Celebrity mom Sunshine Cruz beamed with pride as she discussed the recent accomplishments of her daughters Angelina, 22, Sam, 19, and Chesca, 18.
"My kids are okay," she told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press.
The interview took place on April 30, 2024, at her launch event as the newest brand ambassador of Thiocell, a glutathione in lozenge form.
Sunshine enthused, "Si Angelina, nasa last year na siya ng college sa La Salle, Dean’s lister, first honors.
"Si Sam naman, first year na siya sa college, dean’s lister, second honors.
"Si Chesca naman, tapos na siya ng senior high niya, nag-entrance exam siya sa Ateneo and she got in."
SUNSHINE CRUZ: CHESCA'S SECURITY
While Sunshine beams with pride over her daughters' achievements, she experiences a bittersweet feeling regarding her youngest daughter Chesca's latest milestone.
With the university being quite far from their home in Parañaque City, Chesca will need to live independently in a dormitory, a fact that leaves Sunshine feeling a bit melancholic.
Sunshine said, "Magdo-dorm, kasi ang layo, taga-South kami. So, mami-miss ko yung bunso kong magdo-dorm."
Sunshine already feels separation anxiety about her youngest daughter, knowing they'll only see each other on weekends.
Sunshine felt anxious about Chesca's security, especially with her about to start living independently.
As a precaution, she installed CCTV at Chesca's dorm for added protection.
She recalled telling her daughter, "Unang-una sa lahat, sabi ko lalagyan ko siya ng CCTV.
"All her life, kasama ko siya sa bahay. Kaya nga, I was thinking, 'Hindi ka makakapasa sa Ateneo, mag-La Salle Taft ka na lang.'
"Yun yung iniisip ko, e. Biglang nakapasa."
Sunshine continued, "So, basta sinasabi ko lang, 'You have to be very careful. Lagi mong ila-lock yung pinto. But, anak, don’t get me wrong, but I need to put CCTV in your room. Hindi naman sa may kama, of course, I’ll respect your privacy. But, of course, I need to check on you.'
"Baby ko iyan, e. Bunso ko iyan. Pero, yun lang sinasabi ko, huwag magtitiwala, mag-iingat."
She continued, "Sabi niya, 'Mommy, I’m going to buy pepper spray...' 'Yes, buy pepper spray,' sabi ko."
SUNSHINE CRUZ: RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FOR DAUGHTERS
Despite her concerns, Sunshine trusts that her daughter can live independently.
"I know napalaki ko rin naman silang independent, kahit nandiyan ako.
"Pag meron silang mga kailangan, project sa school, or may kailangan sila sa mall, kahit hindi ko na sinasamahan, kaya naman na nila mga sarili nila."
Sunshine also has confidence in her daughters' ability to make sound decisions regarding relationships.
This is why she permits them to go on dates, while reminding them to prioritize their studies.
"I allow them to date, just as long as focus nila ang kanilang pag-aaral.
"For me, wala akong karapatang magreklamo or magalit sa kanila, kasi puro honor students. Alam nila ang prayoridad nila, at nirerespeto nila kung ano yung curfew.
"Mababait na mga bata and honest naman sila sa akin. Wala silang tinatago. So far so good, thank God.
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