Filipinos have always been known for their close family ties.
The father has always been regarded as the head and provider of the family, while the mother is revered as the "ilaw ng tahanan," illuminating the household with her unconditional love, selflessness and omnipresence.
In Pinoy movies, it's not surprising how mothers are often portrayed as headstrong characters willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their families.
Onscreen, portrayed by some of the country's finest dramatic actresses, these unsung heroes loom larger than life as they spew out heart-tugging lines that speak from the heart, as only a mother could.
Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, let's look back at some of these iconic movie lines that continue to remind us of the first woman we learned to love.
READ:
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Josie (Vilma Santos) in ANAK (2000)
Directed by: Rory Quintos
Remember the heartbreaking mother-daughter story of 2000 movie Anak?
It tells the story of Josie (Vilma Santos), a Filipino domestic helper who works as a nanny in Hong Kong to provide for her family.
She left her three children Carla (Claudine Barretto), Michael (Baron Geisler), and Daday (Sheila May Alvero), and her husband, who died shortly after her departure.
After a few years, Josie returns home with her hefty savings good enough to start a business, and to continue providing for her children.
However, her children fail to reciprocate her warmth and yearning, especially her rebellious eldest daughter, Carla.
Tear-jerking line of Josie in Anak
“Sana tuwing umiinom ka ng alak, habang hinihithit mo ang sigarilyo mo, at habang nilulustay mo ang perang pinapadala ko, sana maisip mo rin kung ilang pagkain ang tiniis kong hindi kainin para lang makapagpadala ako ng malaking pera rito.
"Sana habang nakahiga ka diyan sa kutson mo, natutulog, maisip mo rin kung ilang taon akong natulog mag-isa nabang nangungulila ako sa yakap ng mga mahal ko.
"Sana maisip mo kahit kaunti kung gaano kasakit sa akin ang mag-alaga ng mga batang hindi ko kaano-ano, samantalang kayo, kayong mga anak ko, hindi ko man lang maalagaan.
"Alam mo ba kung gaano kasakit yun sa isang ina? Alam mo bang gaano kasakit yun? Kung hindi mo ako kayang ituring bilang isang ina, respetuhin mo man lang ako bilang isang tao."
Read: Vilma Santos, Claudine Barretto recreate Anak poster
Grace Salazar (Coney Reyes) in FOUR SISTERS AND A WEDDING (2013)
Directed by: Cathy Garcia-Molina
Four Sisters and a Wedding is about the Salazar sisters— Teddie (Toni Gonzaga), Bobbie (Bea Alonzo), Alex (Angel Locsin), and Gabbie (Shaina Magdayao)—who are on a quest to halt the rush wedding of their youngest sibling CJ (Enchong Dee).
As they reunite, they confront the issue they've been keeping for a long time, thanks to their mother Grace (Coney Reyes), who did a great job of being the master of the house.
Tear-jerking line of Grace in FOUR SISTERS AND A WEDDING
“I’m not perfect, but I am your mother, and I will always love you the best way I know how.”
Read: MOVIE REVIEW: Four Sisters and a Wedding
Ina Montecillo (Ai-Ai delas Alas) in ANG TANGING INA (2003)
Directed by: Wenn V. Deramas
Ang Tanging Ina is a classic comedy film directed by late Wenn V. Deramas.
This film centers on Ina (Ai-Ai delas Alas), and her struggle to raise a large family of her own.
A play on words, the movie allowed Ai-Ai to shine in her role as a mother to her dozen children from her three husbands who died untimely deaths.
Tear-jerking line of INA in ANG TANGING INA
“Walang inang hindi napapagod. Napapagod ako. Pero kinakaya ko. Hindi dahil obligasyon ko yun kundi dahil mahal ko kayo.”
Read: Ang Tanging Ina cast reunites in Wenn Deramas's wake
Shirley (Vilma Santos) in IN MY LIFE (2009)
Directed by: Olivia Lamasan
One of the most beloved actresses of her generation, Vilma Santos delivered a memorable performance in the 2009 drama film, In My Life.
She plays the character of Shirley Templo, a sourly librarian suffering from empty nest syndrome, with her daughter Dang (Dimples Romana) planning to move to Australia with her family, and her estranged gay son Mark (Luis Manzano) living in New York.
After a fight with Dang, she decided to visit Mark, only to be surprised that he is already living with another man named Noel (John Lloyd Cruz), an illegal immigrant.
In an attempt to win Shirley's approval and affection, Noel patiently chaperones her around the city and attends to her needs.
After spending more time with her son's lover, Shirley realizes that she has become emotionally distant from her son and soon becomes jealous of Noel who seems to know Mark better than her.
Tear-jerking line of Shirley in In My Life
"Anong hindi ko siya kilala? Anak ko siya, sa akin siya nanggaling! Akong nagpalaki sa kanya kaya bawat hininga't utot niya alam ko kung anong ibig sabihin!"
Read: PEP REVIEW: In My Life shows Vilma Santos as a flawed mother
Mariel (Sharon Cuneta) in MADRASTA (1996)
Directed by: Olivia Lamasan
This 1996 family drama film Madrasta tells the story of Mariel (Sharon Cuneta), a woman who chose to marry a separated man Edward (Christopher de Leon), who has three children—Rachel (Claudine Barreto), Ryan (Patrick Garcia), and Liza (Camille Prats).
Mariel strives to win the love and affection of her stepchildren, while defining her role in the already-built but, deep inside, a broken family.
Tear-jerking line of Mariel in Madrasta
"I’m not trying to be your mother, dahil kung ako ang naging ina mo, hindi ko papayagang lumaki ka nang ganyan. Iniisip mo lang na walang nagmamahal sa iyo dahil ayaw mong mahalin ka.”
Read: What made Sharon Cuneta cry on the set of Madrasta?
Medy (Pokwang) in A MOTHER'S STORY (2011)
Directed by: John D. Lazatin
A Mother's Love is a family-oriented independent film that follows the story of Medy (Pokwang), a mother who was forced to leave behind her two children—King (Rayver Cruz) and Queenie (Xyriel Manabat)—in order to earn money for their family.
Medy travels to U.S. for what was supposed to be a quick job, but decides to stay behind to look for work—though illegal.
She jumps from one job to another, and ends up being a househelper for a wealthy couple who verbally and physically abuse her.
Despite her struggles, Medy keeps on working as she has to send money to her sick daughter Queenie.
Tear-jerking line of Medy in A Mother's Story
"Napalayo lang ako sa mga anak ko pero hindi ako masamang ina."
Read: PEP REVIEW:Pokwang delivers inspiring performance in A Mother's Story
Sarah (Sharon Cuneta) in CAREGIVER (2008)
Directed by: Chito S. Roño
This 2008 film directed by Chito S. Roño celebrated moms as much as it celebrated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
This drama follows the story of Sarah (Sharon Cuneta), who quits her job as a teacher to work as a caregiver in London with her husband Teddy (John Estrada).
Sarah left her son (John Manalo) in the Philippines to provide for the needs of their family.
Tear-jerking line of Sarah in Caregiver
“O, anak, wag kang magtampo sa akin ha. Wag kang magagalit, ha. Kahit pag tumanda ka na, wag mong isusumbat sa akin iyong iniwan kita.”
Read: Sharon Cuneta narrates joys and sacrifices in filming "Caregiver"
