More loyal than royal

DINGDONG Dantes would rather skip the “royal” tag.

Since my friendship with Dingdong Dantes goes beyond show biz pleasantries, I know that he likes to keep things low-key. But for an actor of his stature, that’s quite a tall order. He can’t help it if everything he does gets hyped.

Although Dong is flattered that drumbeaters refer to his forthcoming union with Marian Rivera as “The Royal Wedding,” he would rather skip the “royal” tag. Their love for each other is grand enough; no need for “titles.” Dong and Marian pledge to be loyal to each other in their own private kingdom.

Dong shares his sentiments about it for the first time:

“Marian and I are grateful to those who are giving us the honor of these tags. But the truth is, we are just individuals who are in love, and who want the best on our wedding day and, more importantly, for our married life together. Personally, I don’t think there is a single word that can describe [our vision for the wedding] at this present state of our euphoria: Simple yet creative, ceremonial yet meaningful, traditional yet fun.”

Mike tested

Mike Enriquez delivers the news with a style all his own. His animated way of reporting makes you sit up and listen. Mike’s time-tested tandem with Mel Tiangco in GMA 7’s “24 Oras” is bolstered by their new coanchor, Vicky Morales. They are the triumvirate to beat on primetime news

My one-on-one with Mr. “Imbestigador”:

What news item had the greatest impact on you and why?

A girl asked me to help look for her missing mother and three sisters when the Payatas (dumpsite) tragedy struck. They were never found. It was her 13th birthday. When I arrived home after that coverage, I broke down and cried.

How did you develop your signature style of delivering the news?

That’s from my deejay days, when the “barker” style of announcing was popular. It’s the part of me that wishes that I was still a deejay.

When does your soft side show?

When poor and defenseless people are cheated, oppressed and taken advantage of. As much as I can, I follow a self-imposed rule of appearing calm. But no one can be like that all the time. Tao lang (I’m only human).

What advice do you give aspiring newscasters?

Never forget that your vocation is to tell the truth. Always remember that everything you do is for the listeners and viewers. Also, go easy on the coffee!

How do you de-stress?

I read, listen to music and travel with my wife.

Kapuso awards

GMA Network bagged a total of 10 awards at the recently held Araw Values Awards, including a platinum medal for Branded Communications: Commitment to Truth, Honesty and

MIKE Enriquez tries to appear calm when he reads news about the oppressed.

Integrity (the highest honor given in the advertising competition) for Champion Detergent’s Kapuso Mini Sine, “Gustin.”

The short film also won a gold for Advocacy Communications: Commitment to Truth, Honesty and Integrity.   “Think Before You Click,” an advocacy campaign that aims to promote the responsible use of social media, won a silver for Advocacy Communications: Respect for Law & Authority and the Promotion of Self-Discipline.

GMA 7 earned seven bronze medals, with six bestowed on its branded content. GMA Marketing and Productions Inc.’s Christmas short films, “Memory Lane” and “Love is Blind” were named double winners for Reverence for Family Unit or Marriage or Responsible Parenthood for both Branded and Advocacy Communications. Meanwhile, “Munting Sakripisyo” won in the Branded Communications: Respect and Care for Human Life, Dignity and The Rights of All category.

“Tropang Potchi” bagged a bronze for Branded Communications: Commitment to Truth, Honesty and Integrity. “FilipiKnow” won a bronze for Advocacy Communications: Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions. The Araw Values Advertising Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that promote positive values for social transformation. This year’s theme was “Where Did Our Values Go?”

Personal

Birthday cheers to my forever friends and favorite partners-in-crime, Med Marfil of True Faith and Jie Vidal.