real name: Jose Sixto Rafael Gonzales Dantes IIIbday: August 2, 1980 (Quezon City, Philippines)
zodiac sign: Leo
showviz anniv: 1998
height: 5'11"
José Sixto Gonzales Dantes III is popularly known as Dingdong Dantes. Dingdong first attended college at San Beda College and took up Marketing Management. He transferred to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) as an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts major.
He was part of the male dance group 'Abztract'. As an actor, he debuted on GMA Network's youth-oriented show T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado). His role as the dashing boy-next-door Iñaki was massively well received and contributed much to his growing popularity. His pairing with Antoinette Taus, whom he was romantically involved with, spun films like 'Honey My Love So Sweet' and 'I'm Sorry My Love' and other television outings including 'Anna Karenina'.
In 2002, Dingdong was paired with actress Tanya Garcia as they top-bill in GMA-7’s primetime soap opera series entitled 'Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga'(2002). Dingdong and Garcia also headlined in another primetime romance-drama billing in 2003 entitled 'Twin Hearts'(2003). Dingdong then took on several hosting stints and has emceed for Binibining Pilipinas Pageant in numerous occasions. His flair and spontaneity in the field eventually led him to be selected as host for GMA Network’s reality artist search, 'StarStruck'(2003) and has since hosted in the seasons that followed.
Aside from his television stints, Dingdong also appeared in several chartbuster films including 'Magkapatid' and 'Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka'.
Dingdong hosts the suspense-thriller program 'Wag Kukurap', for which he also occasionally serves as director. He is well-known for his role as King Ybrahim in the 'Encantadia' fantasy-themed television saga, where he co-stars with his on-screen and off-screen romantic interest, singer-actress Karylle. The couple also co-star in the 2006 film 'Moments of Love'.
After the phenomenal hit 'Marimar'(2007), he is again paired with Marian Rivera in 'Dyesebel'(2008).
After being the top hunk in Cosmopolitan 69 Bachelors 2008 Bachelor Bash last September 6, 2008 and one of the main features in 'Experience Blackout: The Bench Denim and Underwear Fashion Show'(2008) last July 25, 2008 at the Araneta Coliseum, Dingdong is named third among E! 25 Sexiest Men in the World!
Now, he plays the most coveted role of Cholo in the Filipino Adaptation of 'Stairway to Heaven' with Rhian Ramos on the title role of Jodi.
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