PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/marianrivera

We watched Zia Dantes grow up in front of our very eyes, from an adorable infant to a cherub-faced little girl. Last November 23, Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ daughter just hit another milestone as she officially turned 6 years old!
 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

To celebrate her birthday, Zia’s mom threw her the cutest teddy bear-themed party! As seen through snaps Marian shared on Instagram, the venue for the intimate get-together was decked out in pink hues, accompanied by teddy bear decor everywhere! Stuffed toys adorned almost every corner of the room, from the table spread, to the balloons, to Zia’s appetizing, multi-tiered cake designed by Sweet Creations by Mums.
 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

Check out event stylist Teddy Manuel’s post below, for a closer look at the setup.

“For Zia’s sixth birthday, her wish is for everyone to be happy and safe,” captioned Marian. A number of the actress’ celebrity friends also greeted Zia under her post, including Mariel Padilla, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Iya Villania, Angel Locsin, Kim Molina, and Nina Corpuz.
 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

Visibly absent was Zia’s dad, Dingdong, who’s currently away, shooting a project for GMA. Despite the distance, her doting father made sure to pen Zia the sweetest letter, which he posted on his IG page on her birthday. “For the last six years, this is the first time that I haven’t had you under my armpits for this long…It’s kinda hard for me, but the thought of you being safe and happy there at home with your mom and brother makes me at peace,” wrote Dingdong.
 

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/MARIANRIVERA

“Don’t worry, when i get back home, we’ll definitely make more memories with these after-dinner songs, which will come after your regular animated storytelling of how your day had transpired,” he continued. Alongside his message is a clip of the father-daughter tandem passionately singing Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love.

“It has been 20 days since i left and despite the gloominess of this rest day, there is this indescribable feeling of joy knowing that on this day, God has gifted the world with someone like you. Happy 6th, Ate Z. When you’re a bit older, i hope you’ll understand why Dada isn’t with you on this special day.”

“For now, i’ll just have to play this over and over till I have you back under my armpits again. Forgive me for posting this, for i can’t help falling in love with you.”

Belated happy birthday, Zia!