Dingdong Dantes expresses hopes and fears as Ziggy turns one

Descendants of the Sun star Dingdong Dantes expressed his hopes and fears in an open letter for his son Ziggy who is celebrating his first birthday.

Ziggy, whose full name is Jose Sixto Dantes IV, was born on April 16, 2019 and is the second child of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Dingdong admits that he feels a bit regretful that they cannot celebrate Ziggy's birthday with the rest of their family because of the enhanced community quarantine.

"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," he wrote on his Instagram account.

Dingdong also admits fears of how COVID-19 will affect the world that Ziggy will grow up in.

"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," he continues.

However, he still feels hopeful and inspired thanks to his kids, Ziggy and Zia.

"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," he wrote.

Read Dingdong's full message to Ziggy here.

Aside from this, Dingdong also gave Ziggy a haircut using an electric razor.

Ziggy also received a cake personally baked by his mom Marian Rivera.