Dingdong Dantes has been promoted by the Philippine Navy.
From the rank of master sergeant, the Kapuso actor is now a lieutenant commander.
Dingdong and wife Marian Rivera, together with their families, attended the donning of ranks ceremony held on January 27, 2020.
Aside from Dingdong's promotion, fellow actor Rocco Nacino was also awarded a Military Merit Medal following the assistance he provided the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption.
This was according to the official statement released by the Philippine Navy. Published as is, the statement from the Philippine Navy read:
"The actor known for his screen name as Dingdong Dantes, has been enlisted as marine reservist since 2006 and commissioned in the reserve force in 2019.
"Lt. Cmdr. Dantes (RES) is the Chairman and Founder of Yes Pinoy Foundation.
"He also holds the position of Assistant Vice Chairman of Logistics Support Group of Front liners Brotherhood Incorporated (FBI) which is affiliated to PN Affiliated Reserve Units (PNARU) program and placed under the Marine Affiliated Reserve Combat Service Support Batallion (MARCSSBn).
"Also, Rocco Nacino was enlisted as Petty Officer Third Class in the reserve force after graduating in the Basic Citizen Military Training (BSMT) conducted last year.
"He is currently assigned at Naval Forces Reserve-National Capital Region under Naval Reserve Center.
"The family of Dantes, other PN senior leaders and Mrs Marian Rivera Dantes, who assisted during the pinning of rank insignia to his husband Dingdong were also present during the event."
The same press release also said: "Meanwhile, both Dantes and Nacino were also awarded with a Military Merit Medal for their notable achievement as they conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response during the eruption of Taal volcano.
"In his speech, Lt Cmdr Dantes narrates his reason for joining the Navy reserve, 'I am a soldier, a reservist, because I would like to volunteer, to help those who help keep my family and my loved one safe. To my mind being a reservist, being a soldier, is about enabling others to pursue their own dreams in a secure and safe environment.'
"He added, 'Nasa gobyerno ka man o pribadong sector, may katungkulan man o karaniwang namamasukan, sundalo man o isang actor, tangan natin ang ‘puso’ ng isang bayani...
"'So whatever uniform we may be in today, let’s not forget to put our strongest hearts and commit ourselves to be heroes in our own ways.'"
For her part, Marian posted this on Instagram: “Lieutenant Commander Jose Sixto G. Dantes III PN (Res) .
“Super proud of you my husband... Salute! [heart emoji]”
“GREATER LOVE FOR MY COUNTRY”
Rocco says quite directly that he is "masaya" about the recognition he received.
Rocco has the rank of Petty Officer (PO) 3rd Class of the Philippine Navy.
He said in his Instagram post (published as is): “Got to experience the prestigious donning of ranks at the Navy Headquarters.
“This has ignited a feeling of greater love for my country as our officers take time to recognize our efforts in serving our country.
“Yes masaya ang pakiramdam na makapagpasaya ng tao through tv, pero iba din ang saya ng makatulong sa kapwang pilipino na nangangailangan.
“We reach out to the youth to take on this journey as well to experience that fulfilment that we talk about. Believe me, magbabago ang pananaw ninyo sa buhay.”
Rocco also congratulated Dingdong on the latter's promotion.
He said: “Congrats to all the awardees, especially to my good friend @dongdantes , whom I salute to now as Lt Commander Dantes.
“Buddy na tayo sa Alpha team, buddy na rin Navy. Snappy salute!”
Aside from Dingdong and Rocco, several celebrities have enlisted in various branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Among them are Matteo Guidicelli, Ejay Falcon, Gerald Anderson, Deither Ocampo, Elmo Magalona, Yves Flores, Jerome Ponce, and Nash Aguas.