Kapuso fans all over the world celebrated “Dingdong Dantes Kapuso Day,” as the Box-Office and Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes renewed his contract with GMA Network yesterday, May 9.

Present at the significant event were GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable. Representing PPL Entertainment was its President and CEO, Perry Lansigan.

The contract signing event was also attended by Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Sales and Marketing Group Lizelle G. Maralag, Senior Vice President for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista, and Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.

Also joining the grand “Dingdong Day” were Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Vice President for Business Development Department I Cheryl Ching-Sy, Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, Consultant for Business Development Department III Darling de Jesus-Bodegon, Vice President for Business Development Department III Gigi Santiago-Lara, First Vice President for GMA International Joseph Jerome T. Francia, Vice President for Sparkle GMA Artist Center Joy C. Marcelo, Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Enri Calaycay, Assistant Vice President for Drama Helen Rose S. Sese, and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.

It was an even more special day with the presence of the program managers and executive producers that Dingdong has worked with throughout the years. His supporters around the globe also got to witness the celebration via live stream on GMA Network’s social media accounts, where warm greetings were also sent for him along with the #DINGDONGKapusoDayGlobal. 

From being a heartthrob to a matinee idol and now an acclaimed actor and host, Dingdong gave credit to the Kapuso Network for helping him grow in his craft. According to him, “When I was 16 or 17, hindi pa klaro kung ano ang gusto kong maging career or profession. Pero hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yung joy na naibigay sa akin nung unang beses na sumampa ako sa stage at dito po nangyari ‘yon sa GMA.  Pagkatapos no’n nagkaroon ng maraming opportunities sa television, movies, at pagiging family man. Dahil sa GMA, naging klaro kung ano ang pangarap ko sa buhay. At nandito ako sa harap ninyo ngayon fulfilling that dream every day.”

Dingdong also expressed his gratitude for everyone who believed in him, “I welcome this new chapter wholeheartedly, kaya maraming salamat sa muling pagtitiwala. Sa bawat chapter, mayroong nagtitiwala at nagbubukas ng pinto para sa akin kahit noong mga panahong wala akong tiwala sa sarili kong kakayahan. Kung hindi dahil sa mga taong nagtiwala, hindi ko magagawa ang gusto kong gawin.”

 And of course, the Kapuso Primetime King did not forget to honor his family, “Ang lahat ng ito hindi magiging posible kung hindi dahil sa suporta ng aking pamilya. It becomes more meaningful for me more than ever because I’m no longer doing this for myself, but also for my family. I also thank our family here in GMA dahil truly, ang GMA ang aming tahanan.” 

Atty. Gozon, in return, thanked Dingdong for his continued trust as well. He said, “Nagpapasalamat ako na pumirma siya ulit sa GMA. Sa tingin ko, kapag magaling ka ay lalo kang gagaling kapag sumama ka sa GMA at exhibit numer one is none other than Dingdong Dantes. Hindi lamang artista si Dingdong, reservist din sa Navy, entrepreneur, director, you name it, he has it. At alam kong malayo pa ang mararating ng kanyang career. Maraming salamat, Dingdong, and I hope that you and GMA will go higher together.” 

Moreover, Duavit highlighted that despite the long list of achievements of the Box-Office King, he has always remained humble. “Each time, there was always a marked growth in him—mas sumisikat, mas humuhusay, at lumalalim pa ‘yung maturity and humility. Today, we see an actor, a father, and a public servant. Walang bagay kung saan inuuna niya ang sarili niya. Ehemplo siya hindi lamang sa ating lahat kundi pati sa kabataan na gustong sumunod sa yapak ng isang Dingdong Dantes. Thank you for the years passed and the years to come. You make us all proud,” he mentioned.

Yalong, on the other hand, emphasized how Dingdong can maintain a successful career and a happy family. “I’ve seen the development of Dingdong. Aside from being a good actor, no one can contest that Dingdong is the prime host of GMA Network. Secondly, what I like about Dingdong, you can see that outside showbiz, he is really a devoted husband and dedicated siya sa mga anak niya,” Yalong stated.

Rasonable expressed her excitement for Dingdong’s upcoming projects with GMA. She said, “This is a very happy and proud day dito sa GMA. I personally saw your growth not only as an actor but also as a member of your community, a citizen of this country, and most importantly as a family man. We are all very proud of what you’ve become. Through these years, you have added value to yourself, and GMA is proud and happy that we are part of that journey. The excitement has not faded sa mga pwede mo pang gawin with GMA.”

Dingdong has triumphed beyond the entertainment business, where his heart for others and for the country has shone. A man of good looks, noble soul, and outstanding talent, it is no surprise that he is an icon admired by many.

Here’s to more wonderful years and milestones ahead as he reaffirms his commitment to being a Kapuso! Congratulations, Dingdong!