Dingdong at 40: Grateful for 2 of life’s ‘greatest gifts’

Dingdong Dantes with wife Marian Rivera and kids Zia and Ziggy

Dingdong Dantes envisioned himself turning the big 4-0 in a “’90s rock, Oktoberfest-themed all-out party.”

Alas, his plans—just like many other people’s—were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But while his birthday on Aug. 2 didn’t turn out the way he had hoped for, there are still a lot of things to be happy about.

“I’m still grateful because this day is a reminder of His blessings and my life’s greatest gifts,” he said in a recent Instagram post.

Among those “greatest gifts” are two of the most important women in his life: his mother, Angeline Dantes, “who brought me into this world,” and his wife, Marian Rivera, “my rock and core.”

The actor’s appreciation for his mother only grew deeper, he related, when he himself became a parent.

Dingdong with his mom, Angeline

“I had to have my own children to make me realize the sacrifices that our mothers do for us. She literally put her life on the line for me,” he wrote in an Instagram post, which was accompanied with photos of him with Angeline and Marian.

His birthday, Dingdong stressed, is as much a celebration of her mother’s efforts as it is of his arrival in this world. “Whenever I get a birthday greeting, I also celebrate her strength, love and commitment in raising a ‘kulit’ boy like me,” he said.

The GMA 7 actor also paid tribute to Marian to whom he owes the wonderful family life he now enjoys. “Building a family of my own and reaching milestones have been a blissful and contented journey because I have her as my partner in and for life,” he said.

The show biz couple has two children, 4-year-old daughter, Zia, and 1-year-old son, Sixto. “Whenever you greet me, I, too, laud her dedication, care and love for me and our children, who have brought so much meaning to our marriage and our lives,” the actor added.

And of course, none of these would have happened, he said, if it weren’t for God.

“I honor our Creator, who has made all things possible and surmountable for me all throughout these years. So, I welcome and embrace your well-wishes so that I can continue glorifying Him,” he said.

Reflecting on his blessings, Dingdong sees no reason not to pop a cold one even without a party. “Open a bottle of beer for me and, distantly, I would like to thank you for being part of my ongoing life’s journey,” he said.