Ask any mom what truly makes them happy, and most will answer that it’s witnessing their children grow up to be good stewards of our world. And this doesn’t happen overnight, with moms investing a lot of time and effort in being one of the best role models to their children. \` Deputy Speaker Camille Villar with daughter Cara and son Tristan.
Mothers play an important role as the first teacher of their children. For Camille Villar, her mother Senator Cynthia Villar was her first teacher. The senator guided and taught her, shaping her to become who she is now. Growing up, Camille saw her mom as a doer—meticulous, hardworking, perfectionist, and very hands on. Now that she’s a mom, Camille taught her son Tristan to navigate the "baby steps" of life. The same goes with her newborn daughter Cara. "Being a mother, you become selfless. I guess it is innate among mothers to become selfless and you will be the first one to teach your kids the right things," shares Camille. From mood swings, discomfort, and painful episodes during pregnancy to sleepless nights caring for her children, Camille shares the same mother’s love for her children—and it is beyond measure. The recent pandemic tested her patience. Juggling multiple roles and responsibilities as a mom, a Deputy Speaker at the House of Representatives and her duties as a lawmaker and representative of the lone district of Las Piñas, she would assist her son in attending online classes and in his school work at that point. Camille loves traveling and exploring new places with her kids. Even riding the escalator, she says, becomes a new experience with Tristan. But with the pandemic putting a halt on everything, they found simple joys to bond by staying at home—doing activities together, and watching TV. Even when she finds her responsibilities very challenging, she makes it a point to inject confidence into her growing boy, acting as a cheerleader to celebrate his small victories in school. She learned to manage her time well and set her priorities, especially on days "when I feel swamped with so many activities and everything gets so overwhelming." "I always remind myself that my priority is my family. And when I do this, everything else seems to follow and somehow, I'm able to achieve even more things, one task at a time. I'm able to get things done knowing what my center is, what my priority is. Definitely, time management is a struggle—finding that right balance between work and family. But as long as you know what your priorities are, then you can make it work," she shares. There were times when she questions herself and thinks she is failing as a mom. But the best advice she received was, "Be kind to yourself and give yourself the credit that is due to you." "I guess I've learned that motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. But you become tougher once you have kids, and once they grow up. Having children really inspires me to do better in life and puts things into perspective.” It is this unconditional love for her children—like an invisible string tied from her kids to her heart—that keeps her going every step of the way. Like what she learned from her mama, Camille also wants her kids to be kind-hearted individuals. Her family and her kids are the best gift ever. "I particularly want to honor mothers, mother figures, and soon-to-be mothers for all the countless acts of kindness and selflessness for their families," she points out. "To all the moms out there, I know that you are doing your best. So on some days that you are second guessing yourself, know that there's a voice in your head and that there are people around you who believe you are doing your best. I think motherhood is one of the most challenging and fulfilling responsibilities or roles that one can have in their life, so just enjoy the ups, weather the downs, and experience how fulfilling motherhood can be," ends Camille.