MANILA – Marian Rivera intends to take a break from regular TV work now that her daughter Zia is almost one year old.

In an interview on Tuesday, Rivera said she has told her management that her daughter is her topmost priority and that she wants to witness Zia’s toddler years.

“Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman na kapag nagpakasal ka, automatic niyan magkakaanak ka. Nakipag-usap ako sa management ko and very honest naman ako na ang priority ko ay bumuo ng isang pamilya and pangarap ko talagang magkaanak,” she said.

According to Rivera, she only agreed to have her morning show prolonged but will definitely take a rest from showbiz after its four-week extension.

“Nag-extend ako ng four weeks pero after nun sabi ko, ire-rest ko na muna kasi ang hirap magka-soap. Lumalaki kasi 'yung anak ko. Sa stage na ito, hindi ko kayang iwan. Aalis ako ng bahay, tulog si Zia. Pag-uwi ko, tulog. Ang sakit para sa akin. So sabi ko, palakihin ko muna ‘yung anak ko and then after niyan, doon pwede na ulit sumabak,” she said.

Meanwhile, the actress-host also shared how grateful she is to Kris Aquino, who made her first TV appearance on her show after going on a showbiz hiatus.

After the May elections, Aquino went to the United States with her sons where they had a vacation for two months. She returned to the Philippines days before her brother, former President Benigno Auqino III, ended his term.

“Para ma-interview ko ang isang Kris Aquino, siyempre malaking karangalan 'yun para sa show namin at pinagbigyan niya talaga 'yung hiling ko na, ‘Ninang, mag-guest ka ha?’ Pag-uwing pag-uwi niya, sa akin yata siya nag-first appearance. Thankful kami sa kanya,” she said.

Is she also willing to appear on Aquino’s show once the TV host returns to work?

“Sana payagan ako,” Rivera said, laughing.