Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s son Sixto turns one year old

Last April 16, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s son Sixto turned a year old and to commemorate his son’s first birthday, the talented actor and director dedicated a lengthy post for his second born on his Instagram account. Dingdong shared his fears and hopes for his son in times of quarantine and admits it is his children who give him the courage to do good in the world.

He wrote, “Dear Son,

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.

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.

To be honest with you, I fear the day that you would be marching towards this new world, this new normal, that we had created for your generation. What’s happening now 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. Though there is fear, it is also you (and your sister) who give me 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.

And so, in as much as it should be you who should receive gifts, please know that you are the gift for us— 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 that you want, play ball with your friends even at close distance, ride a bike, and return the hug to all your well-wishers today.

This picture will always be my reminder that in times of fear and uncertainty, i had found hope—through you.

Happy first birthday, Sixto.

Love,

Dad

161000hAPR20

PS. I hope you like your haircut. Don’t worry when the time comes, you can cut mine too!

View this post on Instagram

Dear Son, 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. 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. To be honest with you, i fear the day that you would be marching towards this new world, this new normal, that we had created for your generation. What’s happening now 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. Though there is fear, it is also you (and your sister) who give me 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. And so, in as much as it should be you who should receive gifts, please know that you are the gift for us— 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 that you want, play ball with your friends even at close distance, ride a bike, and return the hug to all your well-wishers today. This picture will always be my reminder that in times of fear and uncertainty, i had found hope—through you. Happy first birthday, Sixto. Love, Dad 161000hAPR20 PS. I hope you like your haircut. Don’t worry when the time comes, you can cut mine too! 😄

A post shared by Dingdong Dantes (@dongdantes) on Apr 15, 2020 at 8:10pm PDT