Why Zia Dantes’ fearless love for learning deserves the spotlight
In recent weeks, the internet was filled with admiration for Zia Dantes, firstborn of GMA primetime A-listers Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. Clips and photos from a recital released by RMA Studio Academy quickly went viral, drawing attention to what netizens casually call Zia’s “face card.”
But stopping there would mean missing the real story.
What stands out about Zia, based on observation, is not just her face but her fearlessness. She seems to approach learning without the weight of being “showbiz royalty.” She tries. She explores. And most importantly, she shows up curious and prepared. On a platform as intimidating as the stage, that mindset is an advantage.
Shaped by curiosity (not by pressure)
According to Jade Riccio, founder and CEO of RMA Studio Academy and Zia’s vocal coach, the young performer’s strength begins with versatility.
“Zia has a unique vocal quality, she can be good in any genre. I encourage my students to be versatile. As of now, she likes to explore genres, too, as she enjoys learning different songs,” she said.
The eagerness mirrors how Zia approaches life. Singing is a choice she keeps making.
Supported, not pushed
Behind that confidence is a family culture that values joy over projection. Jade is candid about the role Zia’s parents play.
“I salute Zia’s parents,” the celebrity coach behind a number of artists in the music scene today said. “Marian is always there in all of Zia’s lessons. Sometimes, Dingdong is there too, but mostly, it’s Marian. She doesn’t impose, she suggests. She observes and appreciates Zia’s and my hard work. I really am thankful for their trust.”
Jade’s admiration is personal and professional. She said, “Marian wants Zia to be happy. I want to be like her, too, when I become a mom.” And Zia, she said, fits right in at RMA. “She is a nice kid! And she has a playful side like us [the team], so win-win!” Jade laughingly related.
Confidence is built
Asked whether Zia has always been this confident, Jade reframed the question by saying, “When students feel safe and prepared, they become more confident.”
The celebrity daughter’s journey, she explained, began with curiosity.
“Zia did lessons with me because she really wanted to sing well and sound better. It was her curiosity that led her to want to learn the techniques.”
Confidence followed discipline. “She wasn’t always that confident, but when you are preparing for something, you train for it and just like any muscle, it will strengthen, it will develop, and build,” Jade emphasized. “Once that happens, you’ll see and feel results, so you’ll really end up having more confidence.”
And the stage, Jade said, is the ultimate test. “The stage is a scary place. You discover who can and cannot perform, who has star quality, who has stage presence, and all that. All those little things added up will end up having a huge result. It’s Zia’s second concert and she is a star. I cannot wait! She keeps getting better.”
Discipline over hype
RMA’s standards are clear and demanding, as Jade described when asked if anyone can just take singing lessons or if audition videos have to be submitted.
“Yes, I require video performances to be sent, or at least a singing video. I also ask what they want to be when they grow up so I know how much they want it. Once I observe no progress due to laziness, I remove them from my roster of students. I’m very strict but I’m cool too, just study your songs,” she smilingly explained.
The choice is hers
In a podcast interview with Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga on YouTube, Dingdong and Marian talked about their daughter Zia’s independence, musical inclination, and daredevil streak in a mix of Tagalog and English.
Dingdong said, “She has many activities she likes nowadays. But one of the things that really surprised us is her singing.” That sparked a playful debate about who Zia got the gift of voice from, with Marian teasing, “From you. Just accept it!”
“We are very supportive of whatever she wants,” Dingdong added, while Marian described Zia’s initiative. “She would say, ‘Mama, I want to learn this. I want to do this. I want to try this,’” the hands-on mom related, sounding amazed by how her daughter wants to dabble into horseback riding, swimming, and many others.
“It’s great that we don’t push her. [We don’t need to say] ‘Anak, try this.’ She herself laid things out for us,” Marian added.
The proud mom noted Zia’s wide-ranging curiosity and confirmed it when asked by Janno if Zia’s a daredevil. Marian exaggerated a bit by saying that Zia is ten times a daredevil. “She likes being challenged. She does it even more. Our child is also competitive. She tries everything.” Marian shared how Dingdong summed up their stance: “As Dong told Zia, ‘Whatever you want, we will support you.’” She believes that in time, Zia will be able to filter out what it is she truly wants to pursue.
More than the pretty face
Often described as one of the most beautiful celebrity kids today, Zia Dantes has singing performances to remind us that talent and confidence are not just inherited. They are built and developed over time.
Beyond the face is a child who shows up curious, unafraid, and eager to grow. In an industry that often rushes children into labels or compares them to their parents, Zia is quietly doing something more powerful—learning simply for the love of it.
And that appears to be her strongest card yet.
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