Decoding the mom: Ginggay Joven-dela Merced

Surprises make life a tad bit more interesting. Encounters with the unexpected create colorful stories and wonderful memories. "It’s very surprising, especially for the people who know me that I became a parent at 23. I’m such a driven and passionate person when it comes to work and my career," shares publicist Ginggay Joven dela Merced. As GM for top public relations and special events company Visions and Expressions, Ginggay is the type to thrive on challenges and smile in the midst of extreme pressure. Catering to the needs of prestigious clients, her days are packed with meetings and countless events. A certified career woman since her days as a columnist for The Philippine STAR and editor for two teen magazines (Teen Magazine and Youngstar Magazine), Ginggay continues to take on a bigger role. Now a mother to three-year-old Noey, she declares, "I have a newfound respect for career moms like my mother. She was a very busy woman so my summers were spent with ballet, tennis or just hanging around her office."

While she recognizes how difficult it can be to play such a wide variety of roles, Ginggay is focused on her goals. "Only now do I realize how tough it can be. We women have so many roles that most of the time you sacrifice yourself." As a mother, Ginggay finds joy in seeing her son discover the world. "An adult stuck in a child’s body," is how she describes Noey, who has become an independent and decisive child. "I was left to learn things on my own and I want him to grow up knowing what the world is like. I think that will turn him into a more responsible person." "Cautiously adventurous" best describes Ginggay’s parenting style as she firmly believes in allowing her child to develop a strong sense of self-awareness. "I want him to be whoever he wants to become and be the best at what he can be. I can only trust my son to make the right decisions. One thing is for certain: he is definitely not going to become pampered or spoiled." For Ginggay, the best way to ensure her kid’s future is to arm him with the right tools – good education and a right amount of guidance.

Noey never fails to brighten even the most hectic of days. "When I get home from a tiring day and he runs to me and tells me he loves me, my heart just melts! He has his dad’s charms," says the multi-talented young publicist. Time management plays an essential role in getting things done. Noey brings cheer to her office during occasional visits. At home, he sits beside Ginggay as she pounds the keys of her laptop. She declares that the best lesson she’s learned about being a parent is: "Being myself. I cannot be a good mom if I have doubts about who I am, the things that I believe in and stand for. It’s the only way that I am able to be the best example to my child." Of course, there are many aspects on parenting that Ginggay has yet to prepare for. In fact, she candidly admits, "I’m trying to survive myself since I’m new at being a mom. My belief is that in anything, there is always room for improvement. Of course, I remain content and happy because one must remember that you are better off than most." Ginggay dela Merced, publicist, mother, wife and daughter, has truly shown us a new brand of parenting – unconventional to some extent yet logical and apparently effective. - Bianca R. Salonga