Marian Rivera takes her time before making a full comeback on television.
Five months since giving birth to her son Miggy, she has so far agreed to hosting Tadhana, a drama anthology for OFWs (overseas foreign workers), and endorsing a number of brands.
The latter has been keeping her busy of late, prompting this writer to say, "Mukhang wala na siyang planong magbalik sa telebisyon at puro endorsements na lang talaga."
Smiling, she said, "Shhhh."
At her recent event for an appliance brand, she was asked, "Is she more of a tough wife than a tough mom?"
“Parang mahirap iyan, a,” she began, laughing.
The celebrity mom continued, "Parehas po iyan. Hindi puwedeng mawalan ng time sa asawa mo. Kung hindi dahil sa asawa mo, walang tough mama.”
She elaborated on being a hands-on mom.
“Well, kapag sinabi mo kasing tough mama, kailangan kaya niyang pagsabay-sabayin ang pagiging isang ina, pagiging asawa, at ang trabaho.
"So yun ang para sa akin. Kasi, napakahirap pagsabay-sabayin yun bilang isang nanay, e. Kung tough ka, kaya mo iyang lahat.”
DINGDONG DANTES: A SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND
But her journey as a mom has been very manageable, thanks to her husband Dingdong Dantes.
"Malaking bagay na suportado ka ng asawa mo sa lahat ng aspetong ginagawa mo. Dahil kung ikaw lang mag-isa, kahit anong tatag mo at nandiyan ang inspiration mo, iba pa rin kapag kayong dalawa ang nagkakatulong talaga para i-push ang mga gusto mong mangyari sa buhay."
Aside from being proactive in their parenting duties, Dingdong also lets Marian make the decision for her career.
"Very thankful ako dahil yung asawa ko, number one na nagpu-push sa akin para magawa ko ang lahat nang sabay-sabay.”
MARIAN RIVERA'S "ME TIME"
Having two kids does not prevent the 35-year-old star from having “me time.”
She always finds a way.
If she wants her nails done, she asks Nailandia, a nail spa she endorses, to do home service.
She also gets her haircut at home.
“Lahat ng pwede kong gawin sa bahay kasi naniniwala ako na you have to have a me time para sa sarili mo."
These quick breaks are like rewards to herself.
"Sabi nga nila, hindi mo puwedeng ibigay ang isang bagay ng wala ka. So paano mo maibibigay nang buo ang pagmamahal mo kung sa sarili mo, hindi mo kayang malagaan?
“Mas magandang kapag binigay mo, buo ka, whole ka. Para kapag binigay mo, buong buhay niya maramdaman ang pagmamahal na yun.”
This interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) took place at Seda Hotel on September 10.