The most important relationship

Of all the relationships we form in our lives, the most important one will always be with our mothers. They give life to us, carry us in their wombs for nine months, and as we grow up, become our first teachers and primary caregivers.

While it is true that each mother is the “best” to her child, the Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, Inc. still thought it a good idea to honor mothers by coming up with the Best Nanay Awards 2014. Launched last August, the Best Nanay Awards is open to all nanays nationwide and will be conferred on 10 exemplary moms who have made a positive impact on their families and communities.

MYNP managing director Bemz Benedito — who is one of those working tirelessly behind the scenes to advance the group’s agenda — agrees that while yes, all mothers may be considered “best” within their own families, the group is looking for specific moms with stories that show a commendable character and how they exert a positive influence on their family and people around them. “It can be someone with an extraordinary or simple journey in their mothering but whose story is inspiring and whose integrity and character is commendable and at the same time exercises a positive influence on her family despite the odds.”

Bemz clarifies, though, that the moms who are nominated for the award do not necessarily have to be prominent or famous, or mothers of celebrities. Even ordinary mothers can qualify and be nominated. “As long as their story is inspiring, happy and challenging, and shows how her character and morals have positively influenced her children, they can be nominated. This is not just for famous mothers or those who choose to be leaders, this is also for the simple mothers who, on a daily basis, inspire and positively influence their families.”

The panel of judges will evaluate and score each nominee based on the following: First, Her Inspiring Story, or what makes her an outstanding mother (35 points); Her Integrity and Character, or how her character and moral rectitude influence her child or children (35 points); and third, Her Positive Influence on family, friends and people in general. The last criterion has to do with specific ways that a mother impacts her family (30 points).

“A mother is guiding in many ways not just to her family, but even to those who surround her,” explains Bemz. “That is why we want to give credit to the positive impact she has on her family, friends and people in general.”

The nomination form can be downloaded at the MYNP website, MYNP Facebook page, MYNP Twitter account, or if requested, through e-mail or postal service. Each nominator can submit a maximum of three nominees. The nominators may send back their signed nomination forms through the following: E-mail at [email protected] or via courier services to the Make Your Nanay Proud Foundation, Inc., Unit 205, Heart of the City Condominium, #40 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City 1103, or hand-delivered to the MYNP office.

The following prizes will be awarded to the 10 winners: A mother and child trophy handcrafted by Ifugao sculptors, P10,000 cash each and goods from SM. The MYNP Best Nanay Awards 2014 night will be on Oct. 29, 7 p.m. at the Café Escudero in Quezon City.

Coming up with the Best Nanay Awards 2014 is part of the continuing efforts of MYNP to bring honor to mothers everywhere and make children understand how important it is.

Since the group was formed, this has been the core of its mission and of every project that it has launched. Among their projects are those for mothers in jail and mothers who are victims of injustices/desaparecidos. “What we are trying to communicate is that we are all a child of his/her mother and that is our common thread in building ourselves, our communities and being a person for others,” says Bemz.

Overall, they consider their mission a success so far. “It has been a fruitful year for MYNP,” continues Bemz. “Despite being a young organization, we were able to accomplish more than the projects that we wished and hope for. We are effectively delivering across our mantra: Make Your Nanay Proud by being the best of who you are and by being the best in all you do.”