I grew up surrounded by women who knew their way around the kitchen. My mom and both grandmothers could whip up comforting meals like second nature—from rich, simmering stews to snacks that felt like hugs. Even my mother-in-law is an incredible cook. I can only hope to come close to the kind of magic they create.

In many Asian families, the way we show love is simple—we feed the people we care about. “Kumain ka na ba (Have you eaten)?” is often the first question a mom asks—not just out of habit, but from instinct. It’s our way of saying we care, without needing to say the words out loud.

Now that I’m a mom myself, I’ve found real joy in cooking for my family of five. It’s more than just providing meals on the table, it’s in the laughter, the stories shared over dinner, the familiar clinking of plates that marks another day together.

It’s always fulfilling to watch them dig in, enjoying every bite of dishes I’ve  prepared. For many moms, cooking is more than a chore—it’s a love language. And when our husband and kids wipe their plates clean, go back for seconds, or smile, close their eyes, and dance  mid-bite,  it’s the best compliment we could ever receive.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, maybe the best gift isn’t flowers or chocolates—it’s simply letting her rest. Let someone else take over the kitchen, even just for a day, order food for the whole day or even week, or take her out. 

And while many moms would love a full day of pampering or a fancy dinner, sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that mean the most—especially when they come from our kids. Whether they’re young or just figuring out how to give, their thoughtfulness is what really touches us.

One of the trickiest things about Mother’s Day is when young kids want to treat their moms but are working with tight budgets. If your kids are like I was—wanting to give but unsure what they can do—food is always a great way to say "I love you." Whether it's a handwritten note paired with a takeout meal, or a simple snack bundle they saved up for, it’s the effort that matters.

Here are a few food-related gift ideas that won’t break the bank, but will definitely warm a mother’s heart. Trust us moms when we say that it’s the thought that counts.

Taco MOMents

Maybe your child doesn’t cook (yet), but they can still pull off a fun surprise. Taco Bell’s bundles are perfect for a laid-back Mother’s Day movie night at home. For just P599, the bundle for two includes a Nacho Supreme, two crunchy or soft tacos, a Cheese Quesadilla, a Strawberry Chocodilla, and two 12-oz iced sodas. Feeding a bigger group? The bundle for four, priced at only P949, comes with a Nachos Bell Grande, four tacos, an XL Cheese and Beef Quesadilla, two Cinnamon Twists, and four 12-oz iced sodas. Available for dine-in and takeout at Taco Bell stores nationwide.

Mom Inasal Day

From May 9 to 31, Mang Inasal’s Family Fiesta meals will come with a special sleeve where you can write a heartfelt message for Mom—simple, thoughtful, and sure to make her smile. Each sleeve also includes a QR code that unlocks surprise treats like drink upgrades or free beverages for your next Family Fiesta purchase. And on May 11, selected #MomInasalDay social media posts will win a full family feast, perfect for celebrating the moms who always make mealtime extra special.

Snacking right