Jolina Magdangal's busy schedule doesn't stop her from being a hands-on mom | Parenting

These days, life at home is not life at pause. Parents have to work from home, take care of their kids, and manage their household all at the same time — and even celebrity moms like Jolina Magdangal-Escueta are not exempt from this.

In a recent interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Jolina opens up about how she and her family have been adjusting to life at home, how she balances work and family obligations, and how she is able to stay boosted amid all of these.

The actress-host admits that working from home — her shoots for her showbiz projects are mostly done virtually — while attending to the needs of her kids is challenging. However, as a parent who is committed to being hands-on when it comes to her children, Jolina makes it a point to be there for her kids no matter how exhausting her day can get.

Below, Jolina explains to PEP.ph how she is able to keep up with her hectic schedule as a working and full-time mom.

Balancing career and motherhood

Jolina co-hosts the morning talk show Magandang Buhay, but if she doesn’t have tapings scheduled for it, the mom says she is mostly at home. However, this doesn’t mean the work stops.

At home, Jolina’s work schedule is as busy as ever. She has online guestings, endorsement shoots, and Zoom meetings to attend to. And on top of all of these, Jolina is running her household and tending to her kids.

“Kung wala kaming cycle for Magandang Buhay, I am a very, very hands-on mom,” she says.

She cleans the house, cooks meals, does the laundry, homeschools her son Pele with her husband, and also breastfeeds her daughter Vika.

When asked why she is committed to doing all of these, Jolina explains: “Kasama sa goal namin ng husband ko na pag nagka-family kami, number one [priority namin] ang maging hands-on sa mga anak namin."

"[We] want to experience and witness every tiny bit of their growing journey.”

Parenting during these times

But similar to the experience of most parents, Jolina also admits that the current situation shook up her family’s routine. Before, she felt confident because she was in control of things — and now, the opposite is true. For once, Jolina finds herself feeling unstable.

“Nung magsimula ang pandemya, I admit na naging mas challenging ang pagiging magulang kasi hindi na lang [pamilya ko ang kailangan tutukan],” she says.

“I also needed to focus on myself, especially my well-being and mental health, para mas maalagaan ko ang pamilya ko.”

There is also this extra pressure to make sure her children are doing well despite being at home all the time. Like most moms, Jolina wants her kids to be happy and healthy even in these challenging times.

“Gusto ko ma-experience nila na kahit nasa bahay kami, nag-e-enjoy kami at marami silang maiipon na memories.”

In the case of her eldest, Pele, Jolina says: “Lagi ako nag-iisip ng mga activities na puwede namin gawin together and, at the same time, may [matututunan siya].”

Recently, she and her son spend their quality time together doing all sorts of activities: painting, playing with the dog, and their favorite, taking care of plants.

Jolina is a self-confessed “plantita,” and her son eventually got interested in her hobby after watching her tend to their home garden. Apparently, Pele is especially fond of cacti.

“Every time na may nagugustuhan kaming cactus, nagre-research kami together on how to take care and propagate it,” Jolina says. “Pati history and origin ng kung anong cactus yun inaalam naming dalawa.”

What she likes about this particular activity is that it’s not just an opportunity to spend quality time with Pele; it also allows her to teach him the value of being responsible.

“I believe that taking care of a plant is a big responsibility, kasi may buhay ito and may connection sa feelings ng bawat isa,” she expounds. “Lagi niya rin itong mare-relate sa iba niyang subjects [sa school] — like science.”

Keeping herself physically boosted

Jolina reveals that because she’s the type of person who wants to finish all of her tasks — regardless if they’re work- or family-related — she often loses track of time. “As in nagugulat ako na gabi na ulit. Sobrang bilis ng oras.”

But, no matter how tiring her day can get, as long as it’s for her family, Jolina believes it’s all worth it.

“Gusto ko pa rin magawa ang lahat,” Jolina reveals. “Mag-iisip pa nga ako ng maidadagdag kasi isa talaga yan sa way ko para iparamdam sa husband ko na best wife ako, at para sa mga anak ko na I am a ‘super mama.’”

In order for her to do all and keep exhaustion at bay, Jolina commits to partnering her balanced diet and active lifestyle with Nutriboost.

“Aside kasi sa mga healthy food na kinakain natin, sa panahon ngayon, kailangan pa natin dagdagan ng vitamins ang iniinom natin,” Jolina explains. “Nutriboost helps me stay boosted para mas magawa ko lahat lahat ng mga dapat kong gawin.”

Nutriboost is a delicious and nutritious milk drink formulated with vitamins and minerals. It has vitamin B3 to help combat fatigue; vitamins B6 and E, and Zinc to help strengthen immunity; and calcium to help build strong bones, when partnered with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

It also comes in three delicious flavors — chocolate, strawberry, and orange — so moms can also share it with the kids. According to Jolina, both she and Pele like to drink Nutriboost during their planting sessions!

Moms need to stay boosted in order to take care of the family. As the saying goes, you cannot pour out of an empty cup.

“Always remember that for our kids, love is spelled as ‘time.’ And time [should be measured by] quality not quantity,” Jolina points out.

“Naniniwala rin ako na ang batang naalagaan sa pagmamahal ay isang batang resilient yet ine-enjoy pa rin ang kabataan nila.”

If you #GATAStayBoosted just like Jolina Magdangal and Pele, try partnering your balanced diet with Nutriboost! Shop Nutriboost online here. For more information, follow Nutriboost Philippines on Facebook.

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