Eco-warrior Dingdong Dantes walks the talk

Dingdong Dantes

As a father, Dingdong Dantes believes that it’s also his responsibility to instill in his kids early on the importance of protecting our environment.

“Telling them what they should or shouldn’t do is good… But they also need actual exposure,” the actor said of his children, Zia, 6 and Sixto, 3. “For instance, when we travel and go to the beach, I always remind Zia to observe the environment. If she sees plastic, I tell her to pick it up because it doesn’t belong there.”

“I tell her the effects plastic can have if it reaches the waters … the animals in the sea can end up eating it,” Dingdong said in a recent video conference for the month-long fourth anniversary celebration of the infotainment show “Amazing Earth.”

“Zia understands the concept when you talk to her about it. But she developed a deeper appreciation when I showed it to her outside.”

And as much as possible, Dingdong tries to lead by example. “Iba ‘yung praktikal, nararamdaman, nahahawakan at nararanasan… You have to lead by example. And this is true, whether at home or at institutions. What the children see in you, they will replicate. So it’s important to set this culture starting at home,” he said.

Everyone’s responsibility

Environmental conservation, he said, is everyone’s responsibility, with policymakers and citizens working together.

“It should be a given for us people to take care of all the beautiful things the Lord has given us … all the God-given gifts,” Dingdong said. “We have to take care of that. We should all do our part by being responsible citizens.”

“Amazing Earth” features stories and documentaries on uncharted destinations, fascinating wildlife as well as interviews with local environmental heroes. And for its fourth anniversary, the program—which airs Sunday evenings—prepared four special episodes featuring different Kapuso artists and environmental advocates:

The July 10 episode will have Glaiza de Castro giving a tour of her house in Baler province.

On July 17, Max Collins will reminisce about the four years she spent living in Boracay.

On July 24, Dingdong will join Ruru Madrid and the so-called Team Harabas of Occidental Mindoro.

On July 31, Dingdong will get to know the young eco-warriors of Bagac, Bataan, led by Fr. Noel Nuguid, as well as reigning Miss Universe Charity Pauline Amelinckx who creates children’s coloring books as part of her advocacy.

“People tell me that they like watching the show with their kids because they learn a lot of things. And I do, too. Since I deliver the stories, I get to hear about the stories first. And there’s always something new. It has become a way of life for me. Hearing stories about people and how they take care of the environment is inspiring,” he said.

Aside from “Amazing Earth,” Dingdong also hosts the game show “Family Feud” and topbills with wife Marian Rivera the sitcom “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa.”

“I always work hard and I always give my best regardless of whether I have a few or lots of projects on my plate. You must give them the same dedication and energy. I was lucky to have been entrusted with these shows,” he said.

“‘Amazing Earth’ is in its fourth year. ‘Family Feud’ has been extended for another season. And I get another chance to work with my wife in ‘Bonggang Villa.’ And I’m thankful,” he added.

Packed schedule

Dingdong’s schedule is packed, with tapings from Mondays to Sundays. So while a teleserye for him is currently in development, it probably won’t air or go into production until next year.

“I have things to do all week. I’m not thinking about what’s next for me because there are still a lot of things that need to be done. My existing shows aren’t done yet and will probably run longer. I don’t know until when this kind of schedule lasts, but you just make the most out of the cards you’re dealt with,” Dingdong said.