The First Collaboration Marian Rivera Thought Dingdong Dantes, Who Would Later Become Her Husband, Was Arrogant and Conceited

On December 31, 2022, Marian Rivera posted a photo with her husband and two children, celebrating eight years of marriage. Nearly a decade together, the couple is admired for their beautiful love story and happy marriage.

They first collaborated in 2007, starring in the TV show *Marimar* (*Wild Dance*). Dingdong Dantes later shared that he felt a special connection with his co-star during intimate scenes. However, Marian didn’t initially have a good impression of him. She said she didn’t like his appearance, especially his beard, which she thought looked “like a goat’s.” To Marian, Dingdong was far from her ideal man, as he seemed “conceited” and hard to approach.

The success of the series crowned them as the “king and queen” of prime-time television. They continued to team up in several shows, including *Dyesebel* (*The Mermaid’s Love*) in 2008, *Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang* (*Dangerous Liaisons*) in 2009, *Endless Love* in 2010, and *My Beloved* in 2012.

Their time working together allowed them to open up and understand each other better. From 2009, they were frequently seen traveling and dating. On August 12, 2009, on Marian’s 25th birthday, the two confirmed they were in a relationship. They went through many challenges at the beginning, facing rumors and envy from some people.

After three years of dating, Dingdong secretly planned a proposal in Macau, which she accepted. In April 2014, he proposed to her again on television. Later that year, the couple held a grand wedding broadcast live on television, attended by the then-President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III.

Eight years together, the couple was described by *Cosmopolitan* as the ideal family model in Asia. They have a daughter, Zia (seven years old), and a son, Sixto (four years old), who have inherited their parents’ looks and are in high demand for advertisements. Marian and Dingdong frequently share their love for each other and happy family moments. On her 38th birthday in December last year, Dingdong wrote, “Watching my wife walk down the stairs, I remember that magical moment eight years ago. I am truly lucky you agreed to marry me.” They often travel to keep their bond strong.

Rather than hiring a photographer, Dingdong frequently takes photos of Marian and their children himself. When Marian started her business selling artificial flowers and home decor, he helped her by photographing products. He said he feels happy capturing each beautiful moment of their family himself. Since having children, Dingdong has set aside many personal projects to help his wife take care of their kids. He mentioned that children grow up fast, so he and his wife don’t want to miss their childhood moments. The couple believes in a “free-range” parenting style, letting their children get messy, connect with nature, and engage in physical activities.

Marian once spoke about her husband in a vlog: “We are always honest and faithful to each other. I believe a happy marriage is when both partners are open, sincere, and hide nothing from one another.”

In an interview last year, she said, “When I am tired, he makes me feel loved and helps me relax. Conversely, my husband works hard and often feels exhausted from work. I know my role is to help him feel comfortable and cherished.”

Born in 1984, Marian Rivera started her career as a model, later transitioning to acting, where she found great success. She has won multiple votes as the “Most Beautiful Woman in the Philippines.” Dingdong Dantes, four years her senior, debuted in 1996 and gained fame through several Filipino remakes of Korean dramas, including *Autumn in My Heart*, *Stairway to Heaven*, *Descendants of the Sun*, *Two Wives*, and *My Beloved*.