For Mother’s Day, MANTLE spoke to an amazing cast of women who get real and personal about their lives as mothers.
Call them mother, mama, mamita, mamacita—however you refer to the most awesome women in your lives, this is their special day!
As a tribute to the mothers that make our lives more meaningful and filled with love, MANTLE spoke to a stellar cast of mothers who are head over heels in love with being the light of their families. Read on and be inspired by their stories!
Kitten Zapata
Kitten Zapata is the Operations Director for ODV Creative Media, Inc.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Mothers are divine creations, beautifully and thoughtfully designed by God to be the loving stewards to our children. She may not be perfect, but one cannot underrate her unconditional love and selfless ways.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
I officially was blessed with the title “Mommy” 18 years ago when I had my daughter, Sky and then doubly-blessed when after 9 years, I had Caleb. They are the two reasons why I do what I do now, why I live how I am living now, why I do the best I can in everything I decide on now.
By design and not by choice, motherhood came with an extra hand to be able to do my work, an extra strength to overcome the struggles one has to go through, an extra courage to go on even at the most challenging times. Thank God for the extras.
Moms carry multi-personalities: a nurse, teacher, entertainer, adviser, driver, provider and to most of us single-parents, we are fathers too.
I do not wish to overstate, but we cannot even imagine how great a love can fit into a mother’s heart.
Maybe the best reward I can have for being a mom is to see my kids turn out to be good parents when it’s time for them to be. Then, I would know that I did a good job.
If in any given lifetime, my kids will still choose to like me as their mom, that would be my testimony.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
No two mothers are alike. Be the best version of you for your children/family. Motherhood is not a competition—it is an honor and a blessing.
Owee Cruz
Owee Cruz is the Vice President for Marketing, Creatives, and Fleet of the Autohub Group.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Motherhood is truly a blessing from the One above. It is His way of allowing you to experience the miracle of life. It is being a mom, a sister, a teacher, a friend, a playmate and sometimes even a “frenemy” to your child, all rolled into one.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
The most rewarding thing about being a mom is when you can see the impact of who you are to your child. It is when you see the better version of yourself in them. It is when you tell yourself, I think I did something right to deserve this kid.
The most challenging is knowing when to set boundaries with your child. Inasmuch as you want to be his best friend, you need to discipline him too. You love them so dearly but you need to teach them life’s lessons as well. Sometimes it is heartbreaking to set rules, but it should be a balance of living in the moment and thinking of their future—how you want them to become someday.
Another challenging aspect of motherhood is the acceptance that your child is not yours to keep forever. It is when you set them free that they’d grow. I think that’s going to be my struggle in the very near future. Time flies. They grow up so fast. I wish I could turn back time. I want more time with my son.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
The best advice so far I’ve received about motherhood is “You may not find the love of your life in this lifetime but your boy will love you ‘til the end of time.”
Heidi Manabat
Heidi Manabat is the Corporate Director of Marketing Communications and Public Relations at Chroma Hospitality.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Being a mother means life is no longer just about you—it becomes more meaningful and complex because you now have an extension of yourself in the most wonderful yet daunting sense of that phrase. You become a better version of yourself in all aspects because of this.
I keep saying that I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have my son Jiyuu. He really taught me to be even more resourceful, hardworking, driven, persistent, compassionate, and patient. Going through a rough patch in my life when Jiyuu was younger could have gone a completely different way if I didn’t have him; he made me wake up and work hard when all I wanted to do was to stay in bed. He made me strive in my career and achieve all that I have and all that I will.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
Those two questions have a common answer for me: raising a child. It’s rewarding to see your child grow up to be a kind, understanding, responsible, and compassionate person. At the same time, it’s challenging because you have to make sure you’re making the right decisions for them to be a good person. Some people seem to forget that our actions speak louder than words, especially in the eyes and feelings of our children in their formative years. If we decide to let our bad traits take the reins during these years, they will pick that up and because you’re their role model, they will think it’s right even if it isn’t.
Another challenge as a working mom is learning how to balance your career and your family. Specially in a world where sacrificing time with them is seen as a strength and prioritizing them is seen as a weakness, it’s a tough balancing act. Alternatively, there is also the side where they see hardworking and driven career moms as selfish and those that choose to stay home as loving and caring. These stereotypes and mindsets were difficult for me to manage when I was younger but I grew to really not care what others think. What’s important is that I know how to balance the two aspects of my life without sacrificing any of them.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Oftentimes people think that being a dedicated and loving mother entails letting go of yourself, but it’s not. Learning to love and take care of yourself will allow you to become an even better mother.
Sara Martinez Conanan
Sara Martinez Conanan runs PURVEYR—the magazine, merchandise, fair, and other activations under the brand—with her husband, PURVEYR Magazine editor-in-chief and brand founder Marvin Conanan. The couple also manages Convenience Coffee Shop, located at the old PURVEYR Post, in Bangkal, Makati.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
To be a mother is to be brave and fearful, selfless and selfish, caring and cruel, hopeful and doubtful—all at the same time. It is to be constantly flooded with a myriad of emotions but being strong enough (at least trying) to face them head on. It means being a 100 even if that 100 is just 40!
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
I think the most rewarding and most challenging thing about being a mother are one and the same—it’s knowing that everything I’m doing is eternal work. How I (we) raise Haea will contribute to the world’s betterment or detriment (wow, that thought is so monumental to wrap my head around, but it’s just the way it is).
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
A LOT. But okay, if I had to choose the best, I think it’s this—one day at a time, one foot after the other—and that applies to all things motherhood (actually life in general) there’s just so many things happening in one day! Just breathe, and give yourself grace.
Devi De Veyra
Devi De Veyra is the PR specialist of Salcedo Auctions.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Apart from loving and caring for my two boys (and now two pups also), a big part of my role is preparing them for life, which is really a big rollercoaster.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
When I see them independently making decisions, especially when faced with difficulties. And when I see that I’ve imparted values to them.
It’s a challenge being tough, but that’s important when you want your kids to be strong. I don’t think I’ve been tough enough, to be honest.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Do not be afraid to let your children find their own path.
Geolette Esguerra
Geolette Esguerra is the editor-in-chief of METRO Magazine.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Being a mother is about focusing all your superpowers and talents into making your family’s life comfortable, satisfying, and safe; finding courage to face yourself and your flaws so you can be better suited to take care of other people; and ultimately realizing and accepting that it’s about them, not you.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
Waking up to the thought (and the physical presence) of a little human who is pure and eager to learn about the world. It’s like getting a second chance at childhood, through their eyes you gain new perspectives, see things in better context, and you get to relive the joy of being in the moment.
The most challenging part is that, coupled with absolute joy, there is absolute and irrational fear about anything and everything that could possibly go wrong. That feeling of having something so precious that you feel fiercely overprotective and paranoid about it.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Best advice: You’re never really ready for this, so just take it one day at a time. It’s not always perfect, but a little effort goes a long way.
Jemarie Rosales-Centeno
Currently, Jem has followed in her husband’s footsteps (JP owns Vittore Vintage Arsenal, which offers curated classics and vintage goods) and is managing Bellissima Bags and More, a store carrying handpicked vintage and pre-loved ladies’ bags, watches, and accessories.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
To be a mother is to become a superhero overnight without any practice whatsoever.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
It’s actually pretty simple—just his pure and genuine smile when he sees your face first thing in the morning after that never-ending sleepless night.
Aside from the sleepless nights, it’s breastfeeding that really challenged me and my overall threshold for patience.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Motherhood itself is a journey. Being a mom is both a blessing and a struggle since there is no one-size-fits-all way of going about it, so you have to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t overnight.
Jill Tan Radovan
Jill is a seasoned writer, editor, and journalist across the lifestyle, culture, arts, music, and entertainment beats. Her articles and photos have made it to the top magazines and broadsheets locally and internationally, both online and print.
For you, what does it mean to be a mother?
Being a mother means trying to be the best version of yourself for the sake of your kids, even on the worst days of your life.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a mother? Conversely, what’s the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
Knowing that you cannot always make the world a better place for your children, and that you cannot always ease your children’s pain.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about motherhood?
No two kids are the same, but they all want to feel loved and appreciated.
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Again, we at MANTLE would like to greet all the mothers out there a happy, meaningful, and loving Mother’s Day!
