Moms and Dads

Dingdong Dantes’ Letter to His Daughter Pulls On Heartstrings

by Kevyn Gohu
August 25, 2023

Even work will not stop Dingdong Dantes from expressing his support and confidence in Zia for her upcoming swimming competition.

Working parents will always face the struggles of supporting their kids’ milestones when they have work to do. While there’s no replacing physical presence, sometimes, a heartfelt letter can convey the same feelings as being there. And that’s the reality beloved actor and dad personality Dingdong Dantes showcases in his heartwarming letter to his daughter, Zia. As his unica hija prepares to dive and swim her way to victory, his work schedule collides with her competition. And while he cannot be there physically to support her, he instead writes a letter to assure her of his love and support.

Dingdong Dantes' Letter to His Daughter Pulls On Heartstrings — Source: dongdantes Instagram

Just Keep Swimming

Posting a week-old candid photo of his daughter diving into the water, Dingdong Dantes admits with a bit of relief how he could capture a photo finish of her starting her journey as a competitive swimmer. “With only about four hours of sleep (since the Royal Blood taping ended quite late the night before), I was a bit shaky while attempting to capture this dive of yours. Thank God it came out very clear — for our remembrance,” he writes.

The photo perfectly captures Zia’s enthusiasm and determination to swim her best as Dingdong ruefully adds how he’ll miss a “significant portion of the crucial competition” as he promotes one of his more recent series Royal Blood. But he immediately adds that she has his unwavering support, regardless of the outcome. “Please understand that regardless of the outcome, I am already incredibly proud of the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm you bring to this sport,” he writes.

He also takes the opportunity to teach Zia a life lesson with swimming as an analogy. “In the pool, as in life, every stroke you take not only propels you forward but also reflects your commitment and resilience. Embrace the water’s hold, for within its depths, you discover your true strength. Keep pushing, keep swimming, and let the currents of determination guide you to greatness.”

Dingdong also reveals as one to believe in luck, reminding his daughter to not forget to express gratitude to Marian Rivera as he talks about their shared belief of her being their “lucky charm.” “Of course, remember to extend your gratitude to your Mama for her constant support and guidance. Just as she has been for me, she undoubtedly serves as your lucky charm as well.”

Work will not stop parents from expressing their support for their kids’ pursuits.

Despite our busy and overloaded working schedules, we will always find a way to express our unwavering support for our kids’ pursuits. Although there will be some guilt for being unable to be there, the most crucial thing for us to do is to be transparent in conveying our love for our kids whether they win or lose. And Dingdong Dantes does it well with the last few lines of his letter to his daughter:

“Sabi nga ni Fr. Ferriols, “Lundagin mo, Beybe!” Love, Dad.”