Being away from your family is probably one of the hardest challenges you'll experience as a parent, especially if you just had a new baby.
GMA-7 actor Dingdong Dantes recently had a 10-day work trip in the United States and Canada without his wife Marian Rivera and their two kids Zia and Ziggy.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press caught up with Dingdong last Saturday, July 13, at the launch of Ensure Gold with former mentor and renowned dance choreographer Geleen Eugenio in Makati City.
The Kapuso actor opened up about being away from his family for the first time, and revealed how he copes with his separation anxiety.
He narrated, "Ngayon may mga Face Time, Face Time na. Kasi kung wala, masisira ang ulo ko, e.
"Imagine, pumunta akong Canada saka America, ten days akong wala sa bahay.
"First time kong lumayo sa bahay nang mag-isa for that long."
Nevertheless, Dingdong is confident that his children are in good hands as long as Marian is with them.
The 38-year-old celebrity dad said, "Magaling si Marian mag-alaga sa bahay, e, so kampante ako pag wala ako.
"Pero siyempre, mas maganda kung andun ako.
"She always makes it a point to update me always.
"Sinasabi niya kung anong nangyayari, kung anong kinain nila para kampante rin ako."
Asked what gives him the energy, and motivates him to always do his best, Dingdong answered, "Family, at saka lahat ng mga learnings from people who I have worked with, like Tita Geleen.
"At yung mga tinuro sa atin ng mga magulang. Pero ngayon, siyempre, yung asawa ko, yung mga babies ko, they give me strength every day."
THE DANTES FAMILY
Last July 10, Dong was a proud husband after Marian was lauded for donating her excess breast milk.
The actor said, "Siya naman talaga yun, diskarte niya yun. Gumawa siya ng schedule.
"I'm sure by doing that, sana naging inspirasyon din siya to others na huwag mawalan ng pag-asa."
Dingdong is also proud that Zia is growing up to an obedient daughter and a good sister to Ziggy.
He elaborated, "Si Zia nagpaparticipate din siya sa mga chores.
"Mayroon din siyang mga tungkulin, halimbawa yung sa pagtatapon ng basura, siya na yun.
"Pag may inutos ka, sumusunod."