Anna Palabyab-Rufino and Sunshine Pengson: ‘You’ll never understand what it’s like to be a mother until you become one.’

MANILA, Philippines - You love her, and sometimes you just can’t stand her. But no matter what you do, even if you break her heart, she will always love and protect you with all her might.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Cinderella shares two remarkable women’s journey to motherhood.

“When I was growing up, motherhood seemed so easy, at least that’s how my mother made it look. I never took note of all the hardships, sleepless nights that she went through, raising my siblings and me,” shares 35-year-old dermatologist Anna Palabyab-Rufino. “It really is true what they say, you’ll never understand what it’s like to be a mother until you become one.”

Anna is a dermatology graduate from Ateneo de Manila University. She is respected practitioner in her field and practices what she preaches. In fact, she hasn’t smoked a day in her life. But despite her achievements, taking on the role of a mom is something that she values most. For Anna, it is a dream come true. “Motherhood was something I’ve always looked forward to,” says Anna. But motherhood is never without challenges, even from the moment of conception. Because of this, Anna and her husband Raymond Rufino impose rules and discipline their sons Stefano and Francesco when they should. Moms share one goal and that is to raise a good and kind person. “I would say that I am strict, but also very loving and affectionate towards my sons. I have taken on the role of the disciplinarian in the family, so I have established authority. I also shower them with so much love and affection, which is why our relationship is not based on fear but love and respect.”

How does she bond with their kids? Anna takes her sons on dates, one at a time. She also loves traveling with family, and taking the kids to new places. “One day, I’d like our family to take up a sport together, maybe tennis,” she shares.

Cinderella offers styles that Anna absolutely loves. Anna opts for clothes that are comfortable but stylish. Her go-to brand is Mexx, which carries styles that are timeless with a touch of trendiness but still remain very comfortable. In fact, she looks absolutely fab in a hot coral top and blocked cola skirt from Mexx paired with classic modern heels in wine red embellished with buckles called Al Fresco Café by Clarks shoes. She also looks casual chic in this printed jersey dress, which she wore as shirt with black printed pants from Mexx matched with Azizi Iris court shoes in sumptuous black by Clarks. For more dressy affairs, Anna prefers separates that spell understated elegance. She wears a black and white knitted blazer, floral printed cotton shirt and cream slim-fit pants from Mexx paired with teal and black ankle strap sandals by Clarks ladies’ shoes. Anna also loves Osh- Kosh B’ Gosh and Clarks kids for her boys.   

Sunshine Pengson is first a mom to Santiago and second, a chef. She is best known for The Goose Station, a restaurant she set up with her husband Rob Pengson. She took a short hiatus after giving birth to her son Santiago and returned to the kitchen, with several ventures up her sleeve. This, of course, includes Gourmandise Patisserie and her newest endeavor Shine Bakery and Café. Now, Sunshine is expecting her second child.

“It was a dream come true for me in every sense,” she says. “I was constantly worried about the health and safety of my baby. The fears just fade away when you see your baby for the first time, but then they all come rushing back because you just want to protect this little angel from the whole world.”

Mothers are like superheroes, they will move mountains just to make sure we are safe, happy and loved. “Having a child has brought me the greatest joy of my life. [But] it is also the biggest challenge. You are completely responsible for molding this little person and you try to do your best and leave the rest up to God,” shares Sunshine. “I try to balance fun and discipline. As Santiago is at the age where he is testing his boundaries, I don’t want him to grow up feeling afraid towards me but to know that we love and support him always,” imparts Sunshine.

So how does she bond with her kids? Sunshine enjoys reading books, singing songs and playing with her son. “I’d love to spend time with him in the kitchen, as that’s one of the fondest memories I have growing up with my mom. I’d also love to travel the world with him…to experience that joy and wonderment of exploring new places with him,” she says.

“There’s always that feeling of guilt when you have to leave your child, but you try to reason it out with the fact that you’re doing your best to provide for his future,” says Sunshine.

Sunshine’s aesthetic is a mix of feminine, and easy but tailored pieces. “I like British India for its relaxed feel!” Even while waiting for the arrival of her second child, she doesn’t compromise style. She opts for BritishIndia’s long-sleeved V-neck linen blouse with embroidered details around the neckline and an A-line skirt with floral embroidery, and leopard-printed long-sleeved cotton dress from British India. For shoes, she loves Clark’s for its stylish but comfortable selection. She prefers Popple Salsa, a pair of wine-red wedge sandals and Ancient Star, black suede heels with kesin rubber sole. 

For Mother’s Day, Cinderella offers a shopping promo where Mexx, British India and even OshKosh B’Gosh are offering up to 50-percent off on selected items, while Clarks is offering up to 50-percent off plus a toiletry bag for every P5,000 worth of purchase. 

Mexx is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Aura Premier, Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center.

British India is located in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Cinderella V-Mall, SM Aura Premier, Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu.  

Clarks is located at Glorietta, Virra mall, Alabang Town Center, Mall of Asia, Midtown, The Block, Lucky China Town, SM Cebu, TriNoma, Centrio, SM Lanang, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mega Mall B, Ayala Center Cebu.

OshKosh B’Gosh is located at Ayala Cebu, Ayala Centrio, Ayala Market Market, Ayala Marquee Mall, TriNoma, Filinvest, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Cebu, SM Clark, SM Dasmariñas, SM Fairview, SM Lanang, SM Lipa, SM Lucena, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Molino, SM Muntinlupa, SM Pampanga, SM San Lazaro, SM South Mall, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Tarlac, SM Taytay, SM the Block, SM Valenzuela, Subic Harbor Point.