MANILA - Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes are expecting their first child.
The TV superstars, whose highly publicized nuptials last December were dubbed a "Royal Wedding," made the announcement Monday in an interview with broadcast journalist Jessica Soho that aired on "24 Oras."
"Gusto po namin sabihin na nagbunga ang aming pagmamahalan," said Dantes. "Nabiyayaan kami ng Panginoon ng isa sa pinaka magandang regalo na puwedeng ibigay and that's the gift of life."
The pregnancy was scheduled, according to the 34-year-old actor.
He explained: "Iyon din po ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nagpursige na magpakasal -- to really build a family. At alam naman namin na ang pagkakaroon ng anak ay isa sa mga mahalagang bagay para sa isang pamilya. Magmula noon, ipinagdasal na po namin na ibigay sa amin, na ibibigay po sa tamang panahon."
When asked whether they have a preferred sex for their baby, Dantes answered, "One step a time. Sa ngayon, nagpapasalamat kami na may biyaya kami ng isang buhay. Okay na, kahit ano ang ibigay sa amin."
Addressing the public, Dantes appealed to be given privacy on further details of Rivera's pregnancy. In the interview, the couple did not divulge when Rivera is due to give birth, although media reports said she was already nine weeks into her pregnancy, as of Monday.
Rivera, 30, admitted that being a first-time expectant mother has not been easy.
"Every morning, nagsusuka talaga ako. Tapos may mga times na, kahit hindi malayo ang biyahe, madalas ako nahihilo," she said. "Sabi ko, okay lang, kaya kong tiisin ang lahat ng sakripisyong 'yan kung ang kapalit naman ay isang napakagandang biyaya mula sa Panginoon."
The primetime actress laughed as she shared her cravings and "odd" preferences. Dantes teased that his wife has been pinching him often when things don't go her way.
"Noong isang araw, ang hinahanap ko, White Rabbit, iyong candy na puti. Tapos noong isang araw, Haw Haw, candy parin, kulay puti parin," Rivera said. "Puro puti ang hinahanap ko, hindi ko alam kung bakit. Tapos ayaw ko rin po nung amoy na sobrang tapang, medyo nahihilo po ako."
Amid speculation about the pregnancy last week, the couple appeared to clue in their supporters when Rivera, in an Instagram post, shared a photo of her with Dantes holding her tummy.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
