For most working moms, time management is always a biggest challenge.
This is probably why Ciara Sotto makes an extra effort to spend time with her three-year-old son Crixus whenever she can.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Saturday, June 30, Ciara proudly mentioned some of her son's latest milestones.
The 38-year-old actress-host said her son speaks and understands English, and is starting to learn Filipino.
She told PEP.ph, "He can also understand and speak a little Tagalog.
"Kasi pag tinanong mo siya ng, 'Sino ang love ni mama?' Sasabihin niya, 'Ako po.'
"'Tapos, now natuturuan ko na siyang mag-po at opo."
Ciara added, "He's very smart, actually.
"Masyado siyang matalino. Like, akala ko minsan hindi niya naiintindihan yung Tagalog.
"So tina-Tagalog ko yung yaya niya, sabi ko, 'Ya, after nito, aalis na ako…'
"'Tapos, sasabihin niya, 'I don't want you to go mama!' So naiintindihan niya na yung mga ganun."
Ciara also added that her son is quite inquisitive, "Meron pa siyang mga kunyare kumakain kami, 'tapos I keep telling him, 'Finish your rice and ulam. You can't just eat all the ulam ganyan-ganyan…'
"'Tapos, titignan niya yung plate ko, 'Mama, you also, why are you not eating rice?'
"E, kasi hindi ako kumakain ng white rice! Nagda-diet ako, di ba?
"Siyempre, hindi ko ma-explain sa kanya, so mapipilitan ka rin talaga."
TODDLER SCHOOL. Ciara hasn't considered enrolling her son in preschool or even a day care center.
She said, "Hindi ko pa siya ine-enroll to anything.
"So kung ano lang talaga yung gusto niyang gawin for the day, yun lang yung sinusunod ko habang bata pa siya.
"Kasi kapag nagka-school na, may rules na iyan, e. May routine na siyang susundin."
Ciara said her son has been showing interest in different sports.
She added, "Sumasama siya palagi sa mga cousins niya mag-basketball.
"Gusto niya rin minsan ng football, sumasama rin siya. He also likes swimming."
Crixus is pretty much ready for preschool, but she prefers to teach him the basics herself.
Ciara told PEP.ph, "I was thinking about that, but if I'm able to do it at home, then why not?
"Kasi mas gusto ko mag-spend time with him and teach him stuff.
"Right now, he already identifies letters. He can't read it but he knows it na."
Is she open to the possibility of her son joining showbiz soon?
Ciara answered, "Sana hindi, pero if he really wants then siguro I wouldn't stop my child for trying to fulfill his dreams, pero sana hindi."
Nevertheless, the actress said she's very much open to modelling projects for her son.
"Okay lang yung mga ganun-ganun pero parang ayaw na niyang ulitin.
"Sabi niya, 'Mama, I don't want to go to the fashion show again.'
"Pero nung una, nung practice lang, ang yabang talaga paulit-ulit.
"Pero nung show na 'tapos ang daming tao, na-stress siya."
