Dingdong Dantes Sheds Light On His Military Reserves Career (W/ Never-Before-Seen Boot Camp Photos)

Through a lengthy post on Facebook, Dingdong Dantes is finally addressing the topic that some people have been talking about these past few days. His credentials and career as a military reservist. See, people like to make comments without actually knowing the full details. Again and again, we’ve pointed out that Dingdong Dantes signed up as Marine reservist in 2006. That’s waaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy before other celebrities started joining and posting their photos, proudly I might add, on social media. So without further adieu, here’s Lieutenant Commander(RES) Dingdong Dantes‘ explanation on the subject matter with never-before-seen photos from boot camp.

Last night, we held a media launch for our upcoming TV series in GMA. I had fun answering questions from our friends in the media about the project, but there were also so many questions about my recent commissioned officer status in the Military Reserve Force.

Normally, i would just leave things untold and let the rest be unfolded according to their respective assumptions and research. However, for this particular “milestone” in my life, i feel that i have a responsibility to at least shed some light on the role of reservists in the country, and maybe, encourage others to be part of the organization by sharing my personal journey.

I have always expressed my admiration and pride for the legacy of my grandfather and namesake Col. Sixto R. Dantes, who served from August 28, 1941 to August 5, 1971 in the Philippine Army, a World War 2 veteran and a death march survivor, and my father, Sixto Jr., a civilian volunteer of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

This legacy, along with the heroism of our soldiers, whom I have personally witnessed both in public service and entertainment, serves as my inspiration to work harder and to volunteer to help those who help me keep my family and my loved ones safe.

In 2006, I have decided to enlist in the Marine Reserve Force and completed the Marine Officer Basic Training (RES) CL 01-06, where I graduated with Serial Number ML-A05-038804 Philippine Navy (Marines)(Reserve) and became a member of the 3rd Technical Service Battalion.

I have also graduated from the Marine Ready Reserve Orientation Training Class 02-07 with Special Order number 72 effective 14 October 2007. Thereafter, I held the rank of MASTER SERGEANT and was transferred to the MARINE AFFILIATED RESERVE COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT BATTALION (MARCSSBN) with LTCOL SONNY K. WANG PN(M)(RES) as my commanding officer, under the Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Unit (PNARU) of the Naval Reserve Command.

Since my enlistment and upon creating the YesPinoy Foundation Inc. (YPF) in 2009, we have actively supported the missions of the Citizen Armed Force or the Reserve Force as stated in Republic Act No. 7077, which are to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, assist in disaster relief and rescue, and contribute in nation-building, in general.

The YPF, on the other hand, has been a member of the Frontliners Brotherhood Inc. (FBI) or the MARCSSBN, its military unit. With the support of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Marines, we have been doing disaster preparedness trainings and relief operations such as our assistance for Typhoon Ondoy, Typhoon Yolanda and the recent Taal Volcano eruption, to name a few.

In 2017, I had the honor to pay a courtesy visit to VICE ADMIRAL RONALD JOSEPH S. MERCADO, FLAG OFFICER IN-COMMAND, PHILIPPINE NAVY, at his official residence at the Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where we discussed my status in the Reserve Force. Through his encouragement, I submitted my documents and underwent physical and mental examinations to be a commissioned officer.

And just last January 27, 2020, after more than two years, VICE ADMIRAL ROBERT EMPEDRAD, FLAG OFFICER IN-COMMAND, PHILIPPINE NAVY, has confirmed my officer rank as LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. I also intend to request for change in my service status from sailor (navy) to go back to my original unit, the marines. The Philippine Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and is the mother unit of the Philippine Marine Corps.

But then again, this is my personal journey and my own expression of love and service for our country. At the end of the day, we all know that heroism and our love for the motherland are not based on the uniform we wear, but are demonstrated through our dedication in our respective fields of work and our selfless desire to contribute in the betterment of our society.

Whether you are a teacher, security guard, construction worker, call center agent, Angkas driver, employee, businessman, actor, firstline responder, stay-at-home mom or dad, or a medical professional especially those who are now in the frontline of battling the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, tangan natin ang ‘puso’ ng isang bayani. Dahil araw-araw, lahat tayo ay may pagkakataong maging mabuting mamamayan at gumawa ng mabuti para sa ating kapwa at sa ating bayan.

For me, being a reservist, being a soldier, is about enabling others to pursue their own dreams in a secure and safe environment. But being a hero is shown through our strongest hearts and our steadfast commitment to be heroes in our own ways. As author Chris Lowney said, “Heroism lies in the nobility of committing to a way of life that focuses on goals that are greater than oneself.”

Please be safe, friends, and i pray that we all overcome this global crisis.
A.M.D.G.
Philippine Navy Herby Escutin Michael Perez Alan Ibasco Emmanuel Lee Samuele Andini (source)