Everything you've given me
I'll always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah...
There isn't anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me.
And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times.
— Excerpts from A Song for Mama of Boyz II Men's 1997 album, Evolution, and on the soundtrack for the '97 film, Soul Food. The '90s R&B group waxes on about a mother's nourishing and unconditional love.
Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year.
It is usually celebrated with family outings to dinner, spas or family get-togethers in beaches and homes—and accompanied by plenty of hugs and kisses!
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| ‘To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.’ —Maya Angelou |
But as the coronavirus pandemic restricts where we can go, and makes social distancing a new norm, many of these traditions will have to be cancelled.
This doesn’t mean Mother’s Day has to be canceled this year, protested my friends-Helen, Inday Charity and Jessa.
They said there are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day when you need to keep your distance.
"You can still get close on Mother’s Day," said fellow mediaman Inday Charity.
"Gifts are great, but with everything so uncertain these days, a chunk of your time is the best and most comforting gift of all," Helen shared.
Your VRS asked some of our friends the question: How do you honor Mom on Mother's Day when you can't get close enough to give her a hug?
Here are their answers:
Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx: My
mom has always been willing to go above and beyond to care for me and help me.
In the current situation, not being able to celebrate mother's day like we used
to, I can just be an emotional strong hold my mom can count on instead. Perhaps
more than before, this is what she needs the most. A daughter who can calm her
worries, and help her through emotionally so we can work on brighter days
ahead. I got you, mama. Love you.
Scarlet ‘Lailette’ Geulen-Boiser: It has always been an open book that my mom and I are just like sisters. We technically don't share the same interests in some things. We are very opposite in so many things yet our love for each other tends to bridge that gap because our love for each other always win over any squabbles. I may not appreciate her unique way of showing how she loves me but I am pretty sure that she loves me so much and my sister too. Inspite of her old school type sarcasm at times I'm so happy to have her as my mom and can't imagine myself having another mom other than my mommy. She is strict but loving and persevering. Thank God for such blessing.
Mikee Andrei: I've been close to my mom since childhood. I was always with her helping the family business and when I went far to work, it was hard but we gotta do what we gotta do, for the family.
Because of this pandemic, I haven't really been designing nor make clothes but instead, I cook and bake and we sell them. (Send me a message to order *winks). I learned this another skill from her and we're cooking together now, as family. It feels good despite this circumstances we all are going thru.
This year, Mother’s Day is double extra for us because it is also her birthday! As much as we wanted to hug her, social distancing has to be applied even inside our home. This time, I'd be making a special cake for her together with the kids.
My mom has been my rock and my best friend. Mothers day is always special to me because it always reminds me how incredible she is and what she has been giving us unselfishly. Happy Mother’s Day my Mama Lina! I love you so much and thank you for everything!!!
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| ‘A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.’ —Unknown |
Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin: In this time of social and physical distancing measures, when no hugs are allowed, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, I will post photos of Mama Wincie’s significant moments with an accompanying greeting on Facebook - my simple way of manifesting my sincere appreciation and profound gratitude to her for all the love she has shown and the sacrifices she has made for Ondoy, Bibby, Coeli, me, Honey Jerome, Cielo, and Renji. She is, indeed, a wonderful blessing from God.
Joy Bonita Sevilla: Mothers should also be our best friends. They will always look after us no matter what and we shall also look after them in return. We can never be who we are without them. Since I got married, I see to it that we have our own time, we hang out together by just going to the Mall or having dinner. I see to it that she’s happy and above all healthy. At this time, I see to it that I call her over the phone and check if she’s okay. I'm praying that this virus has to end, I miss our bonding moments. To My mommy Inday...Happy Mother's Day.Love you!
Liezl Lim -Gregorio: I will give her a call first thing in the morning. Nothing beats hearing your Mother’s sweet and happy voice on Mother’s Day. Cooking her favorite chicharon and kinilaw would be the next task, we are all food lovers and burpers, after all. Hopefully, we get the chance to make a food delivery and see her in person and give her an air kiss.
Jesseth Nez Pasagad: My brothers and I came up with a plan to surprise my mom with a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt message. They did the planning and buying, I financed (lol). We’ve always made her feel loved and appreciated so Mother’s Day is nothing out of the ordinary.
Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: Mother’s Day is a special day for me because this is the day I get to shout to the whole world expressing my love and sincerest appreciation to my Mother whom we call Mama V. Though, she knows how much I love her, it’s kind of extraordinary when I do it on Mother’s Day.
I’ve always admired my Mama. She is amazing in so many ways raising all 6 of us her children. She’s loving, kind, firm yet there’s always gentleness in her own unique ways. She’s truly a beauty inside-out. Now, that I’m a mom myself, my admiration to her as a Mother just keeps getting stronger each day. She’s a part of me being a mom to my kids. Her dedication, commitment and caring ways are instilled in me. The values that I teach my children are the values that I hold true and beautiful because of my Mom. Today, that it’s Mother’s Day, I wish I could give her the tightest hug, kiss her, thank her and wish her a blessed day but due to our present situation, Covid, that’s not going to be possible.
So for today, I’ve managed to send her flowers and a Mother’s day card. Then, greet her through video call. That’s the closest thing to being physically together. When this covid is over, I’d treat my mama to a wonderful lunch or dinner. We usually go out and have a Mother-Daughter bonding. That’s part of our routine.
Once again, a very happy Mother’s Day to my Mama V. Wish you an amazingly blessed day. I love you. And To all the mothers out there, cheers to us all!
Maria Fe Evasco- Everyday is Mom's Day for me. Living with my Mama Nita is a great blessing for me since I can see, kiss and talk to her everyday. Having a mother like her makes life easier for me and my family since even at 85 years old, she still manages to showcase her talents and abilities. During this quarantine time, she has sewn almost a hundred face masks for our family's use. She also takes time out to bake our fave breads and pastries. Life with Mom is simply amazing. Happy Mom's Day, Ma Nitz!
Dr. Joyce C. Castillo: My mom likes to eat all things pork (even if it’s not exactly very healthy for her). On Mother’s Day this year, she’s getting her favorite pork dishes. No bawal!
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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at
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