From Pampanga to Cagayan de Oro City, Dingdong Dantes managed to squeeze into his busy showbiz schedule the regional launch of the Advocates of Youths and Students for Noynoy Aquino (Ayos Na) movement last weekend in Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro.
Ayos Na, which was formally launched last November, was Dingdong's brainchild to show his full support for the candidacy of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, who is running for president in the May 2010 electios. The movement aims to gather at least half-a-million youth volunteers who will help Noynoy's campaign.
The series of Ayos Na's regional launch across the country seems to be very tiring, but for Dingdong, it's fun because he gets to talk to the youth in the different provinces.
"Iba-ibang personalities per area. Iba-ibang concerns, iba-ibang issues. Pero one common concern is they want change. 'Yon ang nakikita namin, so swak na swak sa advocacy ng grupo," the actor said in an interview after the media junket prepared for Ayos Na at the Grand Caprice restaurant, LimKetKai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City last Sunday, January 17.
While some commend the actor's active participation in such cause-oriented projects, some are also wondering if the actor has plans to give up his showbiz career to become a public servant.
"Malayo pa talaga 'yon, e," said the national convenor of Ayos Na.
As in his past interviews, Dingdong was firm in saying he's not interested in joining the politics.
He explained, "Marami pa akong gustong ma-achieve as an actor, sobrang dami. Hindi ko sinasabing papasukin ko, ayaw ko talaga sa pulitika at ayaw ko rin maging pressure for me also. Sa ngayon, I really like to enjoy being a normal citizen. Mabigat na responsibilidad 'yon, e. Ito pa nga lang, e, di ba, what more..."
The actor also said that his participation in the different causes does not mean he's preparing for something that's related to politics.
"Ewan ko, siguro nasa personality ko 'yon na gumawa ng mga bagay na hindi expected, e," said Dingdong. "Like what I always say, when I do something, I'm always one hundred percent, e. Kumbaga, nandoon ang passion mula umpisa hanggang matapos. Pero this is something na matagal ko na ring ginagawa. Siguro, hindi lang siya well-publicized, by choice.
"Pero ngayon, feeling ko, mas may opportunity at mas maraming taong involved at gustong tumulong, so why not do it now? Kung nagawa ko before ito, if ever I started this before, siguro wala ring masyadong impact. Kaya siguro I thought of starting it now. And maybe, if I started it in the future and wait another two, three, four or five years, it may not be the same anymore."
This week, Dingdong is set to attend the regional launch of Ayos Na in Valenzuela City and Davao. The actor also promises to give enough attention to Ayos Na and to Yes Pinoy Foundation as much as possible.
When asked how much of his time would be allotted for these groups, Dingdong answered: "Sagad, e. If I finish something for Yes Pinoy, automatically, I shift to Ayos Na. Hindi ko puwedeng hatiin ang sarili ko. I have days for that, I have days for this. Malaking bagay that I work with people who I can trust. So, I don't necessarily have to be there."
Read more about Dingdong's plans for Ayos Na on Election Watch section, PEP's (Philippine Entertainment Portal) special microsite for the 2010 elections.