MANILA, Philippines – I admit na truly blessed ako sa industriya ko, pero masasabi kong ang greatest profession para sa akin ay motherhood. Puwedeng maging pinakamahirap siyang trabaho sa mundo, pero ito rin ang pinaka-fulfilling. Para sa akin, walang makakapagkumpara sa pagiging ina ko kina KC, Frankie at Miel.
Ang aking Mommy Elaine ang naging inspirasyon ko na naging best mom sa mga anak ko. Naging good example kasi siya sa akin by being there through good and bad times. Kahit ngayong may sarili na akong pamilya, nariyan pa rin siya at gusto kong maging ganoon din habang lumalaki ang mga anak ko. Walang problema kay KC kasi malaki na siya, pero ‘yung dalawa ay nagsisimula pa lang mahubog ang mga personalities nila.
Isa sa mga importanteng natutuhan ko sa pagiging ina ay ang maipakita’t maibigay ang suporta ko sa mga gustong gawin ng mga bata. Nakaka-build up iyon ng self-esteem sa kanila kaya mas gumagaling sila sa school o sa iba pa nilang activities.
Hindi talaga easy task ang maging nanay kaya sobra ang respeto ko sa lahat ng masisipag at mapagmahal na ina na gagawin ang lahat para mapangalagaan ang anak. I think any mother in the world, kahit reyna ka pa o sino ka pa, ay puwedeng tumanggap ng palakpak o kahit award pero ang pinaka-touching at magiging precious sa ’yo ay kung paano mag-uusap ang mga tao tungkol sa kids mo.
I am sure na tulad ko, ang iba pang moms ay sasang-ayon na wala nang hihigit pa sa makita mong malusog, masaya at matagumpay sa buhay ang mga anak mo.
Iba-iba ang ages ng mga anak ko. KC is an adult already so I don’t need to worry so much about her, even if I still do. But the two, since they’re still growing and their personalities are being formed, I watched out for them. Friends kami but I’m still mommy so medyo kailangan ng disiplina. But I always let them know that I’m there for them.
I try to have a balanced parenting style. I’m strict, but at the same time still a friend so that they can go to me for anything. I want my daughters to be comfortable sharing their experiences and thoughs with me.
I read a lot to Frankie and Miel, everyday in fact. I’d like to stimulate their imagination and develop in them a love affair with books. For me, that’s better than just letting them sit in front of the TV the whole day.
The girls also like to spend time with me in the kitchen. I remember that at a very early age Frankie already baked apple pie with me. Miel’s first baking experience with Frankie and me was making cupcakes, complete with aprons and chef’s hats.
Like most Filipino moms, I work hard to provide for my children’s needs. So building a loving home is a top priority. I want my girls to feel how much I love them and how much I am willing to do everything for them.
One of the most important things that I’ve also learned as a mom is to show support for what my kids love to do. This builds their self-esteem and helps them do well in school and in their chosen activities.
Like when KC decided to join showbusiness, I assured her that I’ll always be supportive of her career and whatever plans she may have for the future.
It’s the same thing with Frankie and Miel, they can count on me when it comes to their pursuits. Right now they both love singing and dancing. But I’ll always be here to guide them in making decisions and achieving their goals.
Being a mom is not an easy task because we are entrusted with bodies and souls to nurture and guide. This is why I respect all the hardworking Filipino moms who will do anything to ensure the welfare of their children.
I think any mother in the world, kahit reyna ka pa o sino ka pa, can receive all the applause, all the accolades, and all the feathers in her cap… pero ang pinaka-touching at magiging precious sa ‘yo is how people talk about our children.
I am sure that like me, other moms would say that there’s no greater feeling than seeing your kids healthy, happy, and successful in life.