Continuing his partnership with National Book Store, Dingdong Dantes agreed to be the face of its Christmas campaign called "Project Aklat."  The book drive encourages customers to buy and donate books for as low as P30. 

The actor said he accepted this project not only to endorse the book store's campaign, but also because it would benefit his foundation, Yes Pinoy.

"Bukod sa endorsement kasi, nakikita ko siya as partnership because we will help National Book Store for the awareness side of it. Also, we will help them distribute these books to those kids who really need them the most.

"Kumbaga, through our Foundation, kami mismo ang pupunta sa mga school, kami mismo ang mamimigay, siyempre, with proper coordination with National Book Store kung sino ang karapat-dapat," Dingdong explained during the press launch of "Project Aklat" yesterday, November 26, at Mandarin Oriental Suites, Gateway Mall in Quezon City.

NO POLITICAL PLANS YET. Since Dingdong has been busy with  cause-oriented activities lately, some people are already thinking that the actor-TV host has plans of entering the political arena someday.

But the Stairway To Heaven actor was quick to say that his aggressiveness on Yes Pinoy Foundation's campaign does not mean he's preparing to enter politics.

Dingdong said, "Kasi I've been doing this since before. Nagkataon lang that I am in a position right now na marami akong nalalapitan, maraming naniniwala sa advocacy, maraming naniniwala sa cause, nagkataon na maraming puma-partner sa amin. Siguro it's magnified right now because these big people are involved. But with regard to the intention and ideals behind it, noon pa 'yon."

The youth-empowerment advocate also added that it's best to start acting on his intentions "when I can, when I have all the resources."

He added, "Whereas, kapag ito ang passion ko na kapag may time na ako in the future na gusto kong gawin, pero wala na akong time dahil maaring wala na masyadong suporta, wala na masyadong opportunities, wala na kayo diyan... So, might as well establish it now, strengthen, and carry it on over to the next generation."

Dingdong also mentioned why he does not want to get involved in  politics: "Hindi ko sinasabing masama 'yon, pero gusto ko maging normal citizen, enjoying the privileges that a fair nation is giving. Mas gusto ko 'yong ganun, e, relax-relax ka lang."

SUPPORTING NOYNOY AQUINO. While he's firm on not entering politics, Dingdong is very vocal about his support for 2010 presidential candidate Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

The actor said he didn't have a hard time making that decision.

"Siyempre, malawak na pagsusuri rin 'yan, plus pag-e-evaluate sa sarili. Kumbaga, at the end of the day, 'yong heart mo pa rin talaga ang magde-decide, e. The heart and the mind will speak strongly who I would want to endorse. Hindi rin siya matagal [na pagdedesisyon], e, pati siguro 'yong tawag sa kanya ng tao na tumakbo."

Despite his busy showbiz schedule, Dingdong said that he would still give his best to help Noynoy in his election campaign.

"With regard to Noynoy naman, kapag may oras ako, I will do my part sa advocacy, also para the youth to know kung sino ang dapat iboto nila. Kasi, wala na akong gagawing soap, e, so medyo marami na akong time."