After roughly 30 years in the Philippine entertainment landscape, A-list celebrity Dingdong Dantes has truly mastered the art of balance in his many creative and business undertakings.
‘Many will reason that in this business, you have to strike while the iron is hot. I totally understand where that is coming from, because being in this industry gives you no real assurance that you will remain hot and sought-after for a long time. Lucky are the ones who survive and stay long. Luckier are they who have saved and invested, live to see these investments grow, and enjoy the benefits of their hard work,’ said Dantes.
He added, ‘But I always tell myself to take care of the basic needs first: proper rest, healthy eating, regular exercise, recreation, and quality time with family and those who matter most. These are your non-negotiable anchors because they keep you centered when life becomes demanding and overwhelming.’
Dantes continues to discover and learn how to work with his ‘personal strengths.’ His hosting skills on the GMA game show Family Feud are so polished now and he has successfully elevated communicating with his guests, plus both live and TV audiences, to a level that has become so natural, comfortable and effortless.
‘I am enjoying Family Feud so much, and I never feel drained even if we tape two to three episodes in a single day. I guess it’s because everything is spontaneous, and the answers of the guests add spice, depth and humor. That’s why the flow is so natural and so engaging,’ Dantes revealed.
Then there’s the core of his being in this business: acting. Dantes plays the titular character in the top-rating TV action drama series The Master Cutter, also on GMA, which has been extended to another season because of its wonderful ratings. Then there is the new movie with his wife Marian Rivera, titled Remember, shot partly on location in Canada. ‘Acting is in my core because I am one person who loves to create, and getting into a character allows me to be part of the creation process, of giving life to a fictional individual, giving him a wide range of emotions in the process, where real life is being imitated,’ he explained.
Dantes added, ‘You know what keeps me going? It’s the hunger to create. It’s thae same hunger to tell stories on different platforms, to different people; that kind of indescribable passion to create something meaningful, something relevant, something real. I feel that as long as I continue to search for meaning in everything I do, then only can I find true fulfilment and the drive to keep going.’
Now comes the new season of The Voice Kids on GMA where Dantes is back as the show’s central host. ‘I get excited every time I work with kids. I am amazed by the amount of talent our country has when it comes to these children. I actually learn a lot from them-their sincerity, their rawness, their ability to adjust, their courage. That’s why I am back as host because I cannot let this opportunity pass, even if my work schedule remains very tight at this time,’ he said. The Voice Kids premieres on Sunday, September 13, on GMA.
His integrity in the workplace all these years has certainly resulted in both respect and abundance, not only in showbiz circles but also in many societies. Dantes is a major proponent of the league of actors known as Aktor PH, an organization that protects actors’ rights and safeguards their work conditions. He also champions environmental protection and preservation, disaster resilience, youth empowerment, and work-life balance through various organizations and foundations where he is actively involved.
‘It’s not difficult to lend your voice and your presence. It is my privilege to be a blessing to others in my own small way. I continue to be grateful because I am blessed beyond measure,’ he told us.
Dingdong Dantes’ current state of abundance in the many aspects of his personal and professional life emanates and grows from within, then manifests outwardly in the most organic ways. He continues to cultivate abundance because he is centered in gratitude, work ethics, service and generosity. And he has truly mastered the art of balance in living his beautiful life.