Yesterday, we celebrated you. Ikaw ang bida. The woman who does it all. The one who loves deeply, gives endlessly, and shows up even when she’s running on empty.
But now that the flowers are wilting and the balloons are deflating, a different kind of feeling begins to creep in—one you often try to ignore.
Sino ka nga ba bukod sa pagiging nanay?
Motherhood is a beautiful identity—but it’s not your only one.
In a powerful Mother’s Day episode of The Soul Podcast by Dross Initiative, host Andi Manzano-Reyes opens up about the beauty and brutality of motherhood—and what it means to lose, and slowly rediscover, yourself in the process.
“That girl on the radio was 10 years ago… so who am I now?”
Andi reflects on how stepping away from her career in radio became one of her biggest sacrifices as a mom. For many years, her identity revolved around her children—but lately, she’s been asking herself deeper questions.
“Sometimes I trim it down to two years. Kasi if I think of the next ten, it scares me.”
She reminds us that rediscovery doesn’t have to happen all at once. It can start in the quiet moments—like going to the gym, spending time with friends, or even just choosing yourself for an hour a day.
“Yesterday was a win for me—I went to the gym.”
These small acts of self-love help her slowly remember who she is, beyond motherhood.
“You can love being a mom and still want more.”
Small Steps Matter
Andi’s words are a gentle guide: instead of thinking 10 years ahead, break it down to 5. Or 2. Or even just this week.
Because let’s be real—ang hirap naman talagang planuhin ang buong buhay habang may toddler ka sa tabi, ‘di ba?
Start small. Ask yourself:
- What brings me joy outside motherhood?
- What do I miss about the old me?
- What’s one thing I can do just for myself this week?
Why This Matters
Your kids will grow up. And when they do, they’ll need to see that their mom is more than just the one who packs their baon or checks their homework.
They’ll need to see a woman with her own dreams. Someone they can admire—not just for what she gave them, but for who she is.
Rediscovering yourself isn’t selfish—it’s part of setting an example.
Gentle Reminder:
You are still you. A woman. A dreamer. A believer. A whole person.
You’re allowed to miss the old you, even if you love your life now. You can be grateful—and still want more. That’s okay.
You matter, Mama. Don’t forget her.
Being “Mom” is part of your story. But it’s not the whole book.
🎧 Watch the full episode of The Soul Podcast by Dross Initiative featuring Andi Manzano-Reyes on YouTube.
