Leila de Lima with Sr. Mary John Mananzan – Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
AS we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 11, allow me to feature mothers from all walks of life. I asked four mothers (last batch): (1) How does it feel to be a mother? (2) Define motherhood.
The respondents’ replies are as follows:
Former Senator Leila de Lima: (1) “I have always considered myself a strong woman but becoming a mother revealed an entirely new kind of strength within me. It was not loud or forceful; it was quieter, more enduring, and deeply rooted in love, patience, and resilience. Especially when my eldest son was diagnosed with autism. Suddenly, being strong meant more than just holding things together. It meant listening more closely, advocating more fiercely, and learning to see the world through his unique lens. It meant embracing the unknown with an open heart, even when fear and doubt crept in. Motherhood is not easy. There are days filled with uncertainty, with questions you do not always have answers to, and moments when you will wonder if we are doing enough. But somehow, in the middle of all the worry and second-guessing, we find a deeper purpose and strength. Motherhood revealed more of me. The vulnerable parts, the fierce parts, and everything in between.” (2) “Motherhood is revolutionary. It challenges the way we see the world and forces us to grow in ways we never expected. Motherhood is ‘radikal na pagmamahal’. It is a radical kind of love because it challenges systems. As mothers, we advocate in classrooms, in hospitals, in public spaces. We demand better for our children even when it means speaking up against authority or norms. We learn, we unlearn, and we fight — for inclusion, for safety, for dignity. It is radical because it transforms us, our children, and the world around us. Motherhood is really a constant choice to love, protect, guide, and fight not just for our children but for a better future.”
Nikki Tizon-Walker (2nd from right) with her husband Michael and three children Silas, Bella and youngest Maddie.Portland-based Nikki Walker, dental customer service trainer at Moda Health: (1) “It’s the biggest blessing and most rewarding job of my life.” (2) “Motherhood is loving unconditionally and cherishing humans that I carried in my womb for 8-9 months. It’s not all rainbows though. It’s a challenge for sure but I was up for the challenge.”
Lheng Divinagracia-Gonzales with her husband John Glenn and grandchild Kendrick Cailer (her “happy pill” that gives her strength and joy).World Summit Excellence founder and socio-civic advocate Lheng Divinagracia Gonzales: (1) “Being a mother is a constant emotional rollercoaster. It brings an overwhelming love that’s hard to describe, especially when you see your child smiles or achieves something new. But it’s also a lot of hard work, sleepless nights, worry, and the pressure to always do your best. There are moments of doubt and feeling stretched thin, yet the joy, laughter, and unconditional bond with your child make it all worthwhile.” (2) “Motherhood is the journey of bringing up a child, providing emotional, physical, and mental care, and shaping their development. It involves nurturing, teaching, protecting, and guiding a child through various stages of life, while forming a deep, unconditional bond.”
Heidi Mendoza with her husband Roy and three children Albert, Atty. Paula and Miguel.Former COA commissioner and good governance advocate Heidi Mendoza who used to be the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services: (1) “Being a mother often feels like my relentless and passionate fight against graft and corruption — you cannot afford to pause, and exhaustion is a luxury you simply cannot have. It demands constant vigilance, unwavering commitment, and emotional resilience. Is it tiring? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.” (2) “Motherhood is making sure your children’s needs are met — even if it means that you’re thousands of miles away on a UN mission. It’s tackling professional challenges with a cold and clinical approach only to exchange it for warmth and sweetness of your children upon coming home. I still don’t know how mothers do it but we’re there for our family — no matter the hour, no matter the time zone, no matter where in the world you are.”
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The book, “Mira and Other Essays”, is a biographical compilation of notes, articles, speeches, lectures, Facebook posts, and some of my uncle Atty. Ignacio “Toting” Bunye’s work. It is part romance, part drama, and part action, spiced by his brand of humor.
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Pretty Aiko KumanoBeautiful Aiko Kumano, who studied at University of California San Diego, is now based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
She is a program assistant at the Hawaii Pacific University’s College of Liberal Arts and also a part time photographer.
Advanced birthday greetings to Aiko on May 19.
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Child sports prodigy Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso in Osaka, Japan.The achievement of wonder child Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso, 9, daughter of Salvie Collado Paparon who was featured in New York City billboard (thanks to La Visual Corp. and Alegre De Filipinas), was recently honored by the WATA Open International Taekwondo Championship 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
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Newlywed couple Angela Medina and John Paul CalinogBest wishes to newlywed couple John Paul Calinog and Angela Medina (daughter of Ariel and Analisa Medina). They got married at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Greenland Cainta.
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Bonita, 4, is dressed in her favorite Ruins t-shirt made with soft, handwoven inabel fabric with her Abel backpack.Mia Aguila-Singson informed me about the Tela de Bonita Ruins shirt collection, a special apparel line crafted with inabel trimmings, ensuring that the exquisite handwoven artistry of Ilocos Sur women weavers continues to shine and never goes to waste.
“The woven accents on these comfortable t-shirts are made from left-over inabel material from our other products. This is part of our efforts to promote sustainability and Filipino craftsmanship,” said Mia who has been incessantly promoting our rich weaving heritage.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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