How Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes teach Zia about the realities of COVID-19

Marian Rivera said her eldest  Zia is well aware of what is happening outside of their home amid the pandemic.

"The mere fact na nagkaroon tayo ng pandemya at nung nakita niya na nagluluto ako para sa mga frontliners at araw-araw yung tatay niya nagpa-pack kaming relief goods para sa mga tao na dapat matulungan, doon pa lang nagtanong na siya," Marian told the members of the entertainment media in a press conference on Monday.

Marian said her 5-year-old daughter would ask her, "This is for what mama? Why are you cooking so many?"

To which Marian would answer, "Sinasabi ko, anak kasi may problema sa labas. Kailangan natin tumulong tapos in-explain ko sa kanya, ano meron, na may COVID-19."

Marian said their secret is remaining open. "Very transparent kami kay Zia. Kinakausap namin siya the way na maiintindihan niya. Never kami nag-filter sa kanya [sa kung] ano nangyayari outside."

"So malinaw at mahalalga din siguro sa bata yung nalalaman yung realidad at katotohanan," she added.

Marian advised parents, "siguro pwede naman sabihin ng mga parents not in a harsh way pero yung totoo lang."

Whenever Marian will go outdoors for a shoot, Zia would ask her "Mama did you do the test? Mama did you put alcohol? Did you change [clothes]?"

Last November, Zia celebrated her 5th birthday and she wished for her family and loved ones to be safe and for the world to be healed.

— LA, GMA News