Baby of the year: Hello, Maria Letizia

MANILA, Philippines - Here, at last, are the first photos of the Baby of the Year, Maria Letizia Gracia Dantes, the first child of show biz’s so-called “Royal Couple” Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, born early morning of Nov. 23 the natural way after Marian labored for 18 hours.

“Marian refused to undergo Caesarian section,” said the brand-new dad, who stayed beside his wife every step of the way, videotaping what the couple described as “the most memorable event” of their life.              

Nicknamed Zia, the baby has been the subject of speculation as to who she looks like, the mom or the dad. Just see for yourself from these pictures who the baby looks like. “I’m happy that Zia looks like Marian,” conceded Dingdong in an interview with The STAR. “Mabuti na lang.” Dingdong explained that the baby was named after the elders in his and Marian’s families.      

“There are many Marias in my family,” said Dingdong. “My grandmother is named Letizia. There’s also a Letizia on (Marian’s) father’s side.”  The couple should have another baby, this time a boy so he would look like Dingdong. “Not so soon,” said Dingdong, adding that he and Marian would like to have three more kids. “Or whatever number God would bless us with.”     

The baby will be baptized in January with Ai-Ai delas Alas as one of the godparents.                        

Marian and Dingdong will celebrate their first wedding anniversary on Dec. 30.