By Mae Lorraine Rafols Lorenzo
Images by Jovel Lorenzo
If there’s one woman in the world who can claim that she has “done it all,” it’s Mother—yours and mine.
Apart from being nurturer and lifetime “caregiver,” moms play the role as our private psychologist, cheerleader, partner-in-crime, storyteller, shopping buddy, and confidant. She’s our best friend, our sunshine, and our voice of reason—one who would willingly give us all her time, no questions asked.
This Mother’s Day, we feature three amazing mothers who have done it all, plus more.
Rina Lorilla Santos: Journey through motherhood
Rina Santos and her daughter Rafa are familiar faces on social media, the team behind the Instagram account @rinaandrafa.
The charming pair has been posting updates of their many travels, showcasing outfits styled and sometimes made by Rina, with Rafa wearing a similar, younger version of it.“I would often be asked if I could style and bring my own clothes if we got invited for a shoot,” Rina says.
During their own shoot for MB Lifestyle, one can clearly see that they share more than a love for fashion. Rina is more than just a stylish mom, she is funny and kind, and Rafa looks up to her. Their constant travels get them even closer together.
“I started my Instagram (IG) account when a friend told me about it almost eight years ago,” says Rina. “So you can say my IG is as old as Rafa. Just like any parent, I started posting my baby’s photos. But as she grew up, my interest in fashion and dressing her up also took part. And then we started traveling as part of my husband’s work. When I was young I said to myself I’d be very happy if I could go to at least five countries. So after that I really consider every place we visit unforgettable.”
In her posts, Rina has imbibed the image of being the cool mom, always stylish and always up for an adventure, which Rafa seems to really enjoy.
“I’m cool? I guess it never crossed my mind because even before I had Rafa, I was already kenkoy. But one thing I remember, I said to myself I would be a fun mom someday. I think I wanted her to experience everything I wanted to experience as a child. Having a playful quality helps, too. I’m not afraid to make a fool out of myself if that would make her happy.”
Rina’s journey through motherhood was made easy, thanks to her ‘Instagram husband’ Jay Santos, a businessman who would take his wife and daughter on his business travels. “My Instagram is an architect and businessman, a hospital specialist,” she says. “His profession requires a lot of responsibilities, meetings, and creative thinking. I honestly don’t know how he does it all. He’s a super dad. He also takes good photos. Even before we had Rafa, I already knew he would be a wonderful father. He’s fun and funny. He supports and encourages me to go after my interests.”
Today, Rina is slowly exploring going into fashion retail, designing her own line of accessories and, soon, coming-up with her own clothing line. “My style is forever a process,” she says. “But I’ve maintained my love for printed skirts and classic button down shirts. A mixture of contrasts, androgynous, and feminine. From day one, Rafa loves pants. And lately she’s been loving dresses. My priority in choosing Rafa’s clothes is comfort. Is the fabric soft? Is it itchy? Is it hot? Is it comfortable? Does it fit well? These things are important. If she doesn’t feel good in it, it doesn’t matter how nice it looks on her.”
And does she sometimes have doubts about putting herself and Rafa out there for the public to see and follow? “As for most unforgettable posts, I am aware that IG has become a collection of curated photos, so it takes a lot of courage for me to share moments when I’m at my most vulnerable state. Although it has always been a conscious decision to keep everything on my IG account honest and real.”
When it comes to motherhood, this stylish mom has this to say: “Motherhood changed me completely. It taught me how to be selfless and mindful of other people’s needs. Most of all, it taught me the real meaning of responsibility. Giving life, nurturing, uplifting, and making sure your child grows up with a good and grateful heart, is my main goal now. And the best reward is when Rafa hugs and tells me she loves me, without reason. That’s the best.”
Yen Lim-Galagnara: On solid ground
Yen Lim-Galagnara, a creative consultant who is also mother of three teenage daughters, is “cool.” “As a mom, my aim is to raise happy individuals,” she says.
Letting her kids explore their individuality is not a problem for Yen. Her kids often look up to her who’s also not afraid to express herself through fashion (she could sport a shaved hairstyle, wear a dressy skirt as day wear, or don large, flashy earrings to go with her outfit).
“My children are free to choose whatever hairstyle, makeup, or nail art they want,” she says. “My two older daughters, Astrud and Veda are allowed to get a tattoo since they are now of legal age. Sabine is too young for it, but she can have it should she want it when she comes of age. As long as it’s an expression of oneself and is within moral bounds, then I don’t really see a problem,” says Yen, customer management director at Jose Delgado Medical Hospital.
Yen, along with husband Brian’s more free-spirited way to raise their daughters, also made it easier for them to pursue a very committed approach to parenting, being a 100 percent breastfeeding mom and having decided to put the kids in homeschool.
“Homeschooling is focused on children as individuals,” shares Yen. “It allows us to match the different learning styles of each child, thus making learning more effective and enjoyable. We believe that round pegs can never fit a square hole.”
Yen adds that homeschooling helps not only the kids, but also Brian and her evolve as individuals and grow as a family. It instills among the kids the core values she and her husband feel strongly about: Love for God, respect for others and for oneself, pride in heritage and high regard for the environment, celebrating individuality, and being kind to one another.
Their setup has also allowed Yen and Brian to spend more time with their children. “Each one has different interests from me,” she intimates. “For example, Astrud likes traveling, dressing up. Veda likes baking, cooking, entertaining, and creating clothes while Sabine likes creating things and writing stories. But all of them took after my love for fashion, to communicate, express themselves, and to connect with people. Just like me, they all enjoy a good laugh.”
Yen’s journey through motherhood has given her a different kind of fulfillment. “Motherhood has taught me how to roll with the punches and it has taught me to constantly want to become a better individual. My favorite part is being able to see the world through the eyes of kids, and being able to see these tiny people evolve into kind individuals who are eager to embrace life. I feel like I stay young because of my three crazy girls who bring me so much joy and laughter.”
Michelle Ressa Aventajado: Journey of acceptance
Michelle was already settled in her role as mother to her kids Gia, Miguel, and Diego, until her youngest, Gelli, was born.
“Gelli rocked my world,” says Michelle, who, at 37, thought that she would no longer become pregnant. “I had a friend who became pregnant and thinking I was no longer going to have any kids after years of trying, I gave away my crib, my stroller, my bassinet. Two months later, I found out I was pregnant.” She recalls seriously thinking to ask her stuff back. “It’s a joke among my friends, that Gelli wanted new things,” she adds.
But more than starting anew, Michelle’s new journey to motherhood came with another surprise: Gelli was born with Down syndrome. “There’s just no way we could understand what we know now until Gelli entered our lives. We became better versions of ourselves,” she says.
Michelle shares that she’s always been exposed to the needs of people with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with autism and down syndrome, as she used to regularly volunteer to help these individuals back in New York where she was born.
“Volunteering was something to feel good about. As I grew older, I would teach Yoga to children with special needs. I enjoyed doing that, but the commitment didn’t come until Gelli was born. Now, I work for her right to be accepted, her right to fall in love, her right to find a job in the future, and to do the things she loves.”
With Gelli in their lives, Michelle shares how she was able to start two significant chapters of her life. First was to launch her blog, www.mommanmanila.com, where she shares her journey of being a mom from crafting, baking, yoga, exploring, and traveling to raising a special child.
“When Gelli was born, I tried to research anything about raising a child with down syndrome. I would find information from countries like Canada and the US, and they would all have these beautiful stories of acceptance. But I couldn’t find one in the Philippines. I know that there’s so much more I can do to make the world a better place for Gelli and for kids like her.”
Aside from her blog, Michelle’s motherhood journey with Gelli led her to supporting and accepting a post as country director of Best Buddies Philippines, a school-based, but not education-based program that matches a typical individual with someone who has IDD to promote friendship and later inclusion.
The program works by encouraging typical individuals to devote at least one day every week for a year, building friendships with their special counterparts. They are encouraged to go out in public and do typical buddy stuff like watching movies and going to car shows.
This journey has not only opened opportunities for Michelle, it also made her more appreciative of motherhood, and the role of her husband, Nino, in her life.
“Motherhood for me is the most challenging and gratifying job. When it comes to showing me who I am, and showing me who I want to be, they are the biggest indicator. The biggest gift that motherhood has given me is that I see God in all of my children, in all the challenges. Each is amazing, and different, and brings something unique to the family.”
In her oldest daughter, Gia, Michelle sees intelligence, substance, and kindness. In Miguel, she sees sensitivity and affection, while Diego shows wisdom beyond his years. And in Gelli, she has learned to be grateful, not in a way that she feels grateful when people do big things for her or people like Gelli—but gratefulness at the little things and the little victories.
Through all these, Michelle has Nino to be thankful for, who has made her journey worthwhile.
“I only hope they continue to be the best versions of themselves. Because when Nino and I are gone, they would all have to be Team Gelli.”
*Shot on location at the Hotel H2O Bay View Executive Suite, the Aqua Room, and Club H2O Lounge, and the White Moon Bar. Special thanks to Catherine Dela Pena and team. Hotel H2O is located at Manila Ocean Park Complex, Behind Quirino, Grandstand Luneta, Manila. For more information, log on to: www.hotelh2o.com.
If there’s one woman in the world who can claim that she has “done it all,” it’s Mother—yours and mine.
Apart from being nurturer and lifetime “caregiver,” moms play the role as our private psychologist, cheerleader, partner-in-crime, storyteller, shopping buddy, and confidant. She’s our best friend, our sunshine, and our voice of reason—one who would willingly give us all her time, no questions asked.
This Mother’s Day, we feature three amazing mothers who have done it all, plus more.
Rina Lorilla Santos: Journey through motherhood
Rina Santos and her daughter Rafa are familiar faces on social media, the team behind the Instagram account @rinaandrafa.
The charming pair has been posting updates of their many travels, showcasing outfits styled and sometimes made by Rina, with Rafa wearing a similar, younger version of it.“I would often be asked if I could style and bring my own clothes if we got invited for a shoot,” Rina says.
During their own shoot for MB Lifestyle, one can clearly see that they share more than a love for fashion. Rina is more than just a stylish mom, she is funny and kind, and Rafa looks up to her. Their constant travels get them even closer together.
“I started my Instagram (IG) account when a friend told me about it almost eight years ago,” says Rina. “So you can say my IG is as old as Rafa. Just like any parent, I started posting my baby’s photos. But as she grew up, my interest in fashion and dressing her up also took part. And then we started traveling as part of my husband’s work. When I was young I said to myself I’d be very happy if I could go to at least five countries. So after that I really consider every place we visit unforgettable.”
In her posts, Rina has imbibed the image of being the cool mom, always stylish and always up for an adventure, which Rafa seems to really enjoy.
“I’m cool? I guess it never crossed my mind because even before I had Rafa, I was already kenkoy. But one thing I remember, I said to myself I would be a fun mom someday. I think I wanted her to experience everything I wanted to experience as a child. Having a playful quality helps, too. I’m not afraid to make a fool out of myself if that would make her happy.”
Rina’s journey through motherhood was made easy, thanks to her ‘Instagram husband’ Jay Santos, a businessman who would take his wife and daughter on his business travels. “My Instagram is an architect and businessman, a hospital specialist,” she says. “His profession requires a lot of responsibilities, meetings, and creative thinking. I honestly don’t know how he does it all. He’s a super dad. He also takes good photos. Even before we had Rafa, I already knew he would be a wonderful father. He’s fun and funny. He supports and encourages me to go after my interests.”
Today, Rina is slowly exploring going into fashion retail, designing her own line of accessories and, soon, coming-up with her own clothing line. “My style is forever a process,” she says. “But I’ve maintained my love for printed skirts and classic button down shirts. A mixture of contrasts, androgynous, and feminine. From day one, Rafa loves pants. And lately she’s been loving dresses. My priority in choosing Rafa’s clothes is comfort. Is the fabric soft? Is it itchy? Is it hot? Is it comfortable? Does it fit well? These things are important. If she doesn’t feel good in it, it doesn’t matter how nice it looks on her.”
And does she sometimes have doubts about putting herself and Rafa out there for the public to see and follow? “As for most unforgettable posts, I am aware that IG has become a collection of curated photos, so it takes a lot of courage for me to share moments when I’m at my most vulnerable state. Although it has always been a conscious decision to keep everything on my IG account honest and real.”
When it comes to motherhood, this stylish mom has this to say: “Motherhood changed me completely. It taught me how to be selfless and mindful of other people’s needs. Most of all, it taught me the real meaning of responsibility. Giving life, nurturing, uplifting, and making sure your child grows up with a good and grateful heart, is my main goal now. And the best reward is when Rafa hugs and tells me she loves me, without reason. That’s the best.”
Yen Lim-Galagnara: On solid ground
Yen Lim-Galagnara, a creative consultant who is also mother of three teenage daughters, is “cool.” “As a mom, my aim is to raise happy individuals,” she says.
Letting her kids explore their individuality is not a problem for Yen. Her kids often look up to her who’s also not afraid to express herself through fashion (she could sport a shaved hairstyle, wear a dressy skirt as day wear, or don large, flashy earrings to go with her outfit).
“My children are free to choose whatever hairstyle, makeup, or nail art they want,” she says. “My two older daughters, Astrud and Veda are allowed to get a tattoo since they are now of legal age. Sabine is too young for it, but she can have it should she want it when she comes of age. As long as it’s an expression of oneself and is within moral bounds, then I don’t really see a problem,” says Yen, customer management director at Jose Delgado Medical Hospital.
Yen, along with husband Brian’s more free-spirited way to raise their daughters, also made it easier for them to pursue a very committed approach to parenting, being a 100 percent breastfeeding mom and having decided to put the kids in homeschool.
“Homeschooling is focused on children as individuals,” shares Yen. “It allows us to match the different learning styles of each child, thus making learning more effective and enjoyable. We believe that round pegs can never fit a square hole.”
Yen adds that homeschooling helps not only the kids, but also Brian and her evolve as individuals and grow as a family. It instills among the kids the core values she and her husband feel strongly about: Love for God, respect for others and for oneself, pride in heritage and high regard for the environment, celebrating individuality, and being kind to one another.
Their setup has also allowed Yen and Brian to spend more time with their children. “Each one has different interests from me,” she intimates. “For example, Astrud likes traveling, dressing up. Veda likes baking, cooking, entertaining, and creating clothes while Sabine likes creating things and writing stories. But all of them took after my love for fashion, to communicate, express themselves, and to connect with people. Just like me, they all enjoy a good laugh.”
Yen’s journey through motherhood has given her a different kind of fulfillment. “Motherhood has taught me how to roll with the punches and it has taught me to constantly want to become a better individual. My favorite part is being able to see the world through the eyes of kids, and being able to see these tiny people evolve into kind individuals who are eager to embrace life. I feel like I stay young because of my three crazy girls who bring me so much joy and laughter.”
Michelle Ressa Aventajado: Journey of acceptance
Michelle was already settled in her role as mother to her kids Gia, Miguel, and Diego, until her youngest, Gelli, was born.
“Gelli rocked my world,” says Michelle, who, at 37, thought that she would no longer become pregnant. “I had a friend who became pregnant and thinking I was no longer going to have any kids after years of trying, I gave away my crib, my stroller, my bassinet. Two months later, I found out I was pregnant.” She recalls seriously thinking to ask her stuff back. “It’s a joke among my friends, that Gelli wanted new things,” she adds.
But more than starting anew, Michelle’s new journey to motherhood came with another surprise: Gelli was born with Down syndrome. “There’s just no way we could understand what we know now until Gelli entered our lives. We became better versions of ourselves,” she says.
Michelle shares that she’s always been exposed to the needs of people with disabilities, particularly those diagnosed with autism and down syndrome, as she used to regularly volunteer to help these individuals back in New York where she was born.
“Volunteering was something to feel good about. As I grew older, I would teach Yoga to children with special needs. I enjoyed doing that, but the commitment didn’t come until Gelli was born. Now, I work for her right to be accepted, her right to fall in love, her right to find a job in the future, and to do the things she loves.”
With Gelli in their lives, Michelle shares how she was able to start two significant chapters of her life. First was to launch her blog, www.mommanmanila.com, where she shares her journey of being a mom from crafting, baking, yoga, exploring, and traveling to raising a special child.
“When Gelli was born, I tried to research anything about raising a child with down syndrome. I would find information from countries like Canada and the US, and they would all have these beautiful stories of acceptance. But I couldn’t find one in the Philippines. I know that there’s so much more I can do to make the world a better place for Gelli and for kids like her.”
Aside from her blog, Michelle’s motherhood journey with Gelli led her to supporting and accepting a post as country director of Best Buddies Philippines, a school-based, but not education-based program that matches a typical individual with someone who has IDD to promote friendship and later inclusion.
The program works by encouraging typical individuals to devote at least one day every week for a year, building friendships with their special counterparts. They are encouraged to go out in public and do typical buddy stuff like watching movies and going to car shows.
This journey has not only opened opportunities for Michelle, it also made her more appreciative of motherhood, and the role of her husband, Nino, in her life.
“Motherhood for me is the most challenging and gratifying job. When it comes to showing me who I am, and showing me who I want to be, they are the biggest indicator. The biggest gift that motherhood has given me is that I see God in all of my children, in all the challenges. Each is amazing, and different, and brings something unique to the family.”
In her oldest daughter, Gia, Michelle sees intelligence, substance, and kindness. In Miguel, she sees sensitivity and affection, while Diego shows wisdom beyond his years. And in Gelli, she has learned to be grateful, not in a way that she feels grateful when people do big things for her or people like Gelli—but gratefulness at the little things and the little victories.
Through all these, Michelle has Nino to be thankful for, who has made her journey worthwhile.
“I only hope they continue to be the best versions of themselves. Because when Nino and I are gone, they would all have to be Team Gelli.”
*Shot on location at the Hotel H2O Bay View Executive Suite, the Aqua Room, and Club H2O Lounge, and the White Moon Bar. Special thanks to Catherine Dela Pena and team. Hotel H2O is located at Manila Ocean Park Complex, Behind Quirino, Grandstand Luneta, Manila. For more information, log on to: www.hotelh2o.com.