Dingdong Dantes: No to banning K-dramas; yes to empowering Filipino artists

Instead of banning South Korean dramas or other foreign content, Dingdong Dantes believes that it’s better to focus on empowering Filipino artists by giving them viable platforms and the support they need to hone their craft further.

“I understand that with digitalization, the stage for film and television artists has suddenly become global. So, it’s inevitable to compare. But I also have faith in Filipino talent. I have belief in the capacity of our local talents. Given the proper tools, malayo pa ang mararating natin,” he said at his recent contract renewal as the celebrity ambassador of the Filipino restaurant Mesa.

“I recently did K-Drama remakes both for television (‘Descendants of the Sun’) and film (‘A Hard Day’), and I truly appreciate the value of entertainment it has given us Filipinos, then and now,” added Dingdong, who likewise pointed out that he and his wife, Marian Rivera, met on the set of a remake of the Mexican telenovela “Marimar.”

Trending topic

The issue became a recent trending topic on social media after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, during a hearing of the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ 2023 budget, said banning Korean and foreign content “sometimes crosses” his “mind” because he feels that Filipino viewers seem to prioritize them over local movies and shows.

Dingdong echoed the sentiments of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, saying that local showbiz can take inspiration from the economic framework of the Korean entertainment industry without copying their creative output. “We can definitely learn lots of things from what they have accomplished.”

“They’re doing a whole-of-country approach in supporting the arts and that’s something we can also do,” the 42-year-old actor pointed out. “We can take inspiration from their best practices.”

Dantes

Asked what measures he thinks will benefit the local industry, Dingdong said: “We can begin by empowering our producers by giving them tax breaks … and by strengthening and streamlining government agencies that are directly in touch with the creative industry. Let’s continue empowering our local artists, because, truly, our talents are world-class.”

“While we love them (foreign content), let’s continue to have faith in our own, by loving our own as well,” he added.

Good gauge

And while he doesn’t have an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, the GMA 7 star nonetheless urged movie-goers to support those that made it into the roster. “I hope people can go out and support our local films … Production is slowly coming back. More movies are being put out. This year will be a good gauge,” he said.

How does he protect his stature that he has worked hard for over the years?

“Authenticity is key; staying true to who you are despite everything happening around you. I will do what I know I can do. I don’t pretend to know things I don’t,” he said. “That’s one of my guiding principles.” INQ

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