Mom’s the Word
By Cassandra C. Poculan Writer
Profile Photos: Contributed
NOTHING trumps maternal instinct and wisdom-we know that now. But that wasn’t always the case. Growing up, we would constantly complain about mom’s ways, or roll our eyes at her if she ever came close to telling us what to do. We would even casually label her as crazy for doing so, and swear we would never be like her. Fast forward to today and we find ourselves turning to her more for advice. Her oft-repeated line, “You’ll understand once you have children of your own,” now makes sense. Take it from these first-time moms who are living proof that at the end of the day, our mothers do know best.
Camia Jamelo-Belciña, 24
Medical Technologist
Chong Hua Hospital Mandaue
“My mother graduated college with two degrees but she chose to dedicate her entire life to her family, especially to her children. As what she always tells me, ‘Be a hands-on mother.’ As a first-time parent, it is not that hard for me raising my daughter since my mother is always there guiding me. I am currently working and she never fails to remind me to spend some quality time with my daughter.”
Margaret Marave-Kyamko, 30
OB Resident
Cebu Velez General Hospital
“Becoming a first time mom is really exciting but also scary. As a working mom, this doubles my worries. There are a lot of unknowns no matter how much we prepare. My mother’s advice that worked for me was just to enjoy every moment because it goes by so quickly. Time flies and they grow up fast so it’s important to find the fun in the everyday to create lasting memories for you and your children.”
Jen Perez-Alejandro, 25
Stay-at-home Mom
“My Mom has always been one who gives advice through her example. I remember growing up, she would tell us how wonderful a role of a mother is in God’s plan for His children. Now that I am a mother, I find strength and confidence that although motherhood is very challenging and demanding (it sucks the life out of you), I know that God hears and answers a mother’s tender pleading.”
Allora Llopes, 26
E-Marketing Specialist
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
“As a first time mom, the best advice I got from my own mother is to always remember that you know your child better than anyone so trust your mom instincts. And that there’s no perfect way to be a mother, so if you need help, ask for it. Lastly, cherish the moments you have with your child because they grow up really fast so take a lot of photos and videos.”
Feonah Pecaoco, 23
Assistant Head of Executive Office
Wellcome Hotel
“My mother always reminds me of the saying ‘Nobody’s perfect.’ We all want to be a perfect mom and be able to raise a perfect child but that is not possible. There’s no perfect way of doing things and there’s no such thing as a perfect mom, even she admits that. Just love your child, don’t be so hard on yourself and it will all be okay. Let people help you out, don’t try and do everything yourself. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy every moment as it goes by so quickly.”