How does actor and host Dingdong Dantes bring the lessons of his show, “Amazing Earth,” to his kids, 7-year-old Zia and 4-year-old Ziggy?
Leadership by example.
In a recent interview, the environmental advocate opened up about his efforts to raise his children with a love and respect for nature.
“Syempre pinakamahalaga sa lahat leadership by example,” Dingdong stated. “Kailangan dito pa lang sa tahanan, pinapakita na natin ang dapat at hindi dapat.”
He stressed the significance of being honest when answering his children’s questions, explaining the reasons behind certain actions and choices. Daddy Dingdong also highlighted the need to consistently provide creative learning materials for his kids, ensuring that the process remains engaging and exciting.
Drawing from his experience hosting the nature documentary series “Amazing Earth,” which is marking its fifth anniversary, Dingdong recognized the power of storytelling in making complex environmental issues more accessible and interesting.
“Isa sa mga strengths ng ‘Amazing Earth’ ay ‘yung mga kwento ng mga hayop at kwento ng kalikasan na usually very complicated, nagagawa nating very very interesting,” he explained.
By localizing the stories and relating them to the experiences of people, he said the show is able to humanize the narrative, making it easier for individuals of all ages to appreciate.
Dingdong compares his approach to raising environmentally aware kids to the strategies employed in the show. “Kailangan maging klaro kung bakit mahalaga at makaapekto sa buhay nya, sa mga hilig nya as a kid, not just now kundi pagdating sa paglaki nya,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, he believes in returning to traditional methods of learning, such as reading books and comics. Dingdong found out that by harnessing the imagination and engaging his kids through storytelling, the lessons conveyed in a story became more impactful.
“Maganda rin na nababalik sila sa old school na pamamaraan,” he said, “Kagaya ng pagbabasa ng libro at mga komiks, kagaya ng mga nakukuha kong regalo — Kuya Ogie shoutout sa mga librong pang-kalikasang na nakukuha ko sa inyo na pinapakita at binabasa ko sa mga anak — dahil dun nagiging amaze sila.
“Kapag gumana na ‘yung imagination, mas nag i istick yung lesson ng isang story kapag na engage na sa ganung paraan,” he concluded.
“Amazing Earth” will air the first episode of its three-part fifth anniversary special this Friday, July 14, 9:35 p.m. on GMA. — GFCT
