Dingdong Avanzado

Fernando Cyril "Dingdong" Veloso Avanzado (born July 7, 1968) is a Filipino singer, actor, politician and TV host.

He is often dubbed as the "Philippines' original prince of pop."

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 current mayor of Oton, Iloilo.

He was part of Kundirana, an all male group formed in La Salle Greenhills where Gary Valenciano and Ogie Alcasid has been part of.

His performance on some movie theme songs prompted Dyna Records to sign him to a record deal.

His single, "Ikaw Lamang", earned him his first Gold certification.

His first major concert, called Shine On, was held in Rizal Theatre (now occupied by Makati Shangri-La, Manila).

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 Rannie Raymundo).

In the same year, he staged his second major concert at the Folk Arts Theater.

From 1988 to 1990, he performed two major concerts at the University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena (ULTRA).

He also starred in several youth-oriented films such as Pik Pak Boom, I Love You 3x a Day, Estudyante Blues, and Love at First Sight.

From 1991 to 1994, Avanzado resumed his career in the performing arts, embarking on a series of nationwide tours across various regions in the Philippines.

These tours significantly expanded his audience base and heightened his overall popularity.

His acclaim reached new heights with the recognition of his notable compositions, including 'Paalam Na' (co-written with then-girlfriend Rachel Alejandro) and 'I Will Be There for You.

In 1994, Avanzado ventured into film by co-starring in 'Paniwalaan Mo,' an OctoArts Films production inspired by one of his songs.

In this film, he played the role of Dawn Zulueta’s brother, alongside notable actors such as Aga Muhlach, Jamie Rivera, and Tonton Gutierrez.

Expanding his musical legacy, Avanzado recorded his seventh album, 'Decade After,' in 1997.

Released by GMA Records (formerly Infinity Music), the album commemorated his remarkable ten-year journey in the music industry.

Noteworthy tracks such as 'Wish I Could' and 'To Love Again' by Sharon Cuneta contributed to the album's success, earning it platinum status.

It was also during this time that he met singer-actress Jessa Zaragoza in 1998 and married her in 2001.

Several foreign concerts followed, where they performed in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, and the United States.

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 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 duet album, Laging Ikaw, on Universal Records, in 2005.

In 2007, Avanzado migrated to the United States, settling in Vallejo, California, with his wife.

In 2012, Avanzado released Download, which was produced by Viva Records.

All tracks on the album were original songs written by Avanzado.

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.