Dingdong Dantes with his son, Sixto. Image: Instagram/@dongdantes
MANILA, Philippines—As the world settles into the new norm of self-isolation and minimal social contact, Dingdong Dantes expressed that despite the fears he has for his son, Sixto, the boy gives him the strength and courage to remain hopeful in such dire times.
As his family celebrates Sixto’s first birthday on Thursday, Dantes penned for his son a heartfelt open letter, which he took to Instagram to share with his fans.
“It is day 33 for us here on lockdown and day 365 for you on Earth. Normally, we would gather all our relatives and friends to celebrate this special day with you, just like how your mother and I had done it when we reached the same milestone. Though as toddlers, we never really remembered anything— thanks to the pictures that reminded us how we are loved by the people around us,” Dantes said.
“But today, it’s just going to be us, Buddy— You, me, your Mother, your Ate Z, Ate Cecile, Ate Glenda, and Kuya Emerson. But please know that there are many people like your cousins, grandparents, godparents, and relatives who wish to see you and be with you today, probably to give a gift, a cake, or a simple tight warm hug. But not now…maybe when this is all over. When? I really don’t know, son,” he added.
Dantes went on to admit that he fears Sixto “would be marching towards this new world, this new normal, that we had created for your generation,” noting that what is happening now is “is a clear manifestation of our actions and inactions.”
“And we are reaping its effects which could benefit a few, but for most… just hard learnings about humanity, the planet, and spirituality. But I guess as parents, that’s what we are here for. We are here to prepare you for that jungle out there,” the actor stressed.
“Though there is fear, it is also you (and your sister) who [gives] me the courage to carry on and strive to make this world a sustainable place to live in. You give me the drive to make me want to be a better version of myself,” he added.
The doting father then noted that his son is a “living reminder that we should get our acts together and ensure that when the time comes, you can freely walk the streets, breathe all the air you want, play ball with your friends even at close distance, ride a bike, and return the hug to all your well-wishers today.”
Dantes’ message came with a photo of Sixto, who the actor said will always be his reminder that in times of uncertainty, he found hope through him. Sixto is Dantes and Marian Rivera’s second child and is the brother of 4-year-old Maria Letizia Dantes.
Amid the enhanced community quarantine imposed over Luzon and other parts of the country, Dantes has lent a hand to those in need through his YesPinoy foundation by providing food packs to over 3,600 families.