Marinel Cruz, Emmie G. Velarde
We sat down to dinner with Dingdong Dantes recently at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City. The exchange was spontaneous and relaxed, except that the tall and handsome customer had to occasionally nod or wave to fans in the restaurant (who tried not to be too obvious about the wayward glances, but failed).
The young actor-director gamely discussed his goals, both immediate and distant, his views about timely events, and his current priorities.
How were you affected by the triple disaster that hit Japan? What about the other natural calamities that continue to threaten life as we are enjoying it now?
All these remind me how valuable life is. Whatever makes you happy, kailangan gawin mo na kasi everything you own, everything you are, pwedeng tanggalin sa ’yo in an instant. You have to seize the day always. Don’t wait for tomorrow.
An expert said the Philippines would not survive a really intense earthquake.
Yes, I also heard that only 20 or 30 percent of structures in the country would survive such a quake. The taller ones are reportedly safe, dahil natutukan ang requirements.
As a Filipino, what went through your mind, seeing the images on TV?
I felt... we might be next. I saw the Japan videos... parang kinain ’yung kabihasnan...
One extreme reaction is, we shouldn’t have any more children because... what kind of world would they inherit? Do you agree with this?
Unfair din naman kung ’di mo sila ilalabas dahil takot ka lang. We should just do everything to make sure our children live in a world that’s safe.
So you think the damage to the planet is still reversible?
Maybe not; but we can adjust, make the most of the situation.
We ask this because we see you getting more and more involved in matters of nation-building.
It’s time for everyone to set aside selfish needs and desires, and focus on the future. It’s sad that tragedies have to happen for us to wake up. Thing is, people forget.
So are you going to do everything you want to do now, get married and all?
If only... but yes, I’m more eager to do that now, and many other things as well.
Have you really bought Marian (Rivera) an engagement ring?
You got me there. We have no big plans as yet; I feel so much pressure when asked.
How do you find President Noynoy Aquino?
He’s a very positive person. But like everyone else, I think, he is sometimes overwhelmed. He told me during an event of the YesPinoy Foundation, “This is a breather for me. Throughout the day from here, I will have to face more pressing issues, like garbage.”
Did you ask if he was complaining?
What I asked was, “Sir, kaya n’yo ba?” He said, “Syempre— kayang kaya ’yan.” Once, he told me that he had to review documents na ganito kataas (three inches) for a meeting the next day. So until he turned in for the night, he would be studying, he said. I am very curious about his life as president of the country. Sometimes, I feel like asking if he wants to relax.
You should also ask if he sometimes dodges his PSG (Presidential Security Group).
I have asked him that, actually. He said definitely not, because the guards would be court-martialed if they lost him even for a second, or something like that.
Do you think you will ever be president?
Me? Siguro sa fans club po ni Marian. Itataguyod ko po talaga ’yon (I would really support that).
We asked because you seem very curious about P-Noy’s life.
Much of what we all have to know are already in the news, which I also follow. When I get to ask about personal details, those are rare moments.
Does it ever cross your mind to make a film about him?
My ultimate dream is to portray his father in a movie.
That would be a demanding role for you... for one thing, Ninoy Aquino spoke possibly a hundred words per minute.
(Laughs) That’s why it’s a dream role.
You think he’d have made a good president?
Not just good. He made history, and his ideals are still being emulated.
If you played Ninoy, who would play Cory?
I’ve not gotten that far.
Would you direct or produce the film yourself?
Such a project would be rich in historical details. It has to be very well-researched; we wouldn’t want to commit the slightest error. It’s still a dream, though; it’s not like I’m already planning it.
You would have to gain weight.
Yes, and maybe also lose weight at some point, if I were to portray him in prison.
That’s more than a passing thought, with specific chapters and all... that’s planning.
You got me there. (Laughs)
Aren’t your civic activities hampering your growth as an artist? Do you think you can still play contravida and other offbeat roles now?
I will continue to grow as an artist. I may still want to play contravida roles, but maybe what I’d really look for are roles that are “gray,” character-driven—these are more challenging. The local movie industry is slowly evolving. The basic hero formula has apparently disappeared. For example, in one of my favorite movies, “The Prestige,” you can’t tell which character is good or bad. Speaking of which, the lead stars in that movie, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, are my idols.
And who are your favorite directors? Didn’t you want to become a director yourself?
Chris Nolan and Martin Scorsese are my favorite directors. Bilib na bilib ako sa “Inception.” Leo DiCaprio is another favorite actor. I directed a film called “Angels” in 2006. It’s about a son’s relationship with his father. Those types of stories appeal to me. The movie—three different stories about angels—was produced by Angel Locsin. I did the second story. It was nominated for an award. Right now I’d like to be a more experienced actor before I take up directing again. My preference is still the movies. At least it’s not a daily routine and you have control over your time.
