signing event.
Dingdong Dantes happily entertained questions from the press during the media interview.
As Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes begins this new chapter with GMA Network, he is ready to continue making significant contributions to the industry and inspire audiences for years to come.
Congratulations, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes!