By Danah Gutierrez
In an age when females view motherhood as just an option (with the choice to totally decline its call), it’s amazing to see how select women have stepped up to the plate to serve their homes and families as they embrace this demanding role. World-renowned professor and psychologist, Jordan Peterson often says you cannot fully and deeply mature without experiencing the holistic, self-sacrificing role of parenting, and I agree. He believes it is only when you start pouring out your life for the nourishment and growth of someone else that you evolve as an emotionally developed human being.
The sacrifice I have witnessed my mama make for me is to become a full-fledged, hands-on mama ever since. She often had side hustles, but she always made sure I had everything I need. As an only child, I couldn’t ask for more—from time spent with me, to extra-curricular activities, recitals, workshops, shows, and many more. Her presence is valuable, with her love language being service and quality time. Now that I am an adult with my own family, I try to persuade her to spend her money and time on herself. She deserves to just enjoy and relax now that’s she’s in the mature stages of life. —Via Antonio, 38, actress, daughter to Vivian, 66 (full-time housewife)
My mom was 17 when she had me, and with that came the sacrifices of raising a son while in school, finding a means to make a living, and caring for me and my older brother. I was a playful and naughty toddler, always running about in my younger years, often needing attention due to allergies and asthma. Good grades were a result of tutoring by her, and sending me to the best school allowed me to build a strong foundation for my scholastic life. She worked tirelessly, passionately, and with integrity while growing a brand from scratch. It taught me the value of industriousness, care for employees, and to strive for excellence, also continuous learning and improving of one’s craft for skills to evolve. —Jan Rodriguez, 49, chef and restaurateur, son to Ditas, 66 (retired fashion designer)
Even before my siblings and I were born, mom chose to have a family and not pursue her plans of taking up medicine to be a doctor like her father. Instead, she helped our dad with the family business. After having four not-so-angelic children, I know mom would make that same decision in the blink of an eye. She never fails to make us feel prioritized and loved. Today, Mommy Angie has a new role! She is the most doting “Mima” to her grandkids. How blessed we all are to be a recipient of her sacrificial and unconditional love! —Jessica Del Rosario, 31, general manager, daughter to Angelica, 63 (part-time businesswoman, full-time Mima)
Her availability. Growing up with a working mom in the ’90s was a totally different experience than it is today. Back then, people were expected to physically show up at work every day, and my mom was no exception. As a mother of three, she always made sure she was available for us. My fondest memory was when she skipped work to pick up my report card from school, and she gave me a free pass by not telling my father. Despite the challenges, she always put her family first. Her sacrifices have had a profound impact on my life. —Joaquin Montesclaros, 34, creative director, son to Merceditas, 63 (previously the first vice president of Banco De Oro)
Ever since my dad passed away, I know life became harder for my mom. Raising eight children alone is an incredible feat that deserves recognition. She sacrificed a lot for us, and had to take on multiple roles—she is both a mother and a father, providing emotional support, guidance, and love, while also managing our big household. This requires tremendous strength and resilience. Despite the challenges, she’s never given up. She is our source of inspiration to keep us going. She puts our needs first and hers, last. Supporting our dreams while setting aside her own, that right there, is the perfect example of a mother. —Anykka Asistio, 27, entrepreneur, daughter to Nadia, 52, actress/chef /businesswoman