Despite busy schedule, Marian Rivera is a hands-on mom

Marian Rivera with (from left) Bianca Gonzalez and Andi Manzano —CONTRIBUTED

Mother’s Day may be over but a mom’s job never ends, as Marian Rivera explained last week. The actress and her husband Dingdong Dantes starred in the top-grossing movie “Rewind” in last year’s Metro Manila Film Fest, and she now appears in the GMA TV series, “My Guardian Alien.”

Still, she makes it a point to be a hands-on mom with their two school-aged kids, Zia and Sixto. She constantly frets about their health, especially now that they’re both in their formative years.

“I always worry that they might get sick so we try our best to avoid any illness,” Marian said. “In school, they might catch a cold from their classmates, so I talk to them about how they can protect themselves.”

She makes sure that they eat well and that their diet includes an assortment of vegetables. She also sees to it that they take their vitamins, explaining to them why they need to do so.

“Of course, I’m not a perfect parent, but my husband and I do our best to raise our children well,” Marian said.

When it comes to exercise and playing outdoors, she is all for it—provided it’s not too hot. “My son loves to play basketball and other games, but it really depends on the weather. If they want to play outside, they have to be mindful of the time; around 4 or 5 p.m. is best.

Rivera (second from left) with husband Dingdong Dantes and their children, Sixto and Zia —MARIAN RIVERA/INSTAGRAM

“If it’s raining or too sunny, we stay indoors and do arts and crafts. I join in the activity so all three of us end up learning something new,” Marian said.

Number one priority

The actress and celebrity endorser was the featured guest at the 50th anniversary celebration of a vitamin supplement which she is endorsing.

“My family, especially my kids, are my number one priority. Minsan lang sila maging bata kaya I promised to be the kind of mom who shows up and supports them in all that they want to do and achieve,” Marian said. “To working moms like me, alam ko hindi madali to manage your time for work and for your family pero magagawan at magagawan ito ng paraan. Sigurado din ako na it will all be worth it.” INQ