
Showbiz personalities constantly draw attention, whether on stage or in public. The more prominent an artist is, the more recognizable they become -- which can inevitably affect their personal life.
What more if a child has parents who are both royalties in the showbiz industry?
In an episode of the KC After Hours podcast, Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera gave a candid peek into her family life.
Being a famous actress herself and married to Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes, their lives continue to be the talk of the town. Even their children, Zia and Sixto, have caught the attention of fans and the public.
As a celebrity mom, Marian admitted that one of her biggest challenges was protecting her children from the spotlight she and Dingdong carry.
"Sa totoo lang mahirap. Minsan kasi kapag nagpi-field trip 'yung mga anak ko, lalo na si Zia kasi malaki siya, nakikilala siya ng mga tao," she shared.
Marian became candid as she recalled how public attention affected Zia.
"Napi-feel embarassed daw siya kasi minsan 'yung mga classmates niya na parang 'Paano ka nakilala nu'n?'" she continued.
"So parang sabi niya, 'I don't know Mama how to feel kasi parang I feel so embarrassed na, instead of magiging happy ako or I'm enjoying my field trip is parang nagwo-worry ako about people.'"
To address their daughter's concerns, Marian and Dingdong made time for a heartfelt sit-down conversation. The couple explained the nature of their work, a dignified profession that comes with consequences such as limited privacy.
"'Ngayon kung nararanasan mo 'to mga ganito, humihingi kami ng sorry sa'yo. Alam namin na hindi mo ito gusto.' 'Tas noong pinapaliwanag namin sa kanya na ito ang buhay namin, e. 'Kung hindi ito ang trabaho namin, 'di natin alam kung saan tayo nakatira, saang school ka, hindi natin alam kung mabibigay namin ang gusto mo, makakain natin 'yung gusto nating kainin. Pero maayos at marangal na trabaho kung ano ang trabaho ni Mama at ni Dada,'" Marian recalled.
The Kapuso actress couldn't help but laugh as she shared how Zia eventually adjusted. After understanding the situation, her daughter now smiles whenever someone recognizes her.
"Sobrang matured ng anak ko kaya very thankful din ako na mabait 'yung bata. Naintindihan niya kami na parang hindi siya selfish na tao na 'I don't like!' Hindi siya naging ganoon. Nakinig siya sa amin, inintindi niya. Although bata 'yan e. Mararamdaman at mararamdaman niya. Ang mahalaga, napaliwanag namin sa kanya. "
For the Dantes family, communication plays a vital role at home. Everyone's encouraged to freely express their feelings at all times. Even if it can cause fights, Marian and Dingdong continue to foster honesty and openness with their children.
Check out Zia's timeline from being an adorable baby to one active kid in this gallery:
Marian and Dingdong tied the knot in 2014 and renewed their vows in 2024 for their 10th anniversary.
The Kapuso royal couple welcomed their daughter Zia in 2015 and their son Sixto in 2019.
Since then, the Dantes Squad has become one of the most beloved celebrity families among netizens for their fun and heartwarming moments.
Take a look at the heartwarming photos of the Dantes Squad in this gallery: