Atypical of an A-list celebrity, GMA-7's Prime-Time King Dingdong Dantes has always shunned grand parties to celebrate his birthday.
Dingdong turned 43 on August 2, 2023, but his quiet birthday celebration took a wild turn when his wife Marian Rivera, and their children, Zia and Sixto, threw a surprise that floored the Kapuso actor.
The family video shared by Dingdong on TikTok shows Zia covering Dingdong's eyes as he is presented with the birthday cake and handmade cards they prepared for him.
The heartwarming video also features Zia rendering Adele's "Easy On Me" and Sixto bellowing Aerosmith's "I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing" at the Karaoke.
To end on a high note, the talented siblings join forces for a charming duet of "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko."
In the caption of his post, Dingdong expressed an overwhelming gratitude to his wife, "Thanks my love @MarianRivera for always surprising me."
@dingdongdantes #TheDantesSquad Thanks my love @MarianRivera ? original sound - Dong Dantes
Dingdong also shared on Instagram photos of the surprise gifts he received on his birthday.
In the caption, he wrote, "Embracing 43 with all the love and energy from my family!
"They surprised me with a beautiful breakfast and an early Karaoke medley- huwaw!! @marianrivera"
HOUSE PARTY
One of the photos shared by Marian in her Instagram Stories captured Dingdong proudly displaying the personalized cards his children had made for him.
"Happy birthday Mahal [heart emoji] We love you so much," Marian wrote in her post.
In another photo shared by Marian, Dingdong can be seen posing with the balloon column his family set up for him in the backyard pool area.
Later in the afternoon, the cozy family get-together was joined by Marian's mom, Amalia Rivera, and Lola Iska, making the gathering even more special.
Here are Marian and Lola Iska as seen on her Instagram Stories.
DINGDONG DANTES: BIRTHDAY SALUBONG
Before the house party, Dingdong had an unexpected birthday celebration on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, when he accompanied Marian at the launch of Kiko Milano's Little Mermaid collection.
@pepalerts GMA-7 Primetime King #DingdongDantes receives a birthday cake surprise from @KIKO Milano PH on August 1, 2023, coinciding with the brand’s Little Mermaid collection launch. Dingdong celebrates turning 43 on August 2, 2023. #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH ? Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
In an interview with GMA News correspondent Lhar Santiago and PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the event, Dingdong expressed his wish for a simple birthday celebration, given their busy work schedule.
This was why he chose to accompany his wife at her endorsement event, to make the most of their time together.
He explained, "Sobrang busy din ni Marian, and ako, so bawat pagkakataon na meron kami na magsama, kahit ano pa man iyan, sa event…
"Pero ako, very, very proud of her. Happy to witness launch with the brand for her, kaya isasabay na rin namin yung konting bonding time namin."
Dingdong added, "Hindi rin kami kasi puwedeng masyadong maglalalayo kasi hindi pa tapos yung Royal Blood. Tapos si Marian is also taping for Against All Odds."
Dingdong is part of the currently running prime time series Royal Blood, while Marian is set to make her prime-time series comeback alongside Gabby Concepcion and Max Collins in the working-titled show Against All Odds.
When asked about her wish for Dingdong on his birthday, Marian said, "Naku, hindi ako nauubusan ng wish para sa asawa ko.
"Pero sa ngayon, gusto ko yung health niya maayos, at saka gusto ko palagi siyang happy. And more blessings sa kanya. Deserve niya lahat ng ito."
How about the birthday boy? What's his wish?
Dingdong said, "Yung mabigyan lang ako parati ng lakas para magawa ko lahat ng kailangan kong gawin, ng gusto kong gawin at maging sapat na ama at asawa sa mga mahal ko sa buhay."
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