Dingdong Dantes. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GMA Public Affairs
During his contract renewal with GMA Network, Dingdong Dantes had nothing but gratitude and good words for his home network of over two decades, which gave him the platform to showcase his talent and do the things he loves.
Aside from Dantes, also present at the event held on Thursday, May 9, were GMA executives Felipe L. Gozon, Gilberto Duavit Jr., Felipe Yalong, Lilybeth Rasonable and Annette Gozon-Valdes, among others.
“After reflecting on the things that happened sa aking buhay, [ang] isa talaga sa pinaka-memorable na tumatatak sa akin ngayon ay ‘yung unang-unang beses na sumampa ako sa entablado. ‘Yun ay nung nag-uumpisa ako bilang dancer dito sa GMA [which was] around 1996, 1997,” he recalled.
“Hindi ko siya makakalimutan dahil syempre at 16, 17 years old, hindi ko pa alam kung ano talaga ‘yung gusto kong gawin sa buhay; hindi pa klaro kung ano ‘yung gusto kong maging career, profession,” he said.
Reminiscing about such moment, the award-winning actor said he felt an exceptional kind of joy as he performed in front of the audience, who reciprocated his effort with cheers and support.
“Ang sarap pala ng pakiramdam na meron kang stage, meron kang platform to do what you love,” he stated.
“Pagkatapos no’n nagkaroon ng iba’t ibang opportunities, nagbukas ang iba pang pinto sa television, nagbukas ang iba pang pinto sa movies, nagbukas ang iba pang pinto sa pagiging isang family man, ang dami pong mga pintuan at chapters na nagbukas.”
Dantes underscored that in all the chapters of his life and career as an actor, GMA has been constant in giving him its support and guidance.
“Dahil sa GMA, naging klaro kung ano ang pangarap ko sa buhay, at ito po ‘yon. Nandito po ako sa harapan niyo, fulfilling that dream every day, and now I have the opportunity and a new chapter to fulfill these dreams again,” he said.
“I keep on mentioning that this is a new chapter kasi more than ever, [this] becomes more meaningful for me because I’m no longer just doing this for myself but also for my family,” he added. “And we thank our family here in GMA because truly, ang GMA po ay ang aming tahanan.”
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