Look Ma, this is for street kids!

MANILA, Philippines- In celebration of mothers’ heroic love and earnest efforts to transform lives, ABS-CBN’s Bantay Bata Foundation recently joined hands with mom advocates to launch “Mothers for Others,” a charity fashion show for the benefit of the foundation’s pediatric heart patients. The fund-raising event, which aimed to provide life-saving surgeries to more than 100 of the critical children in the organization’s list, was held last Mother’s Day, May 8, in Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

“This event aims not just to raise money for the kids, but also to raise money for the cause. Not everyone realizes that there are other cases under Bantay Bata that need attention. When they think of Bantay Bata, they think of rescues from child abuse. The pediatric heart patients fall under the medical arm of the foundation,” says Audrey Zubiri. “Raising a significant amount is a good but we would also like to make people aware and consider supporting the pediatric heart patients. It is really about saving the life of a child. Right after the operation, their condition changes drastically. They are given the gift of life.”

“Mothers for Others” was a historic success, having raised over P3 million from various generous donors in just a brief period since its conception late last year. It was also the first fashion show that brought together the Philippines’ most sought-after fashion designers such as Inno Sotto, Rajo Laurel, Rhett Eala, Dennis Lustico, Jun Escario, Paul Cabral, Randy Ortiz, Pepito Albert, Cary Santiago, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Jojie Lloren and Ivarluski Aseron in one runway extravaganza. As expected, the most applauded, was the fun parade of the children of renowned celebrities wearing couture creations of the A-list designers.

The advocacy effort garnered tremendous support from different groups. One of which is Wilkins Distilled Drinking Water, the most trusted water brand of Filipino mothers. “For decades, Wilkins has always partnered with every Filipino mom in giving unconditional and enduring protection for her entire family, especially in this most challenging times. In much the same way, we are united with these amazing moms in advancing the cause of families all through out the country and making a difference in their lives, most especially the young’s. Hopefully, this partnership continues with their other advocacies in the future.”

Hand-in-hand in saving lives: Teejae Sonza, group brand manager for hydration of Coco-Cola Philippines, awards the check donation to “Mothers for Others” hosts Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Dawn Zulueta.

The “Mothers for Others” team — also Bantay Bata advisory board members Audrey Zubiri, Carla Ramsey, Dawn Zulueta, Jackie Lhullier Hess, Kaye Tinga, Lisa Chan, Manny Padilla, Nanette Medved-Po and Rajo Laurel — couldn’t help but recall the many ways their own mothers have exerted life-changing efforts to keep them whole and nurtured all through out their lives.

“Growing up, and to this day, my mom is always there to protect me in every way she can — she never fails to remind me to take my vitamins and medicines. Through my mom, I learned how to be extra caring of my family. Her constant concern for my safety and wellbeing, in every aspect of my life, inspires me to be just as alert and consistent with my kids and husband. My mom’s love has shown me that a mother’s love is truly unconditional and knows no bounds or ends”, says Audrey.

Kaye, on the other hand, has always been inspired by her mother’s discerning attitude. “My mom is a firm believer that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ This meant we always had balanced meals – meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, rice, etc. But above all, she required all of us to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. She would always tell us that it cleanses our bodies and flushes away unhealthy toxins. She’s probably right since none of us ever had any major health problems aside from sporadic cough or cold. This is also the way I try to raise my children. Like her, I make sure they get their eight glasses of water a day. Fortunately there’s a doctor-trusted and quality product like Wilkins to make sure that the water they drink is clean and safe,” she says.

“I recall seeing mothers being almost manic about what I thought were the smallest things — washing your hands, whether or not the drinking water clean, etc. And now I realize how much wisdom there is in that and even after you’ve grown up, mothers are always mothers in their love and care. They always want what’s best for their children,” says Nanette.