MARIAN and daughter Zia Dantes Instagram
Only five months old, Baby Zia has already appeared on a magazine cover, and is set to appear in a soon-to-be-released television commercial.
She’s the daughter of celebrity couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, so observers are bound to be curious. Still, Marian would like to keep her little girl’s privacy as much as possible.
“Of course, we can’t make our lives completely private as we’re in show biz. I do share photos of Zia every once in a while… That’s enough, I think,” the actress told reporters at a press conference for her new daytime talk show on GMA 7, “Yan ang Morning!,” which airs weekdays.
The Internet is teeming with bashers—“cowards hiding behind anonymity”—Marian pointed out, adding that it’s important to shield children from such people.
Just recently, the 31-year-old Kapuso talent spoke with television host Bianca Gonzalez, whose baby girl, Lucia, was mockingly called negra (black) on Instagram.
“Some people can be too much,” she lamented. “My husband and I don’t talk about bashers. I try not to engage them because they can hurt you—they can drive you crazy.”
And so, when asked whether or not people could expect to see more of Baby Zia in her program, Marian was reluctant. “We’ll see about that,” said the star, who’s still on a motherhood high.
“It’s such a priceless calling. Being pregnant and going into labor is hard, but everything’s worth it once you see your child,” Marian related. “I wake up in the morning and see my handsome husband and bubbly daughter by my side… I feel happy, content.”
Marian often receives compliments for being able to maintain her nice figure after her pregnancy, but it’s something she doesn’t mind losing, if it means fulfilling her dreams of having a big family. “We’ll be happy with whatever God gives us. But of course, the more, the merrier!” she said.
In “Yan ang Morning!,” directed by Louie Ignacio, Marian will be joined by her friend and comedian Boobay in whipping up easy recipes, and tackling various topics related to homemaking and being a mother.
“When I became a mother, I realized that I could do some things that I didn’t know I could do. So, why not share that with my audience? We’ll learn from each other,” said Marian, who’s admittedly daunted by the hosting stint. “It’s not my forte, but there’s nothing wrong about trying something new.”
Her husband, an experienced host, does give her some pointers and helps her rehearse, Marian related. “He tells me to just be myself. Dong is always there to help me; sometimes, we bond over the topics and questions… One time, we discussed spanking as a way of disciplining children. He’s very supportive,” she said.
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph