30 Marvelous Moms - A Mother's Day 2015 Tribute

We celebrate Mother's Day by bringing you a list of Marvelous Moms who've not only touched the lives of those around them, but the lives of Filipino women across the nation as well.

30 Marvelous Moms - A Mother's Day 2015 tribute

Ma. Nanay. Mommy. Mother. Mama. Inay.

Whichever way you affectionately refer to her, today we celebrate the wonderful women who carried us in their wombs and who’ve lovingly raised us to be the individuals we are today.

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, not only are we celebrating mothers across the world, but 30 Filipino mothers in particular whose love, warmth and kindness have gone beyond their family and friends to touch the lives of countless others by means of social media, charity work and more.

 These 30 Marvelous Moms are excellent examples of strong, loving, empowered women from whom many women can draw inspiration as they traverse the journey of motherhood.

Giselle "G" Tongi

Giselle "G" Tongi is known as one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine show business. Now 36, she is a successful producer, a host, an advocate for women’s reproductive health and, most importantly, a wife and mother.

G has recently taken part in a campaign that brings awareness to the philosophy of multiple intelligence. This gave her the opportunity to educate moms on raising a multiple achiever and how to prime children for success.

One marvelous mom tip that Giselle shares is to never think that what is right for one child is right for another. She says, "Children are unique and gifted in their own unique way. Nurture their individuality by accepting and helping lead them to self discovery as opposed to giving off negative energy. Stay positive always no matter what!"

Image source: Instagram.com/gtongi

Jolina Magdangal-Escueta

Jolina Magdangal-Escueta was a teen fashion icon and an on-screen favorite in the 90s. These days she has shifted to a new role, that of mom. In this new phase in her life, she continues to be an inspiration and favorite among Pinoy viewers, simply as her fun and candid self.

In her first year of motherhood, Jolina has experienced a lot, like decoding baby clues and learning to shift her priorities and put her son’s needs first. She makes a daily effort to post a #Peleserye on Instagram, which is her way of keeping fans updated on her family life.

A marvelous mom tip we can learn from Jolina is to always think about how your activities will affect the time you have with your kids. "Now that I’m a mother, I carefully choose my projects," she shares in an interview. She makes sure that whatever she takes on allows her to continue being a hands-on mom to Pele.

Image source: Instagram.com/mariajolina_ig

Vivian Tan

Vivian Tan, a.k.a. Ms. Domesticated of the The Soshal Network (TSN), gives a distinct mommy angle to the misadventures of the TSN trio. She gives mothers a quick (and sometimes intense) laugh at social media trends, life, celebrities and the ubiquitous "forever.”

Vivian is also a hands-on mom to her three year-old Addie and a full-time lawyer. She says, "I want to be a part of everything in my daughter's life and at the same time continue to grow as a lawyer, fighting for justice and the good of all mankind.”

While quite demure and soft-spoken, this Marvelous Mom's tip is to strive to be happy. She says, "My secret is that a happy mom equals a happy family.” She does what she wants (in a fashionable putol shot) and never feels guilty about me-time.

Chiqui Brosas Hahn

Chiqui Brosas Hahn has been helping women give birth naturally since 1991 through Birthtimes Philippines Incorporated. As a Professional Labor Coach and Doula, she is one of the country’s top experts in drug-free birthing. She went through the same process she teaches all her students.

According to Chiqui, "All five were born naturally without any anaesthesia or drugs, just as Mother Nature had intended them to be born!” Just thinking about that makes our middles ache!

Chiqui gives regular classes every month for soon-to-be mothers and parents who want to give birth without the aid of medication. She’s also quite prepared to be there during labor to hold your hand and guide you through the whole ordeal!

Chiqui’s Marvelous Mom tip is to show some tough love. From her experience with raising five kids, she says, "Children are more receptive to instruction if they understand that you do what you are doing because you want the best for them.”

Imee Adalia

When the 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal weeks ago, Imee and her family were attending church. She says, "During the earthquake, our children were calm. They hid under the chair and table during strong aftershocks.” Thanks to Imee’s prior earthquake drills with her children, they are all safe.

An interior designer by profession, she has homeschooled all her children since their birth. Now, Imee says that they are undergoing apprenticeships in domestic and vocational skills, thanks to her successful homeschooling.

Her advice for other moms? Imee shares, "My husband and I reflect positivity and hope to them. Our children can detect if we are not happy or unsatisfied with our surroundings, the condition of living—then they will begin to grumble and complain, too.”

Right now, their house is the center for Relief Operations in their area. Her kids all help out with packing and organizing goods for distribution.

Bianca Gonzalez

Currently three-months pregnant with her first child, "It" girl and UNICEF Special Children's Rights Advocate Bianca Gonzalez is excited to become a mom. She feels a kinship with other moms who are in the same pregnancy stage as her, and she even says that, "We’re all in this together!”

After targeting single people in their 20s and 30s through her book, "Paano ba tumanda?”, she now reaches out to other expectant moms through her column on the Philippine Star. This bubbly, intelligent and morena beauty is taking her pregnancy in stride, even if she gets nervous and nauseous quite a lot.

Bianca’s tip to other pregnant women is "Never be afraid to ask others for help and advice, but also filter what to listen to and don’t be too praning. Enjoy and be happy and stay healthy because for now, that’s really all we can do for our little ones.” Thanks for the great advice, Bianca!

LJ Reyes

Super sexy former Starstruck contestant LJ Reyes is a single mother to her four-year-old, Aki. She is one of the most famous single moms in the showbiz industry and is a regular source of inspiration to other single moms struggling to balance life with full parenting responsibilities.

In a daring move, she portrayed a breastfeeding mother in the movie Bigkis. This accomplished, inspiring and hardworking mom wants to finish her undergraduate degree, put up a business and continue raising her son, just like a lot of moms in the country.

LJ’s tip to being a Marvelous Mom is to always be open to learning. She says, "I have not found the one perfect formula or solution to that, but I have learned to accept it and challenge myself up to it! As they say, parenthood is an everyday learning.”

Tiffany Tuazon

While some find it difficult to overcome the obstacles that life throws them, young and feisty Tiffany Tuazon charges right through. Tiffany, mother of a three-year-old girl, recently opened her first parenting store called The Nest: Attachment Parenting Hub.

Located in Pasig City, the store promotes attachment parenting by selling products that encourage parents to be hands-on with their child while being environmentally-friendly. Products include bamboo baby garbs, organic cloth diapers, Medela breast pumps and more.

Tiffany shares that in order for a solo parent to be a Marvelous Mom, "The first couple of things that you should consider when dating again are if they share the same parenting values as you and if they get along well your child. Because if 'yes,' then that’s when you begin ticking the other characteristics that you may be looking for in a partner."

Camille Prats

While at the peak of her career, then 21-year-old actress/television host Camille Prats sent shockwaves across the country in 2007 when she announced that she was pregnant. Eight years later, not only has the announcement changed Camille’s life, but the showbiz industry as well.

"When you're young and you announce that you’re pregnant, your career is pretty much over. But, when I came out with my pregnancy and was able to prove that I could still act, that I still had it in me, roles that were being given to mothers slowly started to change. The industry saw that we could still do our jobs.”

Aside from being an influencer in the entertainment industry, Camille is a hands-on mom and shares, "Parenting isn’t about following rules or disciplining your child. It’s about fostering a good relationship with them so that there’s open communication and so that your child will want to follow what you say rather than do something out of fear of you.”

Image source:

Delamar Arias

Considered friendly and easy-to-approach by many, Delamar has a voice easily recognized by legions across the country. After all, the mother of one, has been in the radio industry for over 10 years, is an in-demand events host, is a brand ambassador for several products and shows no signs of slowing down.

In 2013, the radio personality suffered a tragic loss when her daughter passed away just hours after being born. Delamar shares, "I wanted to fall apart, but I couldn’t. I had Cooper (her son), Tyler (her partner), work and everything else to think about. I had to be strong.”

It was this that made her more endearing to the public as she became a symbol of strength and hope for her listeners. To be a good parent, Delamar advises, "Never take anything for granted. Cherish the moments and make sure your child knows you love them everyday.”

Image source:

Cheska Garcia-Kramer

With three adorable kids and a successful showbiz career tucked under her belt, Cheska is easily one of the country’s most recognizable faces. Having grown up in the spotlight, her family is currently following suit through the popular Team Kramer social media accounts.

In an interview, Cheska shares that as a social media personality, she and her husband Doug are "very careful with the things that we say and do because we know that these can affect a lot of people.” She goes on to share that, as a result of her being very "blessed” with her current state, it is very important for her to pass on the blessings by sharing her faith with others.

As for parenting tips, Cheska urges mothers to line up their priorities. "Number one is to know your priorities. At the end of the day, my job and the most important job for me is being a mother and being a wife. First, I am a wife; then a mother. I just know my priorities and I base everything around that.”

Photo by Stanley Ong Photography for Baby Magazine.

Hazel Gonzales

Graceful, hardworking and a beautiful mother of five, Hazel Gonzales is the proud owner of HG studio - a makeup and photography studio in Quezon City - and is the founder of makeup school, Center of Aesthetics and Visual Arts (CAVA).

Having suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, Hazel uses CAVA to empower women by providing them with the skills necessary to thrive in the makeup industry and by helping them find employment whether as a freelancer or by assigning them to different makeup companies for internships.

Hazel shares that in order to be a Marvelous Mom, "You must always do what’s best for your child. If that means leaving a toxic environment behind, then do it! Never be afraid to begin again.”

You can read more about her story of survival and success here.

Amanda Griffin-Jacob

Hardworking and always on-the-go, Amanda Griffin-Jacob is one of the co-founders of the country’s first websites dedicated to motherhood, Glam-O-Mamas. Between promoting a vegetarian lifestyle and happily raising three kids, Amanda juggles being the site’s CEO and being active in several other projects that revolve around being a mom.

One such project would be a book that she helped pen entitled, "Project Mom.” Co-written by celebrity mom Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, the book aims to empower moms - especially first-time moms - by sharing invaluable information regarding motherhood from pregnancy to breastfeeding and to nurturing a healthy eater.

According to Amanda, in order to be a Marvelous Mom, you ought to listen to your children. "I mean really listen to what they are saying and try to understand where they are coming from," she advises. "If I’m in a heated situation with my eldest, it helps me to breathe and take a minute to try to understand what he is saying to me and why he’s so upset, instead of assuming that I know and going from there.”

Jenni Epperson

Fashionable and friendly, Jenni’s love for fashion blossomed while working for Italian clothing line, Linea Italia Group. While she eventually became president of the fashion line, Jenni decided to leave the group when she gave birth to her now teenage daughter so that she could be more family-oriented.

Now a mother of two, Jenni currently works alongside her photographer-husband Tom as a celebrity stylist and maintains her personal blog jenniepperson.com, where she shares makeup and fashion tips alongside healthy family recipes, parenting anecdotes and more.

According to Jenni, working moms can fight "Working mom’s guilt” by "really being with your children.” She says, "It isn’t so much about the time you spend with them, but the attention that you give them. When with your children, be in the moment and focus on them. That way, when it’s time for work, you can practice the same thing and really focus on work without having to suffer from working mom’s guilt.”

Image source:

Noemi Lardizabal-Dado

At home, Noemi Lardizabal-Dado calls herself an empty-nester mom because her children have been living independently since 2013. "Gone are the days when my rule was law,” Noemi says. Her voice continues to remain strong and influential online, however.

As co-founder of Blogwatch.ph, she has been instrumental in citizen empowerment in the digital world. Through this project, bloggers like Noemi, who is known as @momblogger online, have been able to tackle important topics including children’s rights, maternal health, cyber bullying and good governance.

Noemi sees being a mother as the greatest opportunity for growth, and without her children there would be no @momblogger. "My children showed me there are possibilities, that there is a new world out there." They inspired Noemi to explore ideas she might have never considered, like taking on a new career in blogging.”

Janice Villanueva

Janice is the superwoman responsible for Mommy Mundo and countless events organized for the Filipino mom every year. Mommy Mundo is every mom’s resource for anything and everything about motherhood. Janice also recently announced the ExpoMom event that promotes the #MomManifesto. This event puts mothers on center stage and helps them to be a better mom to their kids and a better woman for themselves.

This super cool mom says that she is very proud that her children have grown up to be outstanding people. She got to be so cool because she had to keep up with their trends and interests. She says, "Now that we have teens, being able to relate to our kids and them being able to relate with us is a gift we shouldn’t take for granted.”

Janice’s number one tip to moms is that we should all learn to delegate. She says, "Knowing full well you can’t really delegate the act of mothering and personally guiding your kids makes knowing what to delegate an easy decision to make.”

Fleur Rubio-Sombrero

Fleur Rubio-Sombrero is very open with her blog readers, something that has enabled her to become an inspiration to other moms. From marriage stories and parenting tales, to stories about her working mom life, Fleur’s readers seek the advice and insights in her witty, straightforward blog posts.

Among Fleur's readers’ favorites are her adventures with her only daughter, Anika Summer. "During bedtime, Anika and I tell each other how our day went. We make kwentuhan. We tell each other secrets. We tell each other our hopes and dreams (I swear!). I read her bedtime stories. We cuddle. And we pray together. I look forward to this part of my day every day.”

One mommy tip that can be learned from Fleur is to make sure that you are prepared to meet whatever needs your child may have. "I have a game plan for the next 20 years. I am going to be emotionally and financially ready for everything that Anika will need,” shares Fleur.

Frances Amper Sales

Apart from being the Market Editor forBABY Magazine, Frances Amper Sales is a hands-on, breastfeeding mom who is committed to prioritizing family. For her, the opportunity to love and serve her family is a huge privilege. As she puts it, "Every day that I did a good job being a mother is a fulfilling day!”

She shares their daily adventures on her mommy blog and on social media. As a housewife who also works from home, Frances gets by with the help of efficiency. She is an inspiration to moms who want to make a home and raise a family while being able to contribute to the household finances.

To become a marvelous mom, put family first. "Putting family first hasn't held me back at all,” says this mom to three adorable boys. "Everything's so easy for me now - decisions on work, relationships, even fashion. If it benefits my family, I'll do it. If it doesn't, why even bother? Motherhood has given me so much clarity.”

Jackie Go

Jackie Go is a stay-at-home mom, blogger, and brand ambassador. Being domesticated at an early age helped her at the beginning of her journey as a young wife and mom. For a time, she even managed to care for her two kids all on her own, with no househelp.

Despite having hectic days as a stay-at-home mom, Jackie always looks her best. Whether she is off to an event or just to the mall with her family she puts effort into her appearance. As one of the top fashion and beauty bloggers in the country, she is proof that, yes, you can look fabulous while parenting.

To be a marvelous mom like Jackie, you should make an effort to teach good manners and values to your kids. "It really makes me happy when I see them practicing the values I've instilled in them, even in little ways. Using polite words such as please and thank you to people, even strangers they encounter every day, is a good sign that I'm on the right track," she shares.

Jane Uymatiao

Jane Uymatiao is a social media practitioner, a blogger, and wellness advocate. A mom in her prime, Jane has four children, all of whom are in their 20's. She has been able to see them spread their wings and fly, a life phase that she describes as a bag of mixed emotions.

Outside her role as a mother, Jane is known online as @philippinebeat, and is one of the Philippines' pioneer social media influencers. As co-founder of Blogwatch.ph, she advocates the use of social media for social good, helping bring awareness to important local and global issues.

On motherhood, Jane looks back and realizes that, while it is important for moms to be there for your kids it is equally important to be there for yourselves. "It is not a selfish thought because in the end, one can only be a better mother if one is in good health and has a healthy self-image," she shares.

Jenny Ong

Jenny Ong, the blogger behind Chronicles of a Nursing Mom, is a mom of two – seven-year-old Naima and three-year-old Erik. She is a working mom, who despite her busy days, manages to put family first when it comes to setting schedules and activities, and making decisions.

"I want to change breastfeeding in the Philippines - make it normal and not aspirational," shares Jenny, a devoted breastfeeding advocate. To further her advocacy, she has become an accredited peer counselor of L.A.T.C.H., enabling her to be more hands-on in encouraging moms to choose breastfeeding.

Being a marvelous mom like Jenny means allowing your kids to develop their own personalities. Doing so has proven to be one of the most fulfilling things about her motherhood journey so far. "And of course, hearing Naima say that when she has her own baby, her baby will drink her milk," shares Jenny, who revels in her children's achievements, both academically and socially.

Martine de Luna

Martine de Luna is a mom of two, a housewife, and a successful work-at-home professional. She is the blogger behind Make It Blissful, where she curates stories and images about living a life of bliss.

Her lifestyle design serves as an inspiration to so many. She has been able to create a thriving online community around her blog and her Instagram page where readers can reach out and connect with her to talk about family, working from home, blogging and living blissfully.

Martine's tip for being a marvelous mom is to make your own lifestyle, based what works for you. "Our family is ok not living according to any norm,” shares Martine. "That means mom and dad working from home (or mobile), so that we can unschool, stay in on weekends, and appreciate a slower pace of life that our kids can keep up with.”

Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio describes her life as a mom with these three words – "privileged, blessed and joyful". Her time is mostly spent taking care of her one-year-old son, Philip, and sharing her family and personal adventures on her blog, ricaperalejo.ph. Soon she will be appearing on a regular program for moms on CNN Philipines.

Rica is a hands-on mom who advocates natural birth. "It is always a better idea to stay away from unnecessary medications. Plus the fact that this is the most economical way to give birth," she says. Through her blog, she has helped raise awareness on this alternative birthing option.

"I encourage parents to be relaxed parents,” Rica says, on becoming a marvelous mom. This means accepting that you may not be perfect, forgiving your mistakes, doing your best and being true to yourself. "I say relaxed because I want parents to take it easy and know that parenting is something that they can get better at as the kids grow in age and number!"

*Image source: Instagram.com/ricaperalejo.ph

Daphne Oseña-Paez

Daphne Oseña-Paez may be known for her career as a broadcaster and for her shows Urban Zone and Proudly Filipina, but did you know that she is also a UNICEF Special Advocate for children? She has visited Mindanao and other impoverished areas in the Philippines to promote exclusive breastfeeding and education for young mothers.

While she is known for being the serious, sophisticated and elegant woman on screen, she is also her three daughters' best friend. She says, "No matter how crazy it is out there, I want them to know that home is perfect, sacred and peaceful.” When asked about how motherhood changed her, she says, "Motherhood never really changed me. I prepared for it.” Talk about poise!

Daphne’s tip to every mom is to not solve every single thing for your children. She says, "It's best is to equip them with the values and attitudes they need to live independently."

Photography by Sandro Paredes

Jacqueline Yuengtian-Guttierez

Jacqueline Yuengtian is in the business of making moms beautiful. Her Happy Skin cosmetics line has proven to be accessible, effective and everything a modern Filipino mom would need in her makeup kit. Happy Skin is just like Jacque--open, fun and effusive.

She also serves as an inspiration to new mothers who are struggling with sleep deprivation and nursing. "Super nakakapagod, pero worth it. I feel a bit guilty when I don’t spend time with him, but I don’t get maternity leave!” Since she’s the brand manager for Happy Skin, this supermom started working the day she got home from the hospital! You go, Jacque!

Jacque’s tip for every mom is to stick to a schedule. "When I say the meeting has to start, that’s the time I give them.” She prioritizes her time with Rafael above all else because nothing is more important than setting aside time for her child.

Karrots Nazareno

The witty, warm and spontaneous Karrots Nazareno is always ready to give other moms laugh-out-loud inspiration and advice. She can make even the worst day seem tolerable with her mix of self-deprecating humor, real-life mommy tips and jokes that speak to the very heart of being a Filipino mom.

The Live Love Lolz host is the former creative director of Anthology shoes. Live Love Lolz is the third most popular podcast for Fashion and Beauty on iTunes. You can also listen to her wit and wisdom on the Wake Up Show on Mellow 94.7FM at 6:00 to 10:00 AM from Monday to Friday.

Karrots says she is interfering less and less with her kids since they are much older now. She does get quite miffed, "Especially when you see clothes that are not in the hamper.” When we ask how she solves this problem, she says, "I threaten to post it on social media!” Now isn’t that an ingenious solution?

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo

Along with Jacqueline Yuengtian, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo is also another mom who’s on a quest to make other mothers as beautiful as possible. Rissa uses the Happy Skin cosmetics line to give busy moms what they need from their makeup.This former Professional Model’s Association of the Philippines (PMAP) President and Philippine Star beauty columnist never loses her poise as she exudes warmth and the glow of motherhood.

Rissa has always been outspoken about being a mom to her three children Enzo, Celestia and Audra. She says motherhood is "The first hat you put on in the morning and the last one you shed in the evening.”

Her tip to be a Marvelous Mom is to treat messes and disarray as a sign that your child experienced something new at that very spot. "I’ve had to let go of my perfectionism and just enjoy the mess because they made memories there.”

Image source:

Anna Meloto-Wilk

If you’ve picked up one of the many awesome beauty and wellness products from Human Heart Nature, then Anna Meloto-Wilk has made you more beautiful. This mom also wants to provide jobs, entrepreneurship training and other services that will ultimately help Filipino families overcome poverty.

Being the daughter of GAwad Kalinga’s founder, Anna has always strived to give and support impoverished sectors, especially now that she has a family. Since having children, Anna says, "I've become softer, more sentimental but at the same time more resolute in holding on to hope and doing something about the problems that I see around me. I've become more optimistic. I have to be. You can't have children and not have faith in humanity and a better future. "

Anna also says that to be a Marvelous Mom you "Must eat well, try to get enough sleep and cut out everything unnecessary from your life.” She conserves her energy and focuses only on what is important.

Abbie Venida-Yabot

If you scour local magazines, newspapers or parenting websites for breastfeeding articles, chances are you’ll come across several written by Abbie.

As a breastfeeding advocate, certified lactation counsellor and La Leche League Leader, Abbie has touched the lives of countless women by providing invaluable information and tips about breastfeeding for moms and excited moms-to-be.

During one of her breastfeeding workshops, Abbie shared that if you’re a marvelous mom who’s constantly on-the-go, "It’s best to start expressing milk and building supply before going back to your regular schedule (because when) formula is introduced, expect milk supply to drop… Do not let the fourth hour pass without pumping.”

Vina Morales

Solo parenting is a tough act to take on, but similar to her character Cecilia, the single mom and lead character in the teleserye, Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, Vina Morales handles it with strength and courage.

The 39-year-old is a protective and doting mother to six-year-old Ceana. The actress doesn’t claim to be a perfect mom, but she likes to believe that she’s giving it her best try.

"I’ve always wanted to be a mom someday. I didn’t plan to be a single mom. Nobody would want that. It just so happened that it happened to me,” she muses. "So I read a lot about being a good mom, asked advice from my friends and my sisters.”

But like any other mom realizes, Vina has discovered that motherhood will surprise you no matter how well you prepare yourself. "You have to experience it. Once you’re there, you wouldn’t know what’s right or wrong. You just have to go with your gut feel, and always do it with love and care,” she advises.

One we’d like to call a triple threat in the realm of womanhood, Vina deserves a spot in our Marvelous Moms list not only for being a talented and hard-working actress or a caring and affectionate mom, but for being a successful entrepreneur as well. She recently received the Best Choice Entrepreneur in the Beauty and Salon Industry award, while her thriving business, Ystilo Salon, nabbed the Trusted Beauty Salon (National) award at the Best Choice Awards 2015.

Vina shines both in front of and behind the camera and, combined with her humble and down-to-earth personality, she certainly gives fellow women someone to aspire to.

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30 Marvelous Moms - A Mother's Day 2015 tribute

Do you know anyone who you think is a Marvelous Mom, too? Let us know in the comments section below.

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