Dingdong Dantes looks back on beginnings as a dancer in GMA

Dingdong Dantes looked back on his days as a dancer and how that kickstarted his showbiz career during his grand contract renewal with GMA Network on Thursday.

The Kapuso Primetime King said that the moment he first stood on stage was “pinaka memorable na tumatatak sa ‘kin hanggang ngayon: ay ‘yun ay nagsisimula ako bilang dancer,” which was also in GMA.

Dingdong added that it happened in the late ‘90s and that he was 16 or 17 years old.

“Hindi ko pa alam kung ano talaga ‘yung gusto kong gawin ko sa buhay. Hindi pa klaro kung ano ba talaga 'yung gusto kong maging career, profession, o kung ano talagang maging sa ‘kin pagtanda. Pero hindi ko talaga makakalimutan yung pakiramdam nung sumampa ko sa stage na ‘yun, nung ako ay isang dancer,” he said at the event, dubbed D-Day or Dingdong Day.

“Kakaibang happiness, kakaibang joy ang ibinigay sa ‘kin nun dahil mayroon akong stage to showcase my talent. At that time, hindi naman talaga siya masyadong talent, hindi naman ako kagalingan talaga. Pero lahat naman, nakukuha mo sa practice,” he added with a laugh.

Dingdong said he was happy that he got to perform, and that was when he realized how great it was to have a platform to do what he loved.

“And I think more importantly, mas masarap yung pakiramdam na re-re-reciprocate ‘yung happiness ng mga manonood dahil na-a-appreciate nila ‘yung ginagawa mo,” he said.

He added that it was a significant chapter in his life because various showbiz opportunities opened up for him, such as work in TV and movies, and ultimately, his current life as a family man. He said that throughout every chapter, the one consistent thing he experiences is having a great support system.

“Kahit na sa mga panahon na hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko, kahit sa mga panahon na wala pa rin akong tiwala sa sarili ko, sa aking kakayahan, meron pang nagtitiwala sa ‘kin. At ‘yun ay talagang ni-re-recognize ko at pinapapasalamat ko,” he said.

Dingdong said that with the support he has, he has developed his talent and made people happy.

“After that point when I realized na ito talaga yung gusto kong gawin, na dahil sa GMA, naging klaro kung ano ‘yung pangarap ko sa buhay,” Dingdong said. “Nandito po ako sa harapan ninyo fulfilling that dream every day. And now I have the opportunity and a new chapter to fulfill these dreams again.”

He added that he welcomes this new era wholeheartedly and thanked the GMA bosses for their continued trust.

Dingdong starred in the blockbuster hit “Rewind” opposite his wife, Marian Rivera, which is now streaming on Netflix.

The couple is set to receive the Bida sa Takilya Award at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards 2024 for their film.

Aside from that, Dingdong remains the host of GMA-7’s “Family Feud” and stars with Marian in the sitcom, “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa.” —JCB, GMA Integrated News