Dingdong’s Bold Transformation

We were all mesmerized by the change in Dingdong Dantes when he portrayed the role of Sergio Santibañez in the ground-breaking show MariMar but earlier this year, the public got the biggest surprise when this matinee idol made a bolder and sexier transformation revealing a new side of the actor that we all thought did not exist. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Photos courtesy of Perry Lansigan Who would have thought that Dingdong will consent to baring his body in public? It seems that it was only yesterday that Dong was introduced as Iñaki in T.G.I.S. His fresh and boy-next-door look made teenagers go gaga over this young hunk and established his career as a matinee idol in the making. While literally growing up and maturing in front of Philippine tele-viewers, Dingdong has proved that he has what it takes to make it in the business. Exhibiting talent not only in acting but also in directing, Dingdong’s success is inevitable. A transformation In Dingdong’s recent projects, he slowly shed his youthful appeal and slowly revealed a more mature and charismatic personality to the public. His role as the rich and debonair Fredo Legaspi in Dyesebel, made his character a household name. But this transformation did not come easy for Dong. He revealed in an iGMA exclusive interview that he has prepared for this role extensively and has worked hard to attain his new physique. “Since nag start 'yung MariMar nag maintain ako ng fish vegetable diet,” says the actor and indeed the change in his physique was noticeable. He became lean and sported a new tanned look -- now talk about being tall, dark and handsome! “Ang pinaka importanteng bagay dito, ang learning ko dito is 'yung paghihirap sa proseso ng paghahanda. 'Yung disiplina, 'yung minsan kapag alam mong hindi mo magagawa ang isang bagay pero kapag pinursige mo 'yung sarili mo eh maaachieve mo pala. The billboards are just proofs but it’s really the process that’s more important,” shares the young hunk. A daring move After the success of MariMar, fans of Dingdong thought that it might take a while before they get a glimpse of their idol again. But his fans got a big treat when Dong was announced as the newest endorser of Bench in a fashion show held last March. A leaner and sexier man strutted on the ramp and showed everybody his goods. A dream that became true for him, Dingdong shared that he had always wanted to do this. “For me it is an achievement, para sa akin nag pay-off lahat ng paghihirap ko, not just physical-wise, kundi sa lahat ng bagay,” says Dingdong in an interview right after his fashion show. But that is not all, as a culmination of his new and daring image, billboards of a bolder and more confident Dingdong Dantes graced the main thoroughfares of Metro Manila as the newest endorser of Bench Body. The unveiling of these billboards was a grand event witnessed by many of Dingdong’s supporters including the owner of Bench, Mr. Ben Chan making everyone think that he is the newest favourite of the Bench patriarch. “Wala silang dapat ika-in-secure. May kanya-kanya kaming brand na ini-endorso. Nakahanda rin akong sumuporta sa magiging bagong model ng Bench,” explains Dingdong. Dingdong’s sensual and sexy images seem like an invitation to witness more changes from the resident hunk of the primetime Telebabad block. “You should always be daring in everything not only in taking off your clothes. I believe in being always on the edge, going beyond your limitations in terms of performance and in terms of reinventing yourself. Hindi lang dahil may ginawa kang kakaiba daring na. Para sa akin ang perception ko ng daring is mas malalim pa dun, it’s how you reinvent yourself." Tune in to Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel for more of the bolder and sexier Dingdong Dantes, weeknights right after Joaquin Bordado Talk about Dingdong’s transformation. Log on to the iGMA forums! You can also catch the annual Bench fashion show on July 25 at the Araneta Coliseum where Dingdong Dantes and the rest of the Bench family will grace the event. Get in touch with Dingdong Dantes. Text DINGDONG and send to 4627. Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, and P2.00 for SUN subscribers. (This service is available only in the Philippines) For more features about Dingdong, click on the following links: Dingdong’s gallery Dingdong’s gallery 2 Dingdong going solo