Kapuso actor-host Dingdong Dantes now holds the rank of Naval Combat Engineering Officer after completing the Philippine Navy’s Naval Combat Engineer Officer Basic Course.
Dingdong himself shared the proud moment on his verified Instagram page, where he uploaded glimpses of the ceremony held at the Brigade Training and Doctrine Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Surrounded by family and colleagues, the “Rewind” actor received his certificate of completion with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
Dingdong also humorously recounted the reaction of his children, Zia and Sixto, upon learning of his graduation.
“When I left the house this morning, Sixto was surprised to see me in this gala uniform. He asked, ‘Dada, where are you going?’ I said that I would attend my graduation rites in the Seabees Headquarters,” the celeb dad shared his interaction with his son.
He continued, “From the second floor, to my surprise, I heard the strong, coarse voice of Zia screaming, ‘What? You will graduate? Are you a student?’ ??”
“I just smiled and answered that, yes, even old people can still study and finish anything as long as they want to, because learning should never stop,” he shared his response to Zia.
“As a reservist, it is a privilege to be given these opportunities to acquire new skills which can definitely enhance many aspects of my life as a professional, father, and husband,” Dingdong wrote in his Instagram post, accompanied by photos of the ceremony.
Acknowledging the support the actor expressed his gratitude for the unwavering encouragement of his reel and real life partner, Marian Rivera, throughout his journey.
The Kapuso actress attended the ceremony and proudly pinned the “Rifle Expert Badge” and the “Kapanalig Medal” on her husband.
Dingdong initially enlisted as a reservist for the Philippine Marine Reserve Force in 2006. His dedication followed through his renewed enlistment in 2017 and promotion to the rank of lieutenant commander in 2020 by the Philippine Navy.
