Marian sets own limits

MANILA, Philippines - Marian Rivera is following to the letter pregnancy do’s and don’ts for the sake of her and husband Dingdong Dantes’ first child — a girl — due in November.

According to Marian, she didn’t have any hesitation following whatever she deems best for her baby. “For me, there is nothing wrong in listening or taking other people’s advice because they just want to share with me everything that will make my pregnancy safe. So, I am glad to know that there are many (people) who are showing concern for my baby and me. Ako naman, first time ko mag-buntis kaya tinitingnan ko din kung tama ba.”

Staying up until the wee hours of the morning and wearing a pair of high heels (which Dingdong also told her to refrain from doing so) are among the no-no’s she keeps in mind.

“Of course, I also set limits on myself kasi s’yempre kailangan ingatan ko din ’yung sarili ko. Hangga’t kaya ko lagi lang akong naka-flats (shoes) and I make sure not to get too tired. If I need to rest, I just sit down but that seldom happens. I also keep myself healthy and there’s a certain weight I’m trying to maintain since I prefer to labor and give birth naturally.”

But there are behaviors, Marian revealed, that she cannot hold back until now and that is her “being maharot at maligalig; parang ’di ko yata matatanggal yun.”

What caught her curiosity the most is finding out if there’s any truth to Pinoy pregnancy beliefs. One of them is hyperpigmentation. “Many are telling me that my armpit and neck will darken, and even the groin area,” she shared. “But so far, none of those are happening to me.”

What she is experiencing more often these days is the baby’s movement inside her womb. Those little kicks make Marian doubly happy “because I know she’s strong and healthy. I let Dong touch my tummy and feel the baby while she’s making little movements from the inside. He talks to her a lot.” This made the couple all the more excited about the arrival of their baby.

They, too, have already known how the baby looks like via the ultrasound imaging. Those who have seen the picture said the baby closely resembles her mom. “But my family, especially my Mama, said that the baby looks more of her dad. But for me, mix yung hitsura n’ya — from the forehead to the eyes kay Dong then the shape of her face is like mine.”

She continued, “But what matters to Dong and me is for us to be able to raise her a good child.”

That’s why, Marian has no second thoughts about becoming a hands-on mom. “It will be difficult on my part if I will work right away after giving birth. Gusto kong alagaan ang anak ko at parang di ko din naman kakayanin na iwanan siya. Kung ano ang kaya kong ibigay para sa ikabubuti n’ya bakit hindi. ”

For now, Marian is joining in the fun and laughter on GMA 7’s Sunday PinaSaya that is set to premiere on Aug. 9.

“My OB (-Gyne) has assured me that I am fit and healthy so it’s definitely fine for me to still appear on TV. If you’ve noticed, the past days pasulpot-sulpot ako sa mga shows. I can also do out-of-town shows — gusto ko mag-gala at okey din naman para sa kin ang mag-lalakad, exercise na rin.”

The noontime comedy variety show veers away from the usual sing-and-dance production numbers of celebrity mainstays. Instead, it will provide two hours of non-stop fun featuring comedy sketches, fun-filled games and celebrity guests.

According to director Rich Ilustre, 60 percent of Sunday PinaSaya is comprised of comedy sketches where the cast will portray various characters. The audience will also get to participate in the interactive games.

 In the pilot episode, Marian will play Judge MD who resolves conflicts in the barangay.

“We will make them (audience) laugh and exciting prizes will be given away. You will also see various talents of the cast since they will do anything that is assigned to each one of them,” said Marian on what to expect on the show.

Marian is glad to be working once again with her “twin sister” Ai-Ai delas Alas. The two initially worked together in 2013 for the movie Kung Fu Divas.

Completing the cast of Sunday PinaSaya are Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Valeen Montenegro, Joey Paras and Jerald Napoles.