Marian Rivera And Dingdong Dantes' Son Sixto Turns One!

A first birthday under quarantine—it's hardly ideal.

Moms and dads all over the world visualize how this milestone might unfold. For Filipino families, for sure, ninangs and ninongs, titas and titos, lola and lolo are all part of the picture. Everyone will be dressed to the nines. There could be a lechon. The little one will be cooed over by everyone there. There's a styled venue, and an awesome program will keep things lively. And overall, it'll just be a lovely day for the whole family. 

But none of this can be when the world is in crisis, and a big gathering is the last thing on everyone's minds that have all switched onto survival mode. 

So what's a mom and dad to do when their bouncing baby boy turns one under lockdown? 

It's not as complicated as you might think—and things don't have to be as lonesome. According to Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, all it really takes to make a day like this count is simple: show your child love, and be grateful for the gift of family.

"Happy first birthday Sixto! My son, may you grow up to be kind, giving and always stay healthy. Mama loves you so much!" wrote Marian on Instagram on Thursday for the birthday boy. Sixto is the youngest in the Dantes brood and has an older sister, Zia. 

Even cuter was a photo of Sixto shared by this proud mama; standing tall in his nappies, he was holding on to what looks like a Spider-Man ball outside and enjoying the sun. 

And another thing, Marian shared that for his first year on Earth, his dad gave him a haircut—electric shaver and all. Who says that a little boy can't look good for the cameras even without a party? 

"I hope you like your haircut. Don’t worry when the time comes, you can cut mine too!" Dingdong wrote.

The dad of two had something much more meaningful to say on this special day, though.

Reflecting on how the COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically changed the way we live our lives, he wondered out loud about what kind of future lies ahead for Sixto (and Zia, too).  

"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 said. 

"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 continued.

He also noted how the day will go by without any visitors from those who love Sixto the most, and how that gathering will simply have to wait.

"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 added.

But despite the palpable sadness in his post, Dingdong ended first "digital birthday card" for his son on a high note: "This picture will always be my reminder that in times of fear and uncertainty, I had found hope—through you."

It's true that children might not remember their first, second, third or even fourth birthdays. It's only when they're much bigger that they understand how their first few years on this Earth were celebrated.

And when Sixto becomes old enough to look back at this photo and this message, we're sure that he'll do more than just understand—he'll appreciate the love of his parents which they made sure to share with him on this very special day. And who knows? It could very well be the time that he returns the favor to his dad, haircut and hug, and everything between. 

A very happy birthday to this little man! 

Photos from @marianrivera @dongdantes