CEBU, Philippines — Children often mirror their parents, especially daughters with their mothers.
In what may be a surprise to some, provocateur Madonna is actually a strict mom. Her daughter Lourdes Leon once called her a “control freak,” saying she paid for college and her own apartment just to maintain independence from her. Fending for herself has helped Lourdes understand why her superstar mom – who began her music career in New York as a dancer before turning into the Queen of Pop – became who she is today, and what that has meant for other women.
There’s also Beyoncé, whose mom Tina Knowles served as Destiny’s Child’s stylist and designer at a time when luxury fashion houses refused to dress the then-up-and-coming girl group. Knowles’ instincts to style and launch a group that included her daughter helped shape much of the Y2K fashion blueprint that Gen Z has been attempting to emulate.
For Mother’s Day, these personalities shared to The FREEMAN their own relationships with their moms, and the advice that shaped their own journeys into motherhood:
Eva Patalinjug-Lim (lawyer, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2018)
“My relationship with my mother has always been one of love and support. One specific memory that stands out is during my high school graduation. I was incredibly nervous about the future and doubted my abilities.
She took the time to sit down with me and help me reflect on all the hard work I had put in to get to that point. She reminded me of my strengths and encouraged me to pursue my passions fearlessly. Her faith in me gave me the confidence I needed to walk across that stage proudly.
Now that I am in my mom’s shoes, one piece of advice she gave me resonates deeply: ‘Always listen to your heart but use your mind to guide your decisions.’
As a mother, this advice reminds me to balance my intuition and emotions with logical thinking when navigating challenges. It helps me provide thoughtful guidance to my children, ensuring they feel supported while also encouraging them to consider their decisions carefully.”
Akiko Solon (singer-actress)
“My mom and I are like cats and dogs. We would argue, but at the end of the day, we’d eventually be okay. She’s the ‘reminder’ in my life, sometimes to the point of being ‘kulit’ because you’d hear it almost every day. But I admit she’s the reason why when I’m too busy, I realize there’s a need to pause for a while and appreciate all the good things that's happening in my life.
The advice she keeps on reminding me of every time I am busy is that I have to always make time for my kids since she was not able to give it to us before, because she was busy making a living; and that in whatever we do, pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance.
She’s the strongest and most patient woman I know. She’s gone through so much in life, but I can still see how strong a woman she is because of her faith in the Lord. That’s why I often tell her, I am thankful to her for what I’ve become now. I would not experience everything in my life if not for her. I am proud of who I am because of my parents, especially my mom.”
Irma Bitzer (entrepreneur, Mrs. Philippines International 2023, Miss Universe Philippines Cebu franchise owner)
“My relationship with my Mama was always filled with deep respect and unconditional love. I never once answered her back in anger. She commanded respect not through fear, but through the sheer strength of her character and the sacrifices she made for us. I have always believed that no matter how much we give back, we can never truly repay everything our mothers have done for us.
One moment that marked me for life was when I felt completely hopeless because of the poverty we were facing. I didn’t see a way out. But my mother, steadfast and wise, told me something that shaped my entire path: ‘Anak, tindog diha and ayaw padaug sa kalisod. Pangita ug paagi nga mabag-o imong life in the future by having a degree. Education is the only treasure no one can ever take from you. Work hard for your future, but never step on the rights of others.’ That became my compass.
Even when she thought they could no longer afford my schooling, she allowed me to become a working student because she believed in my dreams. That single act of trust and empowerment was the stepping stone that changed my life. Her quiet strength and belief in the value of education became the foundation of everything I’ve achieved since.
The best advice my mother ever gave me – and the one I carry with me every day as a mom – is to go after my dreams with hard work and integrity, without ever stepping on the rights of others. That principle now guides how I raise my own children. I always tell them there are no shortcuts to success. It takes commitment, perseverance, and a strong moral compass.
Just as my mother planted hope in me when I had so little, I strive to do the same for my daughters, teaching them that their dreams are valid, that they must work for them, and that they can achieve anything as long as they remain grounded in humility and kindness. Her legacy lives on in how I love and lead not only my family but also the people around me.”
Steffi Aberasturi-Arcenas (Miss Universe Philippines 2021 2nd runner-up)
“I have a close relationship with my mom that I feel like I can tell her anything. She has always had my back and supported my dreams and goals. When I started modeling and joining pageants at 14, she never left my side.
She would go with me to every event, even when she was tired, knowing they often ended late. She just wanted to make sure I was safe and had someone with me. Even now, I sometimes bring her to my events. I’ve seen how much effort she puts in just to help make my dreams come true. All the love and sacrifice she’s shown me is something I can never repay, and I’m truly grateful for her.
Now that I’m raising my child, I understand her so much more. On the hard days when I feel overwhelmed or unsure, I hear her voice in my head, telling me to slow down, take a breath, and just be there for my baby. I try to model the same gentleness and strength she gave me. Her advice has helped me become the kind of mom I aspire to be – loving, patient, and always supportive, even when things get tough. It’s only now that I fully appreciate the depth of her sacrifices and the quiet power of her love.” — (FREEMAN)