Dingdong Dantes Did Not Expect This From Zia and Sixto’s Easter Wishes

For Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Easter is a chance to slow down and connect with their children, Maria Letizia “Zia” Dantes and Jose Sixto “Sixto” Dantes IV, through their new tradition of writing down dreams, wishes, prayers, and reflections.

On Instagram, Dingdong shared some family snaps at a serene park, a setting that allowed them to pause and be fully with each other. “It’s slowly becoming an Easter tradition for us to sit down and write our dreams, wishes, prayers, and reflections. For ourselves, for each other, and even for the world around us,” he said.

What struck him most this year was how much Zia’s (11) and Sixto’s (9) perspectives are beginning to take shape.

“You notice it in what they choose to say, in how they see things. And somehow, their answers now carry a kind of insight that catches you off guard,” he shared.

“One wished for the war to stop, reminding me how children see the world without filters, just with hope. The other talked about broccoli. Apparently, he now appreciates it because I once told him I had to eat a lot of it to stay healthy enough to become his dad. Now he wishes for everyone to be healthy… so people can live longer.”

But the moment that stayed with him most was when the kids expressed their gratitude: “Thank you for the sacrifice, Dad and Mom.”

For Dingdong, that moment hit differently. Parenting often comes down to the unseen effort, like the long days, the constant routines, and the juggling that never stops. He credits Marian for helping Zia and Sixto understand why their parents do what they do.

Seeing his children express their gratitude made him pause and think beyond the everyday:

“And in that moment, it made me reflect on something bigger than us.
That the greatest sacrifice has already been made.
That’s the reason we are here. The reason we are saved. The reason we keep going.
And now that He has risen, maybe this is our reminder to leave behind what weighs us down and rise with Him.
With renewed faith. With the dreams of our children.
With all our prayers.”

Just as Dingdong and Marian experienced with their kids, simple moments of reflection and discussion can become cherished family traditions that bring everyone closer. For parents, taking the time to ask children about their dreams, wishes, and thoughts—and truly listening—can reveal just how thoughtful and insightful they are, often in ways that might surprise you.

Find out here why journaling is the self-care every mom needs.