Janice Israel Delima with her children (from left) Saviona, Karl and Noah. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
AS we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 11, allow me to honor mothers from all walks of life. I asked four mothers (2nd batch): (1) How does it feel to be a mother? (2) Define motherhood.
The respondents’ replies are as follows:
Fil-Am entrepreneur Janice Israel Delima, 3rd Philippines’ Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers recipient: (1) “For me, being a mother is not just a role, it’s my greatest calling, deepest strength, and most treasured gift. Being a mother has taught me resilience in silence, faith when everything else breaks, and unshakable patience. It’s what grounds me when the world gets noisy. It’s where I draw strength in business, compassion in leadership, and purpose in pain. Being a mother is not about control, it’s about commitment. I truly believe that we don’t own our children. They are not ours to shape into our image or force into our plans. They are precious souls assigned to us by God, trusted into our care for a divine purpose.” (2) “Motherhood is not just a title – it’s a mission. It’s waking up every day with purpose, even when I’m exhausted. It’s giving, even when I feel empty. It’s smiling through the pain because my children deserve a strong version of me… Motherhood is the purest form of love — a love that gives without asking, forgives without keeping score, and dreams not just for herself, but for her children’s future. It is a daily journey of sacrifice and joy, where I learn to put someone else’s needs above my own and discover a strength I never knew I had. Motherhood is God’s sacred assignment. I believe our children are not possessions — they are precious gifts entrusted to us by the Creator. We are chosen stewards of their lives, their growth, and their future. We don’t own them. We are simply called to nurture them, love them, guide them, and help them become the best version of who God created them to be. Motherhood is not about perfection, but presence. It means being there, not just in the big milestones but in the quiet, ordinary moments—helping with homework, listening to worries, and whispering prayers at night… Motherhood has made me stronger, more faithful, more human, and more divine all at once. And in everything I do — in business, in ministry, in dreams — I carry my children in my heart. They are my ‘why’. They are my prayer answered. And to be their mother? That’s my greatest success.”
Entrepreneur and former Filipino actress Rita Magdalena, who studied at the UCSD Extension Community, and is now based in San Diego, California: (1) “Being a mother is a silent promise to always love, always protect, and always believe even when the world doesn’t. It’s watching a piece of your soul grow in someone else’s eyes. It’s joy so powerful it brings tears and pain, so quiet it hides behind a smile. It’s giving without needing thanks. It’s rising each day with purpose, even when you’re broken or a mess.” (2) “Motherhood is not just a role, it’s a transformation. It changes how you see the world, how you love, and who you are.”
FAMAS board member Christina Aliada: (1) “Being a single mother of three kids can feel like a rollercoaster — equal parts overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. Exhausting (you’re doing the job of two people, constantly juggling schedules, meals, schoolwork, emotions, and your own sanity; empowering (it can also feel powerful — knowing you’re holding it all together, raising humans, and doing it solo); lonely (there are moments of deep loneliness, especially when you crave adult conversation, emotional support, or just a break); chaotic but full of love (the house might be a mess, your to-do list might never end, but there’s a lot of love, laughter, and little moments that make it all worth it); guilt-ridden (sometimes there’s guilt about not being able to do everything or not having a second parent around – but also a constant drive to give your kids the best life possible).” (2) “Motherhood of three kids as a single mom is a life of strength wrapped in softness, a constant dance between survival and deep, selfless love. Motherhood of three as a single mom is the art of doing everything with nothing extra: three breakfasts, three backpacks, three growing hearts to guide, all with one pair of hands. It’s the balance of chaos and calm, of wiping tears while holding your own back, of being the one who shows up — every time. No backup. No break. Just relentless devotion. It’s budgeting emotions and groceries, stretching time and patience, and still making room for bedtime stories. It’s leadership, nurturance, sacrifice, and strength so quiet, the world forgets to notice — but your kids, they feel it in every hug, every scraped knee kissed, every ‘I’m proud of you’ whispered at the right time. It’s hard. It’s heroic. And it’s filled with a love that multiplies, not divides.”
Visitacion Tan, mother of singer-nurse Nick Vera Perez of Illinois who will have Mother’s Month Special for his Parte ng Buhay Ko OPM Album Philippine Malls and All Tour on May 4-25: (1) “Masaya maging isang ina. Palaging maganda ang feeling. Salamat sa Diyos na nagbigay sa atin ng kakayahang makapagpalaki ng mga tao na tawagin natin mga anak.” (2) “Ang kabuluhan ng isang nanay ay mapagtiis, at palaging inaalala ang mga anak kahit malalaki na sila. Ang nanay ay isang taong ubod tanging pinagpala ng pasensya sa hirap at ginhawa na galing sa Diyos.”
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Happy 49th wedding anniversary to Illinois-based couple Ernesto and Cecilia David.
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My niece Mary Demer (daughter of Nonoy Orlina who worked at American defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp.) with her hubby Brian and kids Pierce and Savannah participated recently in the White House’s Easter Egg Roll 2025 in Washington, D.C. with U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
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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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