Dingdong Dantes just penned a heartfelt letter to his son, Sixto, who just turned a year old on Thursday, April 16.
The letter, which the Kapuso actor shared on Instagram, was filled with so much emotion as he mulled over the current state of the world and what it means for the future of his baby boy.
View this post on Instagram
“Dear Son, it is day 33 for us here on lockdown and day 365 for you on Earth,” he began. “Normally, we would gather all our relatives and friends to celebrate this special day with you, just like how your mother and I had done it when we reached the same milestone. Though as toddlers, we never really remembered anything— thanks to the pictures that reminded us how we are loved by the people around us.”
“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.”
Dantes then revealed his fear that the quarantines and social distancing amid the public health crisis will become the “new normal” for Sixto’s generation. However, it’s thanks to his children that he is able to be brave and have hope for the future.
“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 added.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: Dingdong Dantes Shares an Adorable Photo of His Newborn Son on a Ducati)
View this post on Instagram
“And so, in as much as it should be you who should receive gifts, please know that you are the gift for us— a living reminder that we should get our acts together and ensure that when the time comes, you can freely walk the streets, breathe all the air that you want, play ball with your friends even at close distance, ride a bike, and return the hug to all your well-wishers today.
“This picture will always be my reminder that in times of fear and uncertainty, I had found hope—through you. Happy first birthday, Sixto.”
(ALSO READ: Dingdong Dantes Promotes Program That Helps Jobless Filipinos Get Work From Home Opportunities)
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group!
