Dingdong as a crime buster

MANILA, Philippines -  His being part of show business, Dingdong says, is one perfect avenue to help people become more informed on what is happening in our society today and what everyone can do through the roles he has been portraying on the small screen. Proof of that is his GMA 7 topbiller Alyas Robinhood — now on its last few episodes — where his character displays the ability of an ordinary citizen to curb crime.

Dingdong Dantes believes that one need not be a superhero to help maintain a safe and crime-free community. Everyone can do his share, he stresses, by gaining knowledge on safeguarding our loved ones and crime prevention.

His being part of show business, Dingdong says, is one perfect avenue to help people become more informed on what is happening in our society today and what everyone can do through the roles he has been portraying on the small screen. Proof of that is his GMA 7 topbiller Alyas Robinhood — now on its last few episodes — where his character displays the capability of an ordinary citizen to curb crime.

Beginning Feb. 18 after Eat, Bulaga!, televiewers will also get to see the Kapuso actor as frontliner of Case Solved, a crime docu-drama that looks back at famous cases from the past. They are real stories of various offenses and crimes that have already been solved and justice had been served.

 “One of the objectives of my shows is to let people know that we have this inner power waiting to be unleashed to be able to help others,” said Dingdong when asked about his goals about accepting projects that is in line with public service. “We do not need to be a superhero to help, especially now that we are all concerned to what is happening around us.”

He continued, “With regards to the show (Case Solved), the fact that it’s informing people and entertaining them (is) in a way public service na rin ‘yun so I can see the similarities (of the two shows). The only difference is Alyas Robinhood is fiction while Case Solved is based on true stories.”

The show teaser gives one an idea that Case Solved is rich in detail and totally compelling. It never loses sight of the fact that at the center of a crime is a violent act that strikes at the heart of viewers.

The fact that everyone is vulnerable to any threat, whether inside or outside the house, all the more makes it important for everyone to be better equipped in preventing any terrifying incident from taking place. “All of us want a peaceful community and through the show, one can learn what to do if ever we are put into the kind of situation that we are going to feature in the show. Importanteng malaman natin na may ganung klase palang pangyayari for us to be more vigilant in our everyday life,” the actor pointed out.

Curious minds are wondering about his seemingly sudden shift to shows that are aligned with public service and Dingdong has the answer.

“I think entertainment business is, in a way, closely related to public service and as I mature, the opportunities that I’m getting are becoming more serious. For me, the show is a big step to be able to enter into a more serious field and hardcore line of public service considering the nature of the show.”

For him, the fact that he accepted the hosting chores in Case Solved also means that he has now become more open to projects that tackle serious issues affecting the society. “Iba na rin kasi yung circumstances ngayon na magulang na rin ako. I am now exposed to a lot of things and for that, I want to be involved in whatever help or knowledge the show can give to the viewers.” He believes in the importance of every Filipino’s contribution to nation-building regardless of its magnitude.

Is he interested in entering politics in the future?

“For me, my being an actor and host of this kind of program is part of what I will do in the future. But wherever this leads me to later on, I still do not know. Basta ako, nandito yung dedication ko in this line of service. ‘Di pa siya case solved (laughs),” replied Dingdong.

But if he will become a crime buster, Dingdong is certain that he will be part of a group that will protect children from abuse. His heart bled when he learned about one of the Case Solved features where a nine-year-old girl was mercilessly raped and killed by the perpetrator. “Bilang tatay na rin, nadurog talaga ang puso ko sa ganung kwento na may ganung klaseng tao na kayang gawin ‘yun. And you’ll be surprised when you learn why the criminal did that so for me, there is no place for him in this world. It is really our duty to protect our loved ones by knowing what to do in case we encounter that kind of situation.”

As a dad to his and wife Marian Rivera’s daughter Zia, Dingdong promises to do whatever he can to shield her from harm, saying, “Pati buhay ko ibibigay ko to protect her.”