Marian Rivera on Dingdong’s love for serving the country: ‘It’s always been his dream’

After becoming a successful actor, a loving husband and a father of two, Dingdong Dantes unlocked yet another achievement: The Kapuso Primetime King is now a Lieutenant Commander of the Philippine Navy Reserve.

At the donning of ranks ceremony on Monday, Dingdong proudly wore the Navy’s all-white uniform alongside his wife Marian Rivera and “Descendants of the Sun” co-star Rocco Nacino, who is also a Petty Officer Third Class in the Navy reserve.

In a heartfelt speech, the actor emphasized that helping people and serving the country was both a long time duty and passion.

He also saluted those outside the military, like teachers, nurses and security guards, for their similar commitment to serving their countrymen.

“Nasa gobyerno ka man o nasa pribadong sektor, may katungkulan man o karaniwang namamasukan, sundalo man o isang aktor, tanging buong puso natin ang nagsisilbing isang bayani dahil araw-araw ay lahat tayo ay mapagkakataong maging mabuting mamamayan.”

Dingdong Dantes, who enlisted in the Philippine Marine Reserve Corps in 2006, had actually come from a long line of soldiers.

Nevertheless, the actor had several reasons to join the reserve.

"Bukod sa achievement, I think this will be an honor kasi marami naman tayong paraan para magsilbi sa bayan. And para sakin, bukod sa pagiging artista, ito 'yung pinili ko mula noong 2006, noong nagpa-enlist ako sa Philippine Marines," he said in an interview.

“Lahat tayo ginagawa natin to dahil sa pagmamahal natin sa bayan, and this is for everybody. Pero, para sakin, this is my way ng pagpapakita ng pagmahal at serbisyo,” he added.

“It may require some time away from the family, some time away from other things, pero kapag committed ka naman sa ginagawa mo, magagawa mo naman talaga siya.

Marian, for one, is "super proud" of her husband.

“Bago pa mangyari talaga, aware talaga ako na sa ka-father-father-an ng father ni Dong na talagang very active na sila sa pagtulong,” she told reporters.

“Kaya kanina, kung makita mo, medyo teary-eyed siya, kasi talagang pangarap niya talaga ‘yun.”

Dingdong also shared in his speech what he told his four-year-old daughter Zia when she asked why he proudly wears the uniform of the Philippine Armed Forces.

“Honestly to answer my four year old daughter cannot just enumerate the mission of the reserve force as stated in (Republic Act) 7477 which, as we all understand means to provide support for the Armed forces of the Philippines, assist in disaster relief and rescue, and contribute to nation building.”

“But her innocent curiosity deserved nothing less that a sincere response. I told her that I am a soldier, a reservist, because I would like to volunteer to help those in need, and keep my family and loved ones safe.”

In line with their duties, Dingdong and Rocco just joined their fellow reservists in the Navy and the Marine Corps in bringing relief goods to evacuees affected by Taal Volcano's eruption.

The two also star in the Philippine adaptation of "Descendants of the Sun," which is a story about love, honor and duty. —MGP, GMA News