These imperfect humans who are more than perfect in our eyes
By AA Patawaran
An intimate portrait of one of the most complicated of human interactions—the mother and daughter relationship
In time, daughters become their mothers, although many of them swear never ever to be when they are young. It’s a complex relationship, often constructive and destructive at once, so close it is at any moment on the brink of clashing. In celebration of Mother’s Day this weekend, through many a daughter’s eyes, here are intimate portraits of motherhood. (Access hyperlinks to get deeper into each story.)
APPLES ABERIN
Fashion model, communication executive
She was not the tiger mom who would make sure my grades were nothing less than As. In fact, there were times she wouldn’t even check my report cards. Nor was she a helicopter mom who was always looking over my shoulder and ordering me to do one task after another. She never demanded much from me yet she was always quick to offer praise for what little good I did.
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CANDY DIZON
Entrepreneur, Jeweler
She was strict, very strict. She would often scold us but only because she wanted perfection. I would be the quiet one, almost never answering back. But as I grew older, I found my voice and the great thing about her was that she would listen.
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DINA ARROYO TANTOCO
Communication executive
On her mother Marilene Jacinto
As a kid she was my biggest cheerleader even if she couldn’t make it to my training or practice schedules. She always tells me how proud she is of me, which really makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.
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The more a daughter knows the details of her mother's life the stronger the daughter.
―Anita Diaman
FELICE PRUDENTE STA. MARIA
Food historian
On her mother Ruth Garcia Prudente
Red is the color of courage. Mom needed courage single-parenting two teens overseas through high school and college. Dad’s advocacy for liberal education and its associated freedoms pushed him underground when Martial Law was declared. The mother-daughter confidences we shared then as uncertainty threatened the family transformed into woman-to-woman intimacies, the kind that spontaneously weaves philosophy, psychology, and faith.
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GINGGAY JOVEN-DE LA MERCED
Communication executive
Yes, she was always very busy and pre-occupied. She brought home stacks of documents to read. She was always on the phone. But never did I feel overlooked or abandoned. Not once.
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ITSY MACASAET DAZO
Painter, art educator
On her mother Tessie Araneta Macasaet
I still agree and disagree with her voice in my head, though it is no longer out of conflict. All I hear now is guidance. It comes with a wisdom that is deeply rooted in love.
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PENNY DAZA TUVIERA
Homemaker, full-time mother
When I told her I was engaged, she advised, “Honey, why don’t you live together in sin first? It’s a lot more fun.”
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TWEETIE DE LEON-GONZALEZ
Fashion model, accessories designer
On her mother Ma. Lourdes de Leon
Like many daughters, I had convincing thoughts as a young child that my mom and I couldn’t be more different. Yet, indeed, we become our mothers. And I say, yes, I have—and I couldn’t be prouder.