Remy Presas

My Conversation With My Filipino-American Barber – Revisited

Yesterday, while getting my hair cut, my trusted barber also told me about Mr. Philippines.

Even though he couldn’t immediately remember his name, he knew that he was an accomplished bodybuilder and a very skillful FMA practitioner.

So, I simply set out to find some more information on Mr. Philippines, who was considered a National Treasure of the Philippines.

He was Rolando Pintoy Dantes, born June 15, 1944 and unfortunately died way too young on March 16, 2009.

Rolando Dantes was an international action movie star as well as a Filipino martial artist who trained with the legendary Grandmaster Remy Presas for over 30 years.

Furthermore, he trained in Filipino stick fighting with other highly acclaimed masters such as as Cacoy Canete and Edgar Sulite.

As one of the best-known Filipino actors, Rolando Dantes had leading roles in movies including “The Pacific Connection” and “Arnis: The Sticks Of Death.”

Dantes was a bodybuilder who won the “Mr. Philippines” title five times between 1969-1980 and placed in competitions for the titles “Mr. Universe” and “Mr. World”.

R.I.P., Rolando “Mr. Philippines” Dantes.