The Dantes family home is quickly turning into a mini zoo as they welcome more adorable—and unexpected—members into their household.
Apart from their dogs Migo and Johnny, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera have recently added a variety of new pets to their family.
Marian has been giving fans a glimpse of their growing animal crew through her Instagram Stories.
From a bearded dragon to chickens—and even a lobster—the Dantes household now has an eclectic mix of animals, delighting fans who enjoy seeing this playful and animal-loving side of the celebrity family.
Marian talked about their new pets in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on April 21, 2026, during the grand opening of her newest business venture, Wonder Society, at Greenhills Mall in San Juan.
She said, “Nakakaano din siya, nakaka-positive vibes din sa bahay pala pag maron ng animals.”
SIXTO'S NEW FRIENDS
Marian revealed that her son Sixto has long shown an interest in animals, which prompted her to grant his request for a pet bearded dragon as a gift for his seventh birthday.
"Si Sixto kasi talaga, mahilig talaga siya sa animals," Marian told PEP.
"Siyempre, sumakto naman na magbi-birthday siya.
"Sabi niya, 'Mama, gustong ko nitong dragon na ito.' Sabi ko, 'Anak, walang ganyan dito.' 'Mama, meron, maghanap ka.'
"Naghahanap ako. So nakahanap nga ako ng dragon."
Read: Marian Rivera surprises son Sixto with bearded dragon
Marian also revealed that Sixto’s godparents gifted the boy a variety of pets—including a gecko, frog, parrot, turtle, lobster, and even chickens—on his birthday.
"Yung mga friends ko, mga ninong ni Sixto, sinupport naman ako. So lahat sila, birthday gift nila kay Sixto, puro animals.
"May parrot, may frog, dalawang dragon, dalawang gecko, may manok dalawa. Tapos, may pagong pa kami sa bahay."
MARIAN RIVERA: TIPS BEFORE WELCOMING NEW PETS
Before welcoming the new pets into their home, Marian made sure to do thorough research on each animal—taking the time to learn how to properly care for them.
She also shared how proud she is to see her son show his more responsible side, noting that he has been very hands-on when it comes to caring for his new pets.
“Oo, kasi every morning, pag nagigising siya, straight siya sa mga reptiles niya. Siya yung nagpapakain kasi.”
Safety was another major factor Marian carefully looked into when choosing which animals to bring into their home.
“Inaalam ko kung safe ba kasi mamaya makagat, safe ba? Safe naman talaga. So parang wala naman kaming kinukuha na hindi safe."
Given her iconic role as Amaya, PEP also asked Marian if she’s open to having a pet snake, but she was quick to shut down the idea.
"Ayoko e. Si Dong, dapat igi-gift niya kay Sixto, snake. Sabi ko, huwag na snake. Natakot na ako para kay Sixto."
However, Marian clarified that she isn’t completely closing her doors, just not anytime soon.
She said she may reconsider once Sixto grows older and knows how to properly handle a pet snake.
"Baka pag laki na lang iyan, pag alam niya na paano i-handle siguro."
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