The Dantes family is expanding once again, as Kapuso royal couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera confirm they are expecting their third child. The news, shared with warmth and excitement, has delighted fans across the country and beyond.

In a recent media appearance and social media post that quickly went viral, actor Dingdong Dantes officially announced that he and his wife, actress and TV host Marian Rivera, are expecting baby number three. The couple, affectionately called “DongYan” by fans, are already proud parents to two children: Zia (Maria Letizia), 8, and Sixto (Jose Sixto IV), 5.

The announcement came after weeks of speculation sparked by Marian’s limited public appearances and noticeable changes in her social media activity. But now, the speculation is over—and the couple is overjoyed to share the big news with the world.

A Family Dream Realized

“This is something Marian and I have long hoped for,” said Dingdong in an interview. “We’ve always dreamed of a big family. Now, with baby number three on the way, that dream is becoming a reality. We’re truly blessed.”

Marian Rivera, glowing and visibly emotional when she joined Dingdong during the announcement, added: “We are beyond grateful. This baby is an answered prayer. Our hearts are full.”

The couple emphasized that the pregnancy came naturally and as a joyful surprise. “We weren’t planning it down to the exact timing,” Marian said with a smile. “But we’ve always been open to another child. We’ve prayed for it, and the Lord answered.”

Netizens and Celebrities Rejoice

The announcement quickly became a trending topic on social media, with fans, fellow celebrities, and even major news outlets expressing their excitement and warm wishes.

Actress Carla Abellana commented on Marian’s Instagram post with a series of heart and baby emojis, while actor and close friend Dennis Trillo simply wrote: “Congratulations, fam!” Other personalities like Heart Evangelista and Jennylyn Mercado also left heartfelt messages, reflecting the admiration the entertainment industry holds for the Dantes family.

Fans flooded the couple’s posts with thousands of comments. One netizen wrote, “Zia and Sixto are going to be the best kuya and ate ever!” while another said, “This is the kind of news we love to hear—true love, strong family, and growing blessings.”

Keeping It Private—Until the Right Moment

Marian and Dingdong revealed that they chose to keep the pregnancy private during the first trimester, citing their desire to protect both Marian’s health and their family’s peace of mind.

“It was important for us to have that quiet time as a family,” Dingdong explained. “There’s so much going on in the world, and we wanted to be sure everything was going well before sharing the news.”

Marian also admitted that she has been taking it easy during the early months of the pregnancy. “I’ve stepped back from a few projects, especially physically demanding ones. I want to focus on my health and the baby’s well-being.”

Despite this, she remains active in hosting her long-running show Tadhana and in maintaining her connection with fans through occasional social media updates and brand endorsements.

What’s Next for the Dantes Family?

With another child on the way, the couple is now busy preparing their home—and hearts—for a new member. Dingdong shared that Zia and Sixto are thrilled about becoming older siblings.

“They already have name suggestions!” he said, laughing. “Zia wants a baby sister, while Sixto says he’s okay either way as long as there’s someone to play with.”

As hands-on parents, both Dingdong and Marian have expressed their commitment to being present during this new chapter in their lives. “Everything we do is for our children,” Marian said. “Whether it’s work or rest, our priority is our family.”

The couple has not yet revealed the baby’s gender or the expected due date but promised fans they will share more as the pregnancy progresses.

The Legacy of Love and Family

Known as one of the most admired couples in Philippine showbiz, Dingdong and Marian have long been celebrated not just for their professional achievements, but for the example they set as a couple and as parents. Their love story—from their first pairing in Marimar to their grand wedding in 2014—has captivated Filipinos for over a decade.

Through the years, they’ve remained grounded, graceful under the public eye, and committed to keeping their family strong and centered. Their openness about parenting, relationships, and faith has made them relatable, even amid the pressures of stardom.

With baby number three on the way, the Dantes family continues to be a symbol of enduring love, faith, and family—a modern-day “royal family” in Philippine entertainment, now with a new chapter to look forward to.