Everyone’s journey to parenthood is different, and some women find themselves navigating that journey on their own, playing the role of both mother and father to their children.
Celebrities aren’t exempt from this, and many make use of their platforms to encourage and inspire their fans by sharing what they’ve learned from being a single mother.
Here, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists some life lessons culled from interviews with these celebrity single moms.
JACLYN JOSE - Don’t forget your own future
In an interview with PEP.ph back in September 2022, the late Jaclyn Jose confessed to feeling very lonely, what with her children Andi Eigenmann and Gwen Guck now living their own lives.
This deep loneliness prompted Jaclyn to give the following advice to single mothers: "Siguro before it’s too late, maghanap sila ng katuwang. Yung makakasama sa buhay hangga’t maaga pa.
"Kahit na may mga anak na sila, kung single parent ka, isipin mo, aalis at aalis ang mga ‘yan. Maiiwan kang mag-isa.”
While she acknowledged that single mothers tend to make their children their top priority, she urged that they continue to pursue their own dreams, and build their own relationships with friends or even a potential partner.
Jaclyn said, “Kailangang maging matapang ka thinking of your future.
"Para kung umalis man sila, iiwanan ka, may kanya-kanya nang buhay, e, meron kang makakasama. Mahirap mag-isa. Malungkot mag-isa.”
DENISE LAUREL - Take care of your health
Back in 2015, Kapamilya star Denise Laurel had a health scare.
As a single mom, it was a wake-up call that made her take extra care of her health so she could continue to be there for her son Alejandro, whom she affectionately calls Bukie.
She said in a 2020 interview with PEP.ph, “I think it's different once you know that you are responsible to care and to love for an entire human being.
"You know, like, a solid, real, holding in your arms a newborn-baby... This is real. I'm-in-charge-of-this-person-until-the-day-I-die levels.
"I have to stay healthy, and I have to be there for him no matter what."
She also said in the same interview, “"I'm mom and I'm also dad and I'm also an actress. I have many hats, but I wanna be a hundred percent in everything I do.
“So, I kind of really have to run a tight ship. But the thing that holds that ship together is my health.”
Read: Denise Laurel recalls cancer scare: 'I saw life with fear'
SUNSHINE CRUZ - Treat them as barkada
When it comes to raising her daughters Angelina, Cheska, and Sam, Sunshine Cruz has a secret that has worked so far — to treat them like her barkada.
The celebrity mom said in a 2017 interview with PEP.ph, "I know my kids, I have confidence in them. And talaga namang masisipag na mga bata 'tsaka masunurin.
"I know that they’ll grow up to be good people naman because I always talk to them, parang barkada.
"We’re like barkadas, and I think it's working naman."
She also sees her girls as “tough girls,” as she said in an Instagram post back in 2019, “They are just like their mom, marunong lumaban kung kinakailangan at marunong magpasalamat sa biyaya, maliit man o malaki.”
Read: Sunshine Cruz proud of her status as single mom
JANELLA SALVADOR - Have a healthy co-parenting setup
Janella Salvador may have broken up with Markus Paterson, but she ensures that he is still a constant presence in the life of their son Jude.
She said in an interview with PEP.ph back in February 2023, “Okay naman, we’re co-parenting nang maayos. Okay naman, wala namang problema.
“We have a system naman. He borrows Jude when he’s free but he stays with me talaga.”
Back when she confirmed her status as a single mother in 2022, she also said in a separate interview with PEP.ph, “We're both happy as individuals and our main priority is Jude.”
Read: Janella Salvador on co-parenting with ex-boyfriend Markus Paterson: "We have a system naman."
SARAH LAHBATI - Trust your intuition
Sarah Lahbati’s advice for first-time moms back in 2016 still holds true now that she is a single co-parent with ex-husband Richard Gutierrez to their sons Zion and Kai.
She said then in an interview with PEP.ph, “Trust your intuition.”
Sarah expounded, “There are days that are hard for me especially being a first-time mom, but then, you know, when I feel like, 'Can I still do this?'
"I look at Zion and when he smiles, parang, it changes my perspective and it motivates me to keep on going."
Her belief to “not sweat the small stuff” is also particularly helpful for single moms who may feel like they need to do it all.
Read: How Sarah Lahbati handles first-time mom decisions
JODI STA. MARIA - Think twice about life decisions
As a single mom to son Thirdy, Jodi Sta. Maria approaches life decisions — especially romantic relationships — with extra caution.
She said in an interview with PEP.ph back in 2020, "Siguro kasi, dahil ngayon I have a son…
"When you make decisions in life, parang you always have to think twice na, e.
"Siyempre, iyong isang decision para sa sarili mo. And then iyong decision naman na gagawin mo is, kailangan mo isipin kung paano ito makakaapekto sa anak mo.
"Kasi, kumbaga, hindi na lang ikaw iyan, e. I know that in everything na gagawin ko, alam ko na merong Thirdy na maaapektuhan.
"So, I think I just have to be more discerning and wise pagdating sa mga bagay na iyon."
Read: Why single mom Jodi Sta. Maria thinks twice about her love life
ANGEL AQUINO - Be strong for your kids
Having a child with a medical condition is heart-wrenching for any mother, and Angel Aquino knows this only too well.
Back in 2016, she spoke candidly about her daughter Thea’s hydrocephalus during a guesting at the ABS-CBN's morning show Magandang Buhay.
Angel related, "Ako bilang mom yung bigat sa puso, sa damdamin, sa isip. Pero I can't imagine what she went through."
Thea was able to overcome many challenges, and graduated from college in 2022.
Angel celebrated this milestone with a paean to her daughter in an Instagram post at the time, "Thank you for being unlimited, undaunted, unafraid.
"Your indomitable spirit powered through, Thea. That is your gift from God. Don’t ever lose it."
Thea’s accomplishment is a testament to Angel’s own strength as a mother.
As she had said in the 2016 Magandang Buhay interview, “You just have to keep your faith and you have to be strong para everyone around her is strong also."
Read: Angel Aquino so proud to see daughter with hydrocephalus finish college
TONI FOWLER - Use words of affirmation
When it comes to showering her daughter Tyronia with praise, Toni Fowler certainly doesn’t hold back.
In a YouTube vlog in January 2021, Toni was visibly puffing up with pride as Tyronia showed her her report card.
She burst out, "Anak, I'm so proud of you! Parang hindi kita anak, I love you! Ang galing mo naman anak, ang talino mo!"
Toni also reminded Tyronia to play the long game when it comes to her education, as she said, “Okay lang walang medal basta may diploma.”
Read: Toni Fowler proud of daughter Tyronia for high grades in report card
ZARA LOPEZ - Consider what’s bigger than your own problems
On February 12, 2024, Zara Lopez broke the news of her separation from her partner Simon Javier in an emotional Instagram Reel.
But the former Viva Hot Babe showed her steely resolve to raise her daughters as a single mother, choosing to set aside whatever problems lie ahead to prioritize their wellbeing.
She said, “Hindi dahilan ang problemang pinagdadaanan kung may isang musmos na bata ang magsasakripisyo para sa sariling kapakanan.
"Hindi sapat ang salitang problema para magdusa ang walang kamalay-malay na bata.
"Walang anumang dahilan ang puwede irason para sa anak at pamilya."
Read: Zara Lopez, now a single mom: "Magiging buo kami kahit wala ka."
SUGAR MERCADO - Find strength in your faith
Sugar Mercado is candid about the struggles she faces as a single mom to daughters Gabrielle Sophia and Olivia Isabelle, but she’s equally open about how she is sustained by her faith in God.
She said in an interview with PEP.ph in November 2023, “Mahirap na masarap. Mahirap kasi mag-isa ka, nanay, tatay, ate, kuya, best friend ka nila.
“May pagkakataon, sobra pagod ko, nagkasakit ako, tapos bata pa anak ko, dasal ko talaga huwag muna ako kunin kasi di ko kaya iwan anak ko sa ngayon, di pa nila kaya.
“Sabi ko sa mga anak ko pag nawala ako, Bible huwag nila kakalimutan basahin, walang ibang nakatulong kay nanay kundi Maylikha lang.
“Nagiging emotional ka pag sobrang pagod, pero masarap kasi kaya mo pala, kaya mo kasi andiyan mga anak mo at may ibibigay ang Diyos na mga tao na tutulungan ka, all glory to God.”
Read: Sugar Mercado opens up about "mahirap na masarap" journey as single mom
RITA DANIELA - Dedicate time to what’s important
While Rita Daniela has a healthy co-parenting setup with the father of her son Uno, she has taken a step back from her career to become a hands-on mom.
This is her way of making sure Uno feels loved and cherished.
As she said in a PEP.ph interview published in October 2023, "I think it's gonna be worth it.
"Kasi kahit na one year lang iyan na talagang tutok ako kay Uno, definitely, kumbaga may mapupuntahan.
"Mafi-feel niya talaga na mahal ko siya, ganon."
Read: Rita Daniela reveals challenges of being single mom, and co-parenting setup
CRISTINE REYES - Be content with what you have
For Cristine Reyes, contentment is her secret to being happy with her life as a single mom to daughter Amarah.
She told PEP.ph in February 2023, “To be honest, hindi ko naman nararamdaman na single mom ako kasi I’m happy.
“I think ngayon ko naramdaman na masaya ako with everything. Ganoon siguro kapag kuntento ka na sa buhay mo.
"Wala kang hinahangad na masyadong mataas. Kuntento ka lang kung ano ang ibigay sa iyo.”
Read: Cristine Reyes, maingat na bago makipagrelasyong muli
KATRINA HALILI - Be your kids’ first teacher
The pandemic gave Katrina Halili front-row seats to her daughter Katie’s education, and for the actress, it’s important to teach that life isn’t about taking shortcuts.
She revealed to PEP.ph in November 2020 that she could be quite strict with Katie.
Katrina said, “Ang ginagawa ko kasi, gusto ko makita na naiintindihan niya.
"Kahit na minsan puwede mo na lang isipin iyong sagot, hindi, papa-drawing ko sa kanya kung paano mo nakuha iyan para alam niya.
"Huwag natin ituro iyong shortcut para alam niya kung paano nangyari iyon. Ini-explain ko sa kanya.
"Medyo mahirap din pala maging teacher, pero nakakatuwa rin."
Katrina also made sure to teach Katie some life skills outside the classroom, as she said in a PEP Exclusives interview back in September 2020, “"Nagbe-bake kami and gumagawa siya ng mga house chores. Naghuhugas.
"Minsan tinuturuan ko rin magluto, mag-bake. Mag-assist-assist sa akin, 'tapos naglalaba. Pinaglalaba ko siya…
"Tinuturuan ko maglaba para naman, siyempre, maganda din naman na iyong mga bata tuturuan din natin ng mga ginagawa para marunong din naman.
"Hindi lahat inuutos lang."
Read: Katrina Halili a kontrabida to daughter Katie; finds online learning "matrabaho"
CIARA SOTTO - Find a partner who loves your kids
When it comes to dating as a single mom, Ciara Sotto has one condition: the man must first love and accept her son Crixus.
She said to PEP.ph in January 2020, “For me, dapat magkasundo sila. For me, dapat mahal din si Crixus. Kung hindi, no, di ba?
"Kasi may mga guys na ganoon, e. Iyong iba nga pinapapili pa, di ba? Pero ako, sorry, talagang number one ang anak ko.
"If you can't live with that, parang, I think that's not the right guy for me.”
KRIS AQUINO - Love your kids for eternity
One of the most popular single moms in Philippine showbiz, Kris Aquino penned an emotional birthday message for son Bimby as he turned 17 on April 19, 2024.
In her Instagram post, she paid tribute to her teenage son, who has been her rock as she battles many health issues.
Amid fears that she may not live to see his 18th birthday, she wrote her wish for him (published as is): “My one wish is for your character to remain STRONG, your values and integrity stay ADMIRABLE, your respectful and polite manner UNCHANGED, and your passion for learning will continue to inspire you to make the most of your education.”
Read: Kris Aquino fears she may not be around for Bimby's 18th birthday
Her heartfelt message is one that all mothers, single or otherwise, feel for their children: “I LOVE YOU not only during my lifetime or yours BUT definitely for eternity.”
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