Motherhood is a journey
“Such a mysterious business, motherhood. How brave a woman must be to embark on it.” —M.L. Stedman
Happy Mother’s Day to all the nurturing and unconditionally loving moms out there! This year’s celebration is extra special for me, as my youngest recently turned 20. Even with my so-called “empty nest,” being a mother never gets old. There is always something to learn, new ways to bond with your kids, and memories to make.
I began my journey into motherhood 40 years ago, as a single mother to my eldest, Bryan Prieto. It’s interesting to look back on how much my parenting skills have evolved since then, and to think about how much being a mother has impacted my life in the best way possible. With every hurdle that life has thrown my way, I knew that I could get through it because of my family.
Now I am back to being a single mother again, but this time with some cute grandchildren to enjoy, as well. Motherhood, and all the blessings that come with it, is truly a remarkable experience—one that shifts the entire course of your life. This life would not have been the same without my kids, or without the strong support system of mothers that I have around me.
As always, I am ever grateful to my own mother, Marixi “Mamarixi” Prieto, who has shown me time and again how to lead with grace and how to take good care of your pack. Learning from her in all different avenues of life, and having her genuine love and support to go through any challenge or hardship, have been among the biggest blessings I could have asked for.
With Mamarixi as our rock, our family has expanded in so many wonderful ways. She now has seven great-grandchildren who each have their own version of a “super mom.” Special congratulations go to my niece Audrey Prieto-Gallego, who just had her second baby girl, Soleia Alejandra.
Welcoming a new member to the family is always a blessing. My support group as a single mom has immensely expanded with love, wisdom and boundless strength. The unwavering devotion of all mothers is truly a gift from heaven for every child.
Adult leukemia
Recently, other charitable mothers joined me at the 20th anniversary of the Epcalm Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (Epcalm) Foundation. It is the first and only nonprofit organization in the country committed to providing comprehensive support and essential services during the challenging cancer journey of adult leukemia patients and their families.
Together with me, Pinky Antonio, Nikki Tang, Ruby Chua, and Linda Ley were the other moms who were presented that evening as part of the Honorary Board that also includes Wellington Soong, among others. The fundraiser was also an occasion to present the Epcalm Board of Trustees.
To celebrate its milestone year, Epcalm Foundation spearheaded the inaugural Hope Gala, a Dinner Concert featuring the Concert King, Martin Nievera, with guest performances from OPM icon Ogie Alcasid, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, and Top Suzara, Freestyle front man. It was hosted by the King of Talk, Boy Abunda. All artists generously performed pro bono! The musical entertainment was exceptional.
The Hope Gala was held at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte shared a video message to laud the accomplishments of Epcalm. The QC Mayor is a member of the Epcalm Honorary Board of Trustees. For her part, Epcalm founder and board chair Dr. Erlyn Cabanag-Demerre expressed hope that the foundation will continue its mission to reach out to more needy leukemia patients in the coming years, as she thanked those who helped make the Hope Gala a sold-out success—sponsors, institutional and media partners, and loyal supporters and friends.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit adult leukemia patients and their families serviced by Epcalm, which provides personalized and family-oriented programs and services through its spiritual, medical and financial service arms. Congratulations to PR giant Sunny Ku who has been the main pillar of Epcalm.
For my Mother’s Day present, I headed to Rustan’s Store to check out several options for the home. With my fascination for seascape décor and paintings, I found one by artist Tara Soriano, a talented muralist and graphic designer. Her works and those of other artists Arthur Tselishchev and Marco Coaching are currently on display at Rustan’s Makati.
The colors of summer
These three came together to showcase their vibrant works during the “Moments of Summer” event held on the store’s fifth floor. The exhibition celebrated the season through a colorful lens.
The artworks explored themes of the sea, with a strong emphasis on the artists’ personal connections to water experiences. Soriano and Tselishchev, both avid divers and ocean lovers, translated their passion into pieces rich in shades that echo the depths and movement of tropical waters.
Tara presents three distinct collections. The first features paintings of shell arrangements, the second explores the world of surfing, and her final collection is filled with vibrant interpretations of underwater sea life and her love for diving.
Arthur’s series for the show continues his signature style—capturing the beauty, strength, and grace of women through expressive form and fluid composition. An interesting attribute is that some of the paintings glow in the dark. Rounding out the display is Coaching, who contributed with a playful take of waves with his oil paintings
The fifth level of Rustan’s Makati has so many options to enhance all homes for Mother’s Day. The Rustan’s Designers’ Circle 2025 has four vignettes showcasing beautiful curated living spaces
At the lanai lounge-dining showcase, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) designer Ann Dee-Santiago included a painting of Tara Soriano to create a relaxed space with fresh plants, centered around a big wooden table with cozy chairs, and a dining set-up that feels easy.
The designers’ vignettes by PIID interior designers Cynthia Almario, Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, and Cecil Ravelas will remain on display for one month at the fifth level of Rustan’s Makati.
May we all express our gratitude to our mother in whatever way we can! We are all so blessed to have these angels on earth.
