The exhortation of my mom Narcisa “Titat” Banogon-Ng: Life is what you make it! Actually, words of wisdom passed on from my Lolo, Engr. Franciso Banogon, to Mom, to us, and to our kids. Hope the grandkids will pick it up, too. —Marissa Dames, communications specialist
I learned the importance of resourcefulness and the value of creativity from my mother, Stella Koppin-Florendo. That beautiful things take time to create or have. This is something I wish I could teach my son. —Dr. Louanne Piñero, Human Resources Management director, Silliman University
My mom, Nora Ruiz-Ravello has taught me to always be humble, stay grounded, and to always Keep the Faith. I strive to show my sons and daughter those same lessons. — Dr. Daphne Rana, obstetrician-gynecologist
The best lesson I learned from my mom, Chedette Mascardo, that I see through her actions is compassion for others. She always goes over and beyond to be able to help others. Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy! —Ina Martinez-Banogon, mom of Jared Blake and Mariella Adrielle
My mother, Corazon Parial, always showed me the importance of praying, and how to be thankful in any circumstance. That is now what I try to always do with my sons. — Ylang-ylang Jordan, homemaker
I tell my kids that their Lola, Juliet Amador-Tirambulo, would always say: 1. God above all else. Life is futile without a moral compass. Always pray – in tough times and most especially when things are going well. Be grateful to the source of everything; 2. Health is wealth; 3. “The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends.” Practice humility always; 4. “…clinched fists are not open hands to receive with”. Blessings come from giving. Share your blessings so you have room for more; 5. Love yourself. You cannot serve from an empty cup. —Caroline Iris Armogenia, visual artist
As my mom, Jane Sabado-Romero, would always say: You can be whatever you want to be in this lifetime. And so that is also what I imbibe on my children. — Lujana Herrenauw, homemaker/writer
Mommy, Isabel Dimaya-Vista, would always tell us: “You are unique and beautiful. Give of your best all the time. Always remember to thank God.” I also try to impart that to my daughters. —Dr. Elizabeth Susan Suarez, dean, SU College of Performing & Visual Arts
My mom, Cahirup “Baby” Tembrevilla-Armogenia, taught me to always remember those who have been good to you. And to learn to be joyful at all times. That is also what I try to teach my daughter. — Marikit Armogenia, businesswoman
My Mom, Sylvia Somoza-Malahay, loves the outdoors, exploring new places, meeting people, and being of help to others when needed. My children are fortunate they continue to have the privilege of growing up with their Grandma, so what I often tell them is: “Just look at Mommyla, you can also learn a lot from her in life.” I’m fortunate that my girls also indulge in the things that their Lola loves to do like baking, cooking, gardening. —Yvette Kim, full-time artist
One thing I have learned from my 99-year-old Nanay, Sabina Dongallo-Cole, is to have trust in the Lord always. This has been implanted in me and my siblings while we were growing up. Likewise, I always tell my daughters to trust in the Lord, and to seek God’s guidance, especially when making life-changing decisions. — Maria Havranek, proprietor, Cuttin’ Loose
My Mama, Remedios T. Ozoa, a retired Science teacher, would always tell us: “When faced with life’s challenges, do not dwell on your smallness. Instead, focus on the Greatness of our God.” —Dr. Susan Micaela Denura, cardiologist/director, SU Medical Center Heart Institute
My mother Mila Montenegro-Wettstein taught me the value of communication, which I have passed on to my son, Ramon. At the age of 92 years, my mom continues to use her iPad and android phone to communicate with friends and family. — Esther Ceniza-Windler, environment advocate
What I appreciate about my mother, Donna Lawas-Valleser, is that she has a frugal mindset and she is very industrious. Like most families with one parent working abroad, starting out a family buried in debt is never easy. Most of the salary that my father sent to my mother was either earmarked for debt payment or the tuition for us four siblings. Despite this, we never felt deprived of any of our needs, sometimes even our wants, because she prioritized her spending, and was hustling on the side before the concept of side hustles became a thing. We were able to live comfortably with a little something left for us to splurge on once in a while. That is what I carried with me into my married life. Living contently within my means, and with what I am blessed with. — Kara Denise Dupio, homemaker
My mother would always tell us: “Hard work always pays off. There is no shortcut to success. Always be kind to others especially those who are underprivileged.” These are the same things I tell my sons now. — Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, co-founder/CEO, The Philippine Living Heritage Initiative
I remember my mom, Bessie Larena-Ponce de Leon, always telling us then: “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” I’m sure my own children, Jorbas and Eña, also benefit from this same advice. — Menka Ponce de Leon, homemaker
As a mother myself now, I share with my children the most important virtues in life: love of God, Respect for others, and Love for all. These three are the most significant values that I learned from my mother, Marjorie Echiverri-Viking, which one can ever live by. For me, these three serve as power bars that fuel me as a person in becoming a good mother. My mother always encouraged us siblings to see the goodness is everything in life. And that is how I also want my children to see things when they will eventually become parents. — Frenjie Claribeth Cordova, homemaker
I see my mother, Presencia Demerre-Aves, as a warrior. We were not born with a silver platter, and we saw how Mama tried to make both ends meet. Although she was a teacher by profession, Mama never had time to mentor us in our studies as she devoted her extra time to house chores and preparing food to sell at school to augment her income. Our poverty never stopped Mama from sending us to the best school in town, dressing us up in decent clothes, and making sure we didn’t leave the house on empty stomachs. She would always tell us the only thing she could promise us was not material wealth but good education. Mama taught me various lessons in life: face your battles head on, be friendly with everyone, extend help whenever you can, and God will always be with you in all your endeavors. I hope I have been able to echo that to my three children. — Anale Dancel, proprietor, Antonelli’s Cuisine
I’ve always admired my mother, Aning Sy, for her values, and I see to it that I pass these down to my children as she did with me. My mother is strong, and has never backed down from any challenges. She is generous, never missing a chance to lend a helping hand. She is hardworking, and always gets things done. She is intelligent, and has valued education since she was young. But most importantly, she is compassionate, empathetic, and respectful – values I believe are significant as we encounter everyday people with different stories. I took her teachings and values to heart, and it is thanks to her that I have become the woman I am today. So to my mom, to me, and to all the mothers in the world, Happy Mother’s Day! — Cong. Josie Limkaichong, 1st Congressional District
My Mama, Aureliana Sonjaco-Catacutan, would always tell us that we should not waste time, do what we can while we are still young, and while it is still possible before every chance will be gone. That’s what I also tell my children to do. — Mary Joyce Solomon, ultramarathoner
My mother, Anita Fontelo-Sinco, would tell me: In whatever you do, stay humble and prayerful. — Engr. Geronica Martinez, proprietor, GSM Builders
