TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent
theAsianparent
EnglishFilipino
Product Guide
  • Money Tips
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
  • Ages & Stages
  • Parenting
  • Health & Wellness
  • Education
  • Lifestyle Section
  • Become a VIP
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Community
Login
  • EnglishFilipino
    • Articles
  • Money TipsMoney Tips
  • Building a BakuNationBuilding a BakuNation
  • Becoming a ParentBecoming a Parent
  • Ages & StagesAges & Stages
  • ParentingParenting
  • Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness
  • EducationEducation
  • Lifestyle SectionLifestyle Section
  • Become a VIPBecome a VIP
  • Press RoomPress Room
  • TAP RecommendsTAP Recommends
  • ShoppingShopping
  • CommunityCommunity
    • Community
  • Poll
  • Photos
  • Food
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Read Articles
    • Tracker
  • Pregnancy Tracker
  • Baby Tracker
    • Rewards
  • RewardsRewards
  • Contests
  • VIP ParentsVIP Parents
    • More
  • Feedback

Privacy PolicyCommunity GuidelinesSitemap HTML

Download our free app

google play store
app store

“Sayang Ka Naman”: Why This Doctor-Mom Once Walked Away From Her Dream Residency

3 min read
“Sayang Ka Naman”: Why This Doctor-Mom Once Walked Away From Her Dream Residency

When people said, “Sayang ka naman,” this doctor-mom chose motherhood anyway—and found her purpose.

For many, becoming a doctor is the ultimate dream — one that takes years of sleepless nights, endless review sessions, and unmatched perseverance. So when a young physician finally makes it past the licensure exam, there’s only one direction to go: forward.

But what happens when life reroutes you — and you’re forced to choose between your career goals and a surprise you didn’t see coming?

The Pregnancy That Changed Everything

Bianca Denise F. Battung had just passed the board exam when life threw her a curveball: she found out she was pregnant. Less than a year into her medical career, and just months into preparing for a promising residency program, everything she envisioned began to shift.

“I got married four months into the pregnancy and eventually decided to give up my initial residency program of choice,” Bianca shares. “It wasn’t an easy decision at all.”

For many around her, the reaction was less than kind.

“Maraming nagsabi ng ‘Sayang ka naman.’ It hurt. I worked so hard for that path.”

But for Bianca, the pain of letting go came with a deeper realization: she wasn’t walking away from her dreams — she was simply choosing a different kind of purpose.

“Looking at my son reminded me of my ‘why.’ I knew I wanted to be fully present, even if it meant taking a slower, less traditional route.”

Choosing Motherhood with Intention

Sayang Ka Naman: Why This Doctor-Mom Once Walked Away From Her Dream Residency

Now a proud toddler mom based in Valenzuela City, Bianca is a practicing primary health physician, currently pursuing a specialization in lifestyle medicine. She’s also an advocate for breastfeeding, babywearing, and mindful parenting — all while continuing to build her medical career.

“I resonate with fellow moms trying to balance career and family. It’s hard, but it’s fulfilling. Everything changed when I embraced the power of perspective.”

Breastfeeding her son for 28 months and never missing a milestone — that’s an achievement she wears with pride. But behind that is a story of grit, sacrifice, and quiet strength.

From Pain to Purpose: Finding Her Voice as a Content Creator

To process her journey and share what she’s learned, Bianca created #simplehannatinyang — a digital space for moms who want to raise their families with both heart and health. Through this channel, she documents her real-life experiences through a scientific but relatable lens, mixing her medical expertise with the unfiltered truth of motherhood.

“There’s no shame in unlearning, learning, and relearning. As a doctor and a mom, I just want to help others feel more confident in their journey.” Sayang Ka Naman: Why This Doctor-Mom Once Walked Away From Her Dream Residency

Bianca is also part of theAsianparent’s TAPfluencer community, where she connects with fellow parents who are passionate about evidence-based parenting, mental wellness, and community support.

What’s Next: Dreaming Bigger, Still Rooted in Family

Bianca’s vision extends beyond content. She dreams of launching a household-focused health education platform — complete with a podcast, family health journal, and digital workshops. She wants medical information to be accessible, empowering, and tailored for everyday Filipino families.

“I hope to inspire other creators — not to chase clout, but to create content that truly helps people. Purpose-driven, not pressure-driven.”

A Final Word for Fellow Parents

For anyone walking a different path, especially moms who’ve been told “sayang ka naman,” Bianca offers this:

“Be kind to yourself. Stop measuring your worth by timelines or titles. You can be ambitious and nurturing, and you can always come back to your dreams — in your own time, in your own way.”

“And please — offer support, not unsolicited advice. Especially if it’s medical. Healing comes from within, but community makes all the difference.”


 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Hazel Paras-Cariño

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • VIP Real Stories
  • /
  • “Sayang Ka Naman”: Why This Doctor-Mom Once Walked Away From Her Dream Residency
Share:
  • Obligado Ba Kaming Mag-Ambag sa Travel ng Anak ng Asawa Ko Mula sa Dating Relasyon?

    Obligado Ba Kaming Mag-Ambag sa Travel ng Anak ng Asawa Ko Mula sa Dating Relasyon?

  • Brown Discharge: Normal Ba Ito Kahit Hindi Buntis?

    Brown Discharge: Normal Ba Ito Kahit Hindi Buntis?

  • Can One Fan Really Do It All? Our Family-Tested, TAP-Proved Review of the SharkNinja FlexBreeze

    Can One Fan Really Do It All? Our Family-Tested, TAP-Proved Review of the SharkNinja FlexBreeze

Author Image

Hazel Paras-Cariño

Hi, I’m Hazel Paras-Cariño—Head of Content at theAsianparent Philippines, proud mom of two, and passionate storyteller at heart. With over 11 years of experience in content strategy, digital marketing, and editorial leadership, I now lead our content across web, app, and social platforms to serve one of the most important audiences out there: Filipino parents. Whether it's creating informative articles, engaging mobile experiences, or meaningful social conversations, I believe content should connect with both data and heart.

Before this role, I worked as App Marketing Manager and Web Content Editor at theAsianparent, and previously contributed to NGOs, tech, and creative industries. I hold a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication, but my real education comes from balancing deadlines, diapers, and the daily chaos of motherhood. When I’m off-duty, you’ll find me painting, dancing, or exploring imaginative stories with my kids—sometimes all at once.

Let’s keep creating content that informs, empowers, and uplifts families.

  • Obligado Ba Kaming Mag-Ambag sa Travel ng Anak ng Asawa Ko Mula sa Dating Relasyon?

    Obligado Ba Kaming Mag-Ambag sa Travel ng Anak ng Asawa Ko Mula sa Dating Relasyon?

  • Brown Discharge: Normal Ba Ito Kahit Hindi Buntis?

    Brown Discharge: Normal Ba Ito Kahit Hindi Buntis?

  • Can One Fan Really Do It All? Our Family-Tested, TAP-Proved Review of the SharkNinja FlexBreeze

    Can One Fan Really Do It All? Our Family-Tested, TAP-Proved Review of the SharkNinja FlexBreeze

Feed

Feed

Get tailored articles about parenting, lifestyle, expert opinions right at your fingertips

Poll

Poll

Participate in interesting polls and see what other parents think!

Photos

Photos

Share the photos of loved ones in a safe, secure manner.

Topics

Topics

Join communities to bond with fellow mums and dads.

Tracker

Tracker

Track your pregnancy as well as baby’s development day-by-day!

theAsianparent

Download our free app

Google PlayApp Store

Mums around the world

Singapore flag
Singapore
Thailand flag
Thailand
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
Philippines flag
Philippines
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
India flag
India

Partner Brands

VIP ParentsMama's ChoiceLittle ReiTAP Awards

© Copyright theAsianparent 2026 . All rights reserved

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap HTML
  • Advertise With Us
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it