Dingdong, umaming natatakot para sa future ng anak nila ni Marian

Vinia Vivar / Frankly Speaking

Ngayong April 16 ay nagdiwang ng unang kaarawan ang bunsong anak nina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera na si Jose Sixto Dantes IV or Baby Ziggy.

Ipinost ng aktor ang mga larawan ng bagets habang ginugupitan niya ito ng buhok.

“For his birthday, I gave him……a haircut!” caption ni Dong na may hashtag na "#SIXTOsFirst".

Bukod dito ay gumawa ng madamdaming liham si Dong para sa anak at ipinaliwanag kung bakit walang birthday party for him at ito ay dahil nga sa enhanced community quarantine na dulot ng COVID-19 pandemic.

“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,” ang parte ng liham ni Dong for Ziggy na ipinost niya sa kanyang social media accounts.

Inamin din ni Dong na bilang ama ay may fear siya of what the future holds for Ziggy at ngayon pa lang ay inihahanda na niya ito sa mundong gagalawan.

“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,” patuloy ng liham ni Dong.

During these uncertain times, ayon kay Dong ay sa anak siya humuhugot ng pag-asa at naniniwalang isang araw ay babalik din sa normal ang lahat.

“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,” ang pahayag pa ni Dong.

Binati rin ni Marian ang bunsong anak sa kanyang IG at nag-post ng parehong larawan na makikita sa socmed account ni Dingdong.

“On his first birthday, his Dada gave him a haircut. Naks! Pogi naman.... ligo na tayo anak at kakantahan ka na namin ng Happy Birthday,” caption ni Marian.