'Mama I love you... Mama I care'

Last year, I dedicated my Mother’s Day column to my Mommy Ching.

For this year’s Mother’s Day, I asked well-loved celebrities — some of them are also mothers — for their personal message to their moms, why their moms are special and what are their most unforgettable moments with their moms.

Dawn Zulueta on her mom, Cleo Salman:

“I pray that my mom lives a very long healthy life so my kids and I can still enjoy having her with us.

“Thank you mama for teaching me about discipline. She is a wonderful grandma and teacher. She is candid and fun loving, especially now with her grandchildren.

“My mom is also a very good driver. One time, we were stuck in a traffic jam. To pass the time, she sang and taught me to sing nursery rhymes like 3-6-9, the goose drank wine… To this day, she is the same if not even more fun loving grandma with my kids. She enjoys taking them to field trips and loves to play with them while she enriches their minds with new discoveries.”

Vina Morales on mom Deanna Magdayao:

“Mommy, happy Mother’s Day to you! No amount of words to express how thankful I am to be in this world and that you’re my mom. Now that I am also a mother, I will also try to give my best to my Ceana. I always treasure the moments when you accompanied me in my work since I was nine years old. It wasn’t easy but you and daddy were there for me all the time. I may not be always there to be with you but you are always in my heart and in my prayers. I love you mom and happy Mother’s Day!”

Chiqui Roa-Puno on mom Boots Anson-Roa:

“I always knew my mother loved me, but I didn’t realize just how much until I had my own kids. Because as a mom you know what you are willing to do for your children. You come to realize just what your mother has gone through for you. So to Mommy Boots, I now know how much of yourself you have given up for me and my siblings. And for that, we are so grateful!

“My mom and I have traveled together a few times, and these trips are always memorable, especially now that we don’t live under one roof. Aside from non-stop bonding and 24/7 chika, it’s always nice to discover new places and learn new things with mom, because it comes with the added bonus of her sound wisdom and valuable insights.”

Bea Alonzo with mom Me-Ann — Photo courtesy of Star Studio magazine

Bea Alonzo on mom Me-Ann:

“For my mom that we may have this kind of closeness ’til she gets older and ’til I get older. I’m so lucky to have a mom like her who doesn’t want anything but for us (her kids) to have a better future.

“During the premiere night of One More Chance, she couldn’t wait to get to me and kiss me. She said, ‘I’m proud of you, anak.’ It was unforgettable for me because she’s my greatest critic and when she said those words, all the worries in my heart began to disappear.

“Why is she special to me? Because she’s the only parent that I have. I grew up without a dad and she managed not to make me feel empty. She filled that empty space that my dad never filled in.”

Gladys Reyes on mom Zeny:

“I always pray Ma that you’ll stay healthy and stress-free. You’re my peg for being a hands-on mom. Love you and thank you for everything.

“She is very special to me because she has been a nurturing mom. I believe that she and my dad raised us well. I will never forget that when I was just starting as a child actress, she would always accompany me in my tapings. She was very patient. She knows that I love to act and I love what I’m doing. She gives her 101 percent support.

Amy Perez (second from right) with her family

“Now that I’m all grown-up and also a mother of three kids, because of my mom, all the more I understand what motherhood is all about. It is synonymous with unconditional love.”

Amy Perez on mom Mamadal:

“I just want to thank my Mamadal for her unconditional love. And for all her patience in teaching me everything that I need to know as a woman from cooking to cleaning the house. Utang ko kung ano ako now sa mama ko kaya sana I make her proud of me kahit paano. I love you much Mamadal. I pray to our dear Lord that He continues to give you good health. Thank you also for not giving up. You showed us na masarap, mahirap, masaya at sobrang fulflling maging housewife kaya salamat Mamadal.”