Marian Rivera shares secrets to raising well-rounded kids
GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera continues to shine, both on and off-screen. Her latest acting venture, a role in the Cinemalaya film Balota, has garnered widespread acclaim. Beyond her own projects, she is also taking care of her kids, Zia and Sixto, who are now budding stars.
Recently, she and Sixto were introduced as the newest brand ambassadors of Century Tuna’s crispy nuggets. During the product launch attended by PhilSTAR L!fe in Taguig, the award-winning actress opened up about her parenting style.
When asked how she balances her son's career with his childhood, she emphasized fun and open communication.
“Ine-explain ko rin naman sa kaniya, pero siguro maganda na hindi ko masyado sabihin na trabaho kasi mamaya, hindi siya mag-enjoy,” she explained. “‘Pag nakikita ko hindi na siya [nage-enjoy], out na, tapos na.”
This is also her approach when it comes to their studies. “I like it more when they enjoy the activities that they do in school, more than na isipin nila yung mga grades,” she told the media. “Mas gusto ko nag-e-enjoy sila and ‘yung ability nila sa pakikipag-kaibigan.”
“For example [for this event], parang isang tawag ko lang sa mga classmates ni Sixto, he is very kind to them and very jolly, very friendly and they are all here for Sixto. So dun pa lang, proud ako sa anak ko.”
On her Instagram account, she often shares how she spends quality time with her kids, such as playing with robots and crafting together. She also involves both Sixto and Zia in the kitchen, making meal preparation a family affair.
Aside from that, she proudly shares their athletic pursuits—Zia thrives in swimming, while Sixto excels in soccer and Taekwondo. In April 2023, Marian shared that Sixto won a gold medal in the wood-breaking at his first-ever Taekwondo competition.
Marian tied the knot with Dingdong Dantes in 2014. They welcomed Zia a year later, and Sixto in 2019.