Mother’s Day in the time of Coronavirus

You taught me everything

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!

‘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!!!

 

‘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 leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Happy Mother’s Day!

God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.— Jewish Proverb

Mother’s Day always gets me feeling so emotional, simply because it’s such a day that we honor our mothers.  We are so eternally grateful to have such an amazing Mama, Nanay, Nana, Ina, Ima, Ermats, Mamang, Inang,  Mommy, Mudra!

As early as last week, VRS readers sent inspiration mother’s day stories they culled from the internet that brought tears to my eyes. I just couldn’t stop myself from crying because we know that a mother would do everything for her children.  Read on.

My Mom Only Had One Eye

My mom only had one eye. I hated her… She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and teachers to support the family.

There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed.

The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. 

Courtesy: Pinterest

How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of my classmates said, ‘EEEE, your mom only has one eye!’

I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, ‘ If you’re only gonna make me a laughing stock, why don’t you just die?’

My mom did not respond… I didn’t even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad to study.

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids

and the comforts. Then one day, my Mother came to visit me. She hadn’t seen me in years and she didn’t even meet her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I screamed at her, ‘How dare you come to my house and scare my children!’ GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!’

And to this, my mother quietly answered, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address,’ and she disappeared out of sight.

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity.

My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have.

‘My dearest son,

I think of you all the time. I’m sorry that I came to your house and scared your children.

I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

You see……..when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.

I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

With all my love to you,

Your mother.’

A Mother’s Love

A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his Mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:

For cutting the grass: P50

For cleaning up my room this week: P100

For going to the store for you: P20

Baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping: P60

Taking out the garbage: P50

For getting a good report card: P500

For cleaning up and raking the yard: P100

Total owed: P880

Well, his mother looked at him standing there, and the boy could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he’d written on, and this is what she wrote:

For the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me: No Charge

For all the nights that I’ve sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: No Charge

For all the trying times, and all the tears that you’ve caused through the years: No Charge

For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: No Charge

For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: No Charge

Son, when you add it up, the cost of my love is: No Charge.

When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said,”Mom, I sure do love you.” And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: “PAID IN FULL”

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Jammy Ungab models her own bikini line

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Today is Mother’s Day! Mom. Mama. Mommy. Nanay. Inay. Inang. Nay. Mamita. Mama. Mother. Ermat. Nana. Mamang. Momsy. We might call it by different names and celebrate it in different ways, but all to honor the irreplaceable person in our lives: Mother. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers who were, are and will be.

 

Scene:  The successful concert of youtube sensation “Hey Joe” at the Island City Mall.

 

Scene:  The Bohol Employment and Placement Office (BEPO) will conduct mobile services on May 15 at the Bohol Cultural Center. BEPO has collaborated with Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), National Statistics Office (NSO) and Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).  BEPO head Vilma “Ate Vi” Yorong said that the mobile services drastically cut the expenses of Boholanos who no longer need to go to Cebu City or Manila especially to renew professional licenses and franchises, get authenticated civil registry documents and others. For inquiries, visit BEPO or call (038) 501-9847/411-3544.

 

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The dry season is really the perfect time to schedule beach getaways. But this requires one itsy-bitsy- weenie thing: swimwear.

 

As temperatures soar, surfer babe and model Jammy Ungab
stays cool as she oozes confidence and sex appeal
as she wears one of her own design bikinis.

Surfer babe, model and entrepreneur Jammy Ungab finds time to kiss the sun as she exclusively shares her pictures of her latest swimwear collection on Facebook.

 

Jammy designs and sews each swimwear creation but she isn’t just designing her own line of bikinis, she’s modeling them.

“I've been into designing and making clothes back in High School,” says Jammy. “I didn't really think of swimwear because I never wear one before.”

She says it’s hard to find a bikini of her size with good quality and affordable in the Philippines. “In 2012, I thought of starting a bikiniline especially made for petite girls. It just didn't happen right away. It took me a couple of years to finally make one of my dreams come true.”

 

So, Marikit’s born.

 

"It is actually my bestfriend, Alyssa, who thought of the name Marikit. I was thinking of calling my brand PINA, short for Filipina and Pineapple which is a tropical fruit,” shares Jammy. “When she suggested of the name Marikit, I agreed right away. It sounds so cute and it's a Filipino word hey.” (Marikit in Tagalog means beautiful, pretty, splendid and magnificent.-LPU)

 

Handmade crochet swimwear is for ladies' sea to shore and to even summit adventures. “Marikit is different from other swimwear brand because it's crochet, and handmade with love and passion, and compassion,” says Jammy.

 

 “I am fully aware that there are other brands that make crochet swimwear. But mine has another purpose. Not just to make girls look stunning while on the beach, but it's also made for a cause.” (For every purchase of Marikit, you can help for ocean conservation and end starvation of children in the Philippines.-LPU)

 

According to Jammy, there are still women who are afraid or uncomfortable to wear swimwear because of our “conservative” culture.

 

Jammy Ungab who is getting some sun in Bohol’s beaches
 has released new photos to promote the latest edition
 of her own label, Marikit. In the new photos, the Boholana
model strips down to display her eco-friendly bikinis.
  COURTESY: Ryan Macalandag

“With our conservative culture, it's not too easy to convince women to wear one. We all know that. I know some of the Filipina girls never want to wear swimsuits because they're shy, and because they're worried about what the people will think of them. It's mostly the probinsyanas who never or rarely wear bikinis,” admits Jammy. “City Filipina girls, I'm sure they own tons of swimsuits already. Again, as long as they're comfortable with what they wear, it's all good. But yeah girls, the lighter and less the clothing, the better it is to swim...and less ugly tan lines.”

 

Jammy reveals that women don't need to have a "perfect bikini body" to look good on the beach. They just need to find the perfect swimwear for their body type that will accentuate the curves.  For her, the monobikini can make a woman looks curvier.

 

“One piece swimsuits with cut outs on the sides will make you look like you have an hour glass figure. But actually, you can wear anything that you are most comfortable with. It's the most important. There's nothing sexier than a woman in a swimwear that makes her confident with her body,” clarifies Jammy.

 

She tells her buyers she 'couldn't wait' to show them the new styles she's adding to the swimwear range.

 

“I have already, but I don't want to announce the designs yet. They'll come out in the next three months,” says Jammy.

 

Good news: Marikit will be in a pop up shop in California, USA in a few months. 

 

Start with Marikit and you will be beach-ready in no time.

 

Note: You can purchase Marikit Swimwear thru email: marikitswimwear@gmail.com or facebook.com/marikitswimwear.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.

Dapat Tama!

Alam natin ang tama, ba't di natin ginagawa?

Paulit-ulit na lang na ito ang bagong simula.

Simula nang simula bakit walang natatapos?

Ilang beses nangako ilang beses napako.

'Pag tayo'y nagsama-sama lahat ay malalampasan

May mas maayos na bukas para sa ating mga anak.

Ang unang hakbang ay piliin ang tamang nakatatak

na pangalan sa balota.

 

Kaya dapat tama!

 

-From GMA News and Public Affairs “Dapat Tama” advocacy

 

Tomorrow, you will decide who will run this province for the next three years. Your vote is your dignity.

 

Dapat tama! How can we choose right leaders?

 

Gloc 9 Courtesy: GMA News

Here are the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or PPRCV’s 10 Commandments for Responsible Voting (and reminders that vote buying is an evil act from Jagna Movement for Good Governance or JaMGGo):

 

1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.

 

2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

 

3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities, and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

 

4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.

 

5. Do not sell your vote.

 

6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold, and glitter.

 

7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.

 

8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude), popularity, good looks, or “pakikisama” (peer pressure).

 

9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

 

10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.

 

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It goes without saying that Mother's Day is one of our favorite days of the year. Year after year mothers give us so many beautiful reasons to be thankful they’re our mothers. Today, we honor mothers everywhere for their sacrifices, for making us laugh, for the lessons they impart, and for their unconditional love.

 

Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”

We asked our friends to tell us: What did your mom teach you?

 

Some of our friends asked simply ignored the question. Here are those who shared short of inspiring, from sweet to funny to tear-jerking to wise responses in our celebration of motherly wisdom:

 

Reigh Monreal: I can’t remember many. My Nanay died when I was six and my younger siblings were four and one. From stories I learned she was thrifty, hardworking and good at sewing by hand. She even made me a school bag because she didn’t like that I use a Guitar cellophane bag that some of my classmates were using. The bag lasted for a couple of years. Today, I hand-sew buttons on my shirts, hems on my pants, and any torn part of my clothing. Maybe I got this “talent” from my Nanay. I was also a wise and practical spender when I was still a struggling scholar at the Visayas State University.

 

Berly Elizabeth Lupot: My mom taught me that success is sweeter when wrapped with humility.

 

EJ Relampagos: My mom has taught us the unconditional kind of love...whatever me and my siblings have become now is the result of that love we have enjoyed since we were conceptualized by our parents.

 

Benjie Oliva: She taught me to live a simple life, to stay humble, to have a mission in life and to love God above all things.

 

Adri Anne Tirol Montes- Espanola: My mom taught me how to be strong no matter what life brings you, to find joy in every circumstance, and to never give up. She is the family`s source of strength.

 

DonDon Suganob: Always be humble whatever life will bring you, pray and trust everything to God.

 

Tessie Labunog-Sumampong: My Mama taught me to help other people and to love and care for each other. I’m a very generous person gyud hehehehe basta naa lang.

 

Judith Uy-Sumatra: My mom taught me that there are only two people in the world: the oppressor and the oppressed. One thing I learned from her is never to surrender, to fight till your last breath.

 

Jo Menorias: My mom taught us to take good care of our names as well as reputation even if we are not rich.

 

Fiel Angel Araoarao-Gabin: Born into a family who had less in life, Mama Wincie - through her actions, personal conviction and dedication - has taught my siblings Ondoy, Baby, Coeli and I, even my children, nieces and nephews that honest hard work pays off, that it is better to give than to receive (especially where sharing one’s talents is concerned), and that, above all, our strong faith in God makes us conquer our fears and achieve the impossible... A true personification of self-sacrifice and compassion, Mama Wincie’s life is a living testament of her ideals.

 

Katrina Schoof-Chu: Doing the household chores, even if you have maids - that’s how I learned to wash and iron clothes, do the dishes and most especially, clean the house. My mother said that, when married, I have to make sure I take care of my husband, see to it that he’s presentable - no holes on the socks or shirts - because it will always reflect on the kind of wife I am. My mom is a very generous person, so I think I got that trait from her.

 

Malou Cempron: My mom taught me to be God fearing and sensible at all times.

 

Chandrina Elluiska Schreurs: My mom taught me to become a better person and feel what’s inside my heart, and most of all when I stumble, try to find ways to be back and raise your head high that you have undergone such endeavor.

 

Leslie Domapias-Ramirez: The value of spiritual strength in love, family life and profession.

 

Kit Oppus: How to stand for what one believes in!

 

Ariel Fullido: To fear God, and always look on the brighter side of life!

 

Reuben Gulle: My mom taught me the values of giving without expecting something in return. She instilled in me that by giving, the windows of heaven will open, and pour the blessings on me.

 

Toto Veloso: To always do what is right, so there will never be any regret for whatever you do. This is what my beloved mom taught me.

 

Tracy Remolador Torres: My mom taught me to stop comparing myself to others because I will have my own race. She taught me to be generous and patient.

 

Blair Panong: She was always telling me when I was a child that when I go out into the world - I have watch out for traffic. We have to hold hands. We have to stick together.

 

Aris Aumentado: Good manners and right conduct.

 

Nikko Sereno: My mom taught me the value of hardwork and to never take my health for granted.

 

Leah Tirol-Magno: My Mama taught me a lot of great things. One of those is the love for cooking and baking. Now, I cook and bake for my own family and for others.

 

Clarlaine Falcon Radoc: To follow what my heart desires and being true to myself. All I need to remember is that I should be responsible in everything that I do with mature obedience, trust and faith in God. She never really fails to inspire me.

 

God bless all the mothers, all across the world.                               

 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.