Introduction
Fernando Cyril "Dingdong" Veloso Avanzado (born July 7, 1968) is a Filipino singer, actor, politician and TV host.
Early life
Avanzado was born on July 7, 1968, in Quezon City.
He was born to the political Veloso Family of Samar, to Fernando Avanzado Sr., a former politician and to lawyer Carina Flores, the First Lady of Oton, Iloilo since 1998.
Music career
His performance in movie theme songs prompted Dyna Records (now Dyna Music) to sign him to a record deal. His single, "Ikaw Lamang", earned him his first Gold Record. His first major concert, called Shine On, was held in Rizal Theatre (now occupied by Shangrila Hotel Makati).
In 1988, he released the album Tatlong Beinte Singko under Dyna Records. The album contained eight tracks, including hit singles: "Ikaw Lamang", "Maghihintay Sa'Yo", and "Tatlong Beinte Singko" (composed by 17-year-old Rannie Raymundo). In the same year, he staged his second major concert at the Folk Arts Theater.
From 1989 to 1990, he performed two major concerts at the University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena (ULTRA). He also performed stunts in movies and starred in several youth-oriented films such as Pik Pak Boom, I Love You Three Times a Day, Estudyante Blues, and Love at First Sight.
From 1991 to 1994, Avanzado returned to performing and touring in different regions of the country. His nationwide tour gave him a larger audience and further increased his popularity. His fame grew when his compositions "Paalam Na" (co-written with his then-girlfriend, Rachel Alejandro) and "I Will Be There for You" gained recognition.
In 1997, he recorded his seventh album, Decade After, which was released by GMA Records (formerly Infinity Music) in celebration of ten years in the music business. The album contained hits like "Wish I Could" and "To Love Again" by Sharon Cuneta. The album went platinum, establishing him as one of the top recording artists in the Philippines.
It was also during this time that he met in 1998 and married in 2001 Jessa Zaragoza, one of the Philippines' biggest selling female recording artists. Several foreign concerts followed, where they performed in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
In 2000, Avanzado released the album, Here To Stay, under Star Records. It contained the hit song, "Walang Kapalit", by Rey Valera. As well as singing, Avanzado started directing concerts for other artists.
He released a historic duet album, Laging Ikaw, on Universal Records, in 2006. In 2012, Avanzado released Download, which was produced by Viva Records. All tracks on the album were original songs written by Avanzado.
Political career
In 1998, he embarked on a new career as he ran for public office and was seated in the city council of the 3rd District of Quezon City. In a span of three years, he was able to establish Quezon City as the "City of Stars", highlighting the major film networks of the film and music industry to boost tourism.
In 2007, Avanzado migrated to the United States, settling in Vallejo, California, with his wife.
In 2012, he also announced his intention to run for Vice Governor of Siquijor under the Liberal Party. In the 2013 elections, Avanzado received 25,159 votes compared to 20,472 from his opponent, Art Pacatang, from Lakas–CMD.
Discography
Studio albums
- Dingdong Avanzado Extended Play (1987; Dyna Music)
- Dingdong Avanzado (1988; Dyna Music)
- Just Can't Stop (1989; Dyna Music)
- Reachin' High (1991; OctoArts International)
- Coming of Age (1993; OctoArts International)
- Brand New Love (1995; OctoArts International)
- Decade After (1997; Sony Music and GMA Records)
- Recall (1999; Sony Music)
- Here to Stay (2003; Star Music)
- Laging Ikaw (with Jessa Zarragoza) (2009; Universal Records)
- Download (2012; Viva Records)
Compilation albums
- The Best of Dingdong Avanzado (1992; Dyna Music)
- OPM Timeless Hits: Dingdong Avanzado (1997; PolyEast Records)
- The Story of Dingdong Avanzado (2002; PolyEast Records)
Singles
- "Basta't Kasama Kita" (released in 1989, covered by Josh Santana in 2003, in a duet version with Jessa Zaragoza in 2004 and by Daryl Ong in 2015)
- "Naghihintay Sa'Yo" (released in 1989, covered by Jake Vargas & Angeline Quinto)
- "Download" (2012)
Awards
- Song of the Year – "Paalam Na", Awit Awards 1995
- Best Ballad Recording – "Paalam Na", Awit Awards 1995
- Best Dance Recording – "I Will Be There For You", Awit Awards 1996
- Best Concert Director (nomination) – Aliw Awards 2005
- Celebrity Inductee Winner – Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines 2009