If showbiz were to give a list of celebrities who are generous and passionate, Dingdong Dantes would be on that list, having done projects during his time as commissioner-at-large at the National Youth Commission, helping people as lieutenant commander in the Philippine Navy Reserve, and now serving as chairman of AKTOR: League of Filipino Actors.

Dantes stated in an interview with the "Meet the Press" podcast on Spotify, hosted by Nathalie Tomada, Bobby Requintina, Marinel Cruz, and Noel Ferrer, that he sees his involvement with AKTOR as a chance to contribute to society.

“What we do in AKTOR, as part of the community of actors, in a way, that's also public service. So, mas okay na ako na ginagawa ko [ang] mga bagay na ito na alam kong ma-e-execute ko nang tama,” he said.

As chairman of AKTOR, Dantes revealed that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the organization.

“2025 will be very busy, hectic, and big for AKTOR because this is when we will launch our biggest project to date — the project database — among many others. Right now, we are focusing on the three pillars of being a proud AKTOR. That's our vision — that we will all be proud AKTORs, and when you say it, you are a paragon of professionalism, a nation builder, and a community champion. And of course, these three pillars will be strengthened through programs,” he said. 

Dantes also announced that the organization intends to improve its welfare services in partnership with Mowelfund and PhilHealth.

“The konsulta program is something that we will all have to look into dahil libre ‘to na makukuha natin and not so many people know about this yet. If you are part of the organization, we will administer all of these for you,” Dantes pointed out.

He continued, “The benefits right now, nasa P1,700 per person, per year. We are able to administer that through the organization, among many others. We will also have HMO package na hindi natin nakukuha because we are freelance workers. Things like these we are able to provide for our members, either for free or at a minimal cost."

Dantes also discussed the importance of education for artists, something ABS-CBN executive and AKTOR board adviser Charo Santos-Concio advocates for.

“Ma’am Charo, being one of our board advisers, is advocating for a stronger educational component in AKTOR. Because of course, if you want to be a proud AKTOR, you have to be a proud professional also and proud performer,” the AKTOR chairman shared.

In this regard, Dantes said the organization will provide a variety of workshops and modules to help members improve their skills beyond acting. Additionally, attempts are underway to collaborate with an academic institution for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), which will allow members who have not completed college to acquire a degree.

Actor Dingdong Dantes speaks to the press about his partnership with MESA. Photo by Josh Mercado.Dantes renews ties with Mesa

Meanwhile, last February 20, Dantes renewed his contract with the local restaurant chain Mesa at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. Talent manager Perry Lansigan, Mesa's chief executive officer Rikki Dee, chief operating officer Eric Dee, and vice president of national operations Raymond Federigan were also in attendance.

Dantes's love for good food and experiences is what motivates his collaboration with the popular brand. After six years as a brand ambassador, he is now taking the next step as a business partner, cementing his relationship.

“When I first joined them about six years ago, I was already very happy to be part of this brand. This signing is even more special. It signifies my official inclusion in Mesa’s history as a brand,” he told the media.

When asked about his dream dinner, the seasoned actor said he would always want to eat with his children. “Lalaki 'yang mga ‘yan. Darating ‘yung oras na may mga sarili na silang gagawin. So, habang puwede, I would always choose to dine with them."

Dantes also admitted that his wife Marian Rivera's dish "menudo" opened his eyes and heart to the idea of what good food is.

Meanwhile, the Pinoy food chain giant’s hallmark dish, crispchon, got the "Best Crispchon in The World" title from Taste Atlas.

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