Dingdong ready to be second-time dad

MANILA, Philippines — “In a few weeks or almost a month (from now).”

That is what Dingdong Dantes could only tell regarding the date his wife Marian Rivera is expected to give birth to their second child, this time a baby boy. The couple’s firstborn is Maria Letizia, or Zia, who is now three years old.

“Malapit lapit na kaya hindi na ko p’wedeng masyadong lumayo ng Metro Manila,” added Dingdong when he faced select members of the entertainment press after his formal launch as the brand ambassador of Persian Avenue held at the annex building of SM North EDSA.

As for the baby’s name, Dingdong said they have yet to decide on it given the many choices they have in mind. “Meron na kaming mga napagpipilian, pero wala pa kung ano talaga kasi pareho kami ang pumipili even before with Zia.” And with the “big day” coming soon, the actor feels excited and at the same time nervous to see in the flesh the latest addition to the family.

Dingdong shared that they are doing the nine-day novena and saying the Holy Rosary before bedtime for his wife’s pregnancy and safe delivery, and it makes Zia curious night after night.

“She’s curious about what we’re doing and why we have to do it so we explain everything to her. Nandoon ‘yung curiosity n’ya para makinig. What’s good, Zia listens and she easily understands. More than learning other things perhaps it’s best na malaman nya talaga ‘yung religion before anything else.” Her smart daughter is also doing her share by helping prepare the room of her baby brother.

Like any other parents, the baby’s health is their top priority. “It is important that the baby is normal and healthy. Hinahanda rin natin ang sariling kalusugan para s’yempre gusto natin makasama sila ng matagal,” said Dingdong who was obviously delighted about the news that Zia is on the list of “most beautiful kids” of Asian stars released by a website, Ve Trang Chu, in Vietnam.

Dingdong was informed that Zia is the only Filipino included in the list and quipped, “She is? Thank God, she got it (beauty) from her mother.” But what matters more to the proud dad is for his daughter to grow up a good person.

Asked if he will allow Zia to enter showbiz considering she has started appearing in commercials, Dingdong said it’s too early to tell and right now, they just let Zia enjoy whatever she likes to do. “And we make sure there will be regulations when it comes to that because things become different when she turns four or five years old. Iba na ‘yung childhood n’ya so may mga pinaplano kami ni Marian tungkol diyan.” 

Dingdong also said that they just save whatever Zia earns from endorsements, stressing that his duty is to protect and make sure every centavo is hers and hers alone.

His being a good father and responsible head of the family are among the reasons why the Lapid brothers, Arjay and Paolo, chose Dingdong as the perfect endorser of Persian Avenue. The brand is known for its sumptuous snack made of pita bread and beef, also called the Beef Wrap. It has 100-percent sirloin beef with fresh cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes and onions smothered with the Lapid family’s secret recipe garlic sauce and hot sauce. Persian Avenue had its first store in 2014 at Marquee Mall-Ayala in Angeles, Pampanga and it now has 34 branches. Recently, it opened its doors to franchisees.

“Endorsing the brand is my pride and pleasure,” said Dingdong who also plans to acquire a franchise of Persian Avenue.