For Marian Rivera, no celebration is complete without good food.
At the Mega Prime Lutong Chef-Level media event held last December 6, 2024, she said, “Ang holidays ay panahon ng love at togetherness, at isa sa mga special bonding time nating mga Pinoy ay kapag may masasarap na pagkain.”
When it comes to special occasions, like Christmas, the Kapuso actress has a go-to specialty dish—"Menudo."
Her recipe was passed down by her Nanay Iska, Marian's maternal grandmother.
In fact, during the height of the pandemic in 2020, Marian personally prepared this dish when she cooked packed lunches for the frontliners at Quezon City General Hospital.
That same year, she also showcased her culinary skills in a Father's Day video, honoring her husband, Dingdong Dantes, by cooking her special pork menudo.
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Going back to Christmas celebration, Marian explained that members of the extended family bring their respective special dishes.
“Ang ginagawa namin pag Pasko, may potluck kami sa Cavite,” Marian said, referring to her hometown.
“Tapos kila Dong, tapos sa bahay…
"May kanya-kanya kaming hinahain para sa mga mahal namin.”
When it comes to dessert, Marian shared that "fruit salad" is a staple at their Christmas gatherings.
Meanwhile, her mother-in-law Angeline Dantes makes the best potato salad.
Marian described, “’Yung mommy ni Dong yung laging ginagawa potato salad, pero may twist yung sa mommy niya. Ang sarap, e. Sobrang sarap, saka yung leche flan ng mommy niya.
“Kaya palaging looking [forward] talaga ako pag Pasko. Andi iyan, ang daming pagkain, andaming titikman, so excited akong kumain.”
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MARIAN ON SETTING EXAMPLE TO HER KIDS
On a separate note, Marian talked about raising Zia, 9, and Sixto, 5, with Dingdong.
The couple recently held a Christmas party for their fans, and had a question-and-answer portion.
One fan asked about the most challenging part of their married life.
Marian answered, "Parenting."
She added: “Parati naming pinag-uusapan na madaling magbuntis, sa totoo lang.
"Pero yung pagpapalaki ng anak, isa iyon sa mga pinakamahirap gawin kasi parang parati naming sinasabi, mirroring kasi iyan, e. Kung ano ang nakikita ng mga anak namin, yun ang gagayahin nila.
“Minsan pagod kami. Minsan wala din kami sa mood.
“Pero parati naming nire-remind yung isa’t isa na, ‘Mmm, may mga kids.’”
Marian said she believes in teaching by example:
"Kailangan maging role model kami para sa kanila kasi gusto namin maging mabuti silang mga bata.
“Paano sila magiging ganon kung kami mismo, hindi kami ganon?
“So as much as possible talaga, ginagawa naming mabubuti yung nanay at tatay sa kanila.
“Pero, siyempre, meron talagang mga pagkakataon na hindi.
“Pero everyday kasi, hindi kami nakakalimot magdasal para tulungan kami ng Nasa Itaas.