Moms share their favorite Mother’s Day memories
My favorite Mother’s Day memory was when I gave birth to Franco in 2018, which fell on the exact day we celebrated Mother’s Day that year (May 13). It was a normal delivery. Baby was crying, but as soon as his cheek touched mine, he stopped crying. It was an amazing, fascinating experience.
I would like Mother’s Day to be celebrated by sharing more love with mothers out there. This can be done through showing acts of kindness, heartfelt gestures, and spending quality time with other moms. It’s important to show how much we love and appreciate the effort put into being a mother, whether they’re still trying to be a mom, in the middle of motherhood, or empty nesters. Just share the love to all types of moms out there.
—Nesh Zamora, aerialist and co-owner of Elite Aerial Arts, mom of one
Three Mother’s Day celebrations standout as truly priceless. I got a handmade greeting card made by my three children during the pandemic on Mother’s Day. I used to get similar ones when they were little, with cute kiddo drawings. And the added bonus? A cute TikTok performance. The second was a wonderful surprise. After returning from a trip abroad, my husband and children greeted me with flowers and a special dinner. That was really so sweet.
My last Mother’s Day with my mother in Leyte was both joyful and sad. Knowing it would be our last before she passed away months later makes it a bittersweet memory I’ll always treasure.
What I’d like this Mother’s Day is nothing really fancy, just a simple dinner together with my family at home.
—Dorothy Lauron-Aytona, president and general manager of Skynet Travel Corporation, mom of three
During a simple Mother’s Day I organized for the support staff of the Philippine General Hospital during the pandemic in May 2020, I got Lazada and Toblerone as sponsors and gave out chocolate bars and a gift voucher from Lazada.
I just like my kids to be all together, having a meal. That’s enough for me. Impossible lang now because one of my sons lives in the US.
—Ces Oreña-Drilon, journalist and founder of Provenciana, mom of four
The first time I became a mother was during the pandemic. Amid the circumstances and the uncertainties, I will definitely not forget the situation we had to face, having to keep indoors and just trying to protect my new baby at that time, and making the most of Mother’s Day just by being safe.
There doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or an expensive gift as long as I get to spend the day with my family. I just need actual quality time—away from work or phones and maybe even traffic, to remind me of the reasons why I became a mother in the first place.
—Carla Teotico, managing director of Galleria Nicolas, mom of two
My most memorable Mother’s Day is actually bittersweet. It was when my Mom was in the hospital, our last Mother’s Day with her. I realized that no matter our age and even if we sometimes have a complicated relationship with our parent, when we realize that our time with them is limited, we revert to that child still wanting our Mother’s hugs and words of comfort. If you are lucky to still have your makulit but well-meaning Mom, please hug her tight.
My Mother’s Day wish is very simple, just a gadget-free day with husband and kids, hopefully spent outdoors enjoying the sun, fresh air, and the rustle of trees.
—Tin Dychiao, KonMari-certified expert, mom of three
As a mom of three beautiful kids, I treasure the countless moments of quality time we share. Their love and affection fill my days, with “I love yous” echoing from three little voices a hundred times a day! I am grateful for my husband’s support, which allows me to enjoy my passion for running a pizza restaurant business. In this environment of love and celebration, I thrive. However, I also desire moments of solitude, free from worries. Given the chance, I would embrace a full 24-hour day just for myself, a time to recharge and reflect.
—Johanna Marfil Tan, coowner of Crusted, mom of three
Favorite memory? Kids serving me breakfast in bed.
As a mother, I am celebrated every time people celebrate my children. This year’s Mother’s Day is special for me because it falls between the college graduation of my two daughters! I shall be celebrated as they receive their diplomas.
—Joan Young Tiu, travel executive at Wander Lanes Travel, mom of three
One of my recent cherished and memorable Mother’s Day celebration was the one spent with my children Nick and Carmela, and my dearest Margarita [Forés] and [her son] Amado [Carmela’s fiancée].
For me, Mother’s Day is not just one day in May. Mother’s Day is every single time I am able to spend quality time with my mom (who is 91 years old) and my children.
—Tati Fortuna, circular fashion advocate and cofounder of Tahi, mom of two
At my age, I will say that I’ve experienced them all: a written card, lunch or dinner, and gifts. It might be cheesy but I would dare say all of them are my favorites because each year is different. Even the things they would write on the card would be different. As they grow older, they realize many things—some things they might not have understood when they were younger but because they’re wiser, they have a different perspective now. These things make it extra memorable because somehow you know things are going to be alright with them.
I just want to be with my sons, sharing stories and laughing out loud, while remembering the crazy days. Yes, that would be really nice. Life is tremendously busy and fast-paced that laughing and chilling would be a very welcome break.
—Ruby Gan, retiree, mom of two
Every Mother’s Day is memorable for me as it is the day mothers are most appreciated and showered with so much love. It’s also a day when I reflect on how far I’ve come as a mother. I especially look forward to this year because this is my first Mother’s Day as a mom of two. On how I want to be celebrated on Mother’s Day, I would just love a nice meal with our family complete.
—Matilde Melanie Cheng-Co, cardiologist, mom of two
My favorite Mother’s Day memory would be my daughter, Nala, lovingly preparing breakfast for me.
For Mother’s Day, I would absolutely love to indulge in a relaxing two-hour massage. But more than anything, I’d want to be with my family (including my mom), enjoying restful moments and sharing delicious meals together.
—Dr. Geraldine Zamora, rheumatologist and professor, mom of one
