Actor and TV host Dingdong Dantes has played numerous roles in his lifetime, whether in film or television. Meanwhile, in reality, he also shares several responsibilities as a father, husband, and businessman.
Last year, Dingdong established his all-Filipino delivery service solution provider called Dingdong. He owns an independent film company, Agostos Dos Productions, which produced Aswang Chronicles’ Tiktik and Kubot.
One business venture that Dingdong hopes to enter is the food industry. As many of his fans know, the Kapuso actor is a food enthusiast, and it also helps that his wife, actress Marian Rivera, is a whiz in the kitchen.
Despite Dingdong’s interest in the food industry, he has yet to acquire the experience to help him run the business he desires. It’s a good thing for him, then, that he works closely with the heads of MESA, a homegrown Filipino casual dining brand.
MESA is a popular Filipino restaurant under the umbrella of FooDee Global Concepts, one of Manila’s leading multi-brand food and beverage groups run by father-and-son duo Rikki and Eric Thomas Dee.
As the brand ambassador for MESA, Dingdong symbolizes the brand’s wholesome image that welcomes families for hearty meals. In the meantime, Dingdong is learning trade secrets about the food industry, which could prove valuable when he starts his venture.
Just like any business, the seasoned actor saw how having determination is vital in any industry. As an actor, he knows the relevance of focusing on a role to give his best performance. He likens the experience to running a business, saying that anyone interested in pursuing a career in any industry should prioritize the growth of their brand.
So when will Dingdong start his food business? The answer lies in the 88th nationwide branch of MESA. Dingdong’s loyalty to MESA and a friendly relationship with the Dees secured him a spot at the table. Dingdong shares that there’s not much symbolism to the branch number he chose. It’ll just give him ample time to prepare for the new opportunity.
On October 25, Dingdong renewed his ties with MESA as its brand ambassador, furthering the brand’s goal of opening 100 stores in the country by 2024.
“Our aim to accelerate opening more MESA branches nationwide and even abroad is stronger with our continued tie with brand ambassador Dingdong Dantes. He shares MESA brand values and embody the character of a wholesome and modern Filipino family man,” said Eric Thomas Dee, COO of FooDee Global Concepts.
As the brand embarks on its “Road to 100” campaign, MESA unveiled a giant billboard atop its headquarters at One Corporate Central in Mandaluyong City.
MESA currently has 70 stores nationwide. It’s known for serving Filipino classics with a modern twist, including pomelo salad, crispchon (crispy lechon), laing 2 ways, and more. The restaurant plans to reach 100 stores in malls and stand-alone locations in commercial areas and hotels nationwide and globally.
As Dingdong uses his influence to further MESA’s objective, he learns a lot of information about the food industry, preparing him for taking on the responsibility.