A mother-daughter bond

MANILA, Philippines - We all heard the terms Daddy’s girl and Mama’s boy. But no doubt that the bond between mother and daughter is different and exciting in many ways — just like Monique Buenaventura and her daughter Marga.

Monique, a relationship manager in an international bank, says her day starts early by reading the news while having coffee and a light breakfast. Teleconferences and work engagements follow. She makes sure to finish her task and go home to her family for dinner.

“I like the fact that I constantly interface with people and I build credibility and friendship from it. I can’t really say there’s anything particular that I dislike about my job. I guess you can say that I have found the job I really like that I have already stopped working. But of course there are the usual bad days, though very tolerable that they even make me appreciate the good days which are more often, I would say,” Monique says.

With a career like hers, how does she manage to balance work and family? “I’m a very involved mom in my children’s affairs. I make it a point to attend activities in their school that would require parents’ attendance as much as possible no matter how busy I am. No such thing as busy when my children need me for a shoulder to cry on or to cheer them on their school programs. I don’t take for granted Parent-Teacher Conferences and School Orientations just to make sure I still know what is going on in my children’s lives in school. I try to make up for long hours of work by simply being with them for anything they like to do on weekends,” she says.

Marga, a freshman at the College of Saint Benilde taking Consular and Diplomatic Affairs, on the other hand, starts her day early by getting dropped at school. After class, she goes home by taking the train.

“It’s actually a pre-law course,” Marga informs when asked about her major. “Even if you don’t want to become a lawyer, the course teaches you about current events, relations, a bit of business and economics. We also learn foreign languages.”

Marga also loves to write and is active with her course’s organization and the college newspaper. When asked what her ambition is, she says “I want to work in the UN or become a teacher.”

With busy schedules, how do Monique and Marga bond and relate with one another?

 “We talk a lot and we go shopping together,” Monique says. “That’s our best bonding activity. Sometimes we couch potato by watching classical movies at home.”

 “We also like the same music,” Marga shares. “She loves the ‘70s.”

“My favorite bonding moments with her are during our almost-mundane conversations in the car every day. I really think that even the dullest moments become fun and exciting when you’re spending them with people you love,” Marga adds.

Both also share a passion for makeup. “We love makeup,” Marga says. “Especially now I’m in college it feels like you have to dress up more.”

When asked what she highlights the most, Marga points to her eyes. She loves enhancing them by putting on Careline Glitter Eyeliner. “It makes my eyes sparkle. All my friends say so! I like the clear color for everyday use, and gold for parties. I also like Glamour Eyes Eyeshadow Pencil because it’s so easy to apply. I use the black pearl shade to create a smoky eye effect. I also like the Careline colognes. I use the Juniper Evergreen scent. I like it because it’s very subtle but aromatic,” she says.

Monique, on the other hand, has been an Ever Bilena user since her college days. “I was already using Ever Bilena products like nail polish, eyeliner, eyeshadow and lipstick. Now, I use a lot more. I also evolve with its products. I also use its powder and foundation. I like the loose powder which I often use because it’s natural,” she says.

She also loves the new Lightning Lip Gloss and even uses some of the Careline products. It also helps that the products are affordable and of good quality. “I really found them value for money. They can make you feel pretty yet you don’t have to spend much,” she says.

Are there any lessons that mother and daughter share with each other? “I tell Marga to make the best of what she can be; that she defines her future. I tell her not to dwell on her mistakes but on the learnings from each painful experience. And best of all, not to be afraid to dream and always believe that she can achieve any dream she has,” Monique says.

“She (mom) calls it CBA: conceive, believe and achieve. It’s very important to put your 150 percent in your every dream and goal, because it really helps you attain them. Any cynicism should be thrown out of the window. You have to believe in yourself, because if you don’t, how can you expect others to do so?” Marga says.

As for tips on mother-daughter bonding moments, Marga shares: “You just have to find something that you like. Find out what your mom likes. Spend time and you never know you might like what she’s doing,” Marga shares.

“If you are friends with your daughter, try to make time. It’s important for mothers to work so make time as it’s not just a favor to your children but to yourself,” Monique says.

 For Monique and Marga, the time they spend together shows that no matter the hectic schedule of work and school, they are still mother and daughter with a special bond they share.

Makeup tips:

From Monique:

Even if you have to go on the heavy side, don’t overdo it. Enhance your beauty.

You don’t have to spend much to enhance your beauty. Don’t pay for the brand. Pay for what will make you look good. And if you can find that in local products which are even priced much lower, why not and you even support Filipino talent and Philippine economy.

From Marga:

You have to make sure your eyeliner is dry so it won’t scatter on your eyelids.

Less is always more. If you want to play up your eyes, then mute the color on your lips, and vice versa. Remember to be age-appropriate! You don’t want to look like an old lady at 16, right?