Celebs reveal their mom’s most lovable qualities

(First of two parts)

For Mother’s Day, the Inquirer asked celebrities about their mother’s most striking qualities and indelible teachings. And as they reflected about their childhood and what their mothers did to give them a good life, one thing always seemed to come up: unconditional love.

Julie Anne San Jose

Julie Anne San Jose

One thing I really admire about my mother is her selfless love. A mother’s love has no equal. And I feel blessed to have someone like her in my life. She’s behind me through the challenges. She guides me in my everyday life. I can’t afford to lose her.

She always reminds me to be kind, and to keep my feet on the ground. She inspired me to love myself and continue learning and doing what I love. This Mother’s Day, I want to do something special for her.

Ariel Rivera

Ariel Rivera

I think of my mom when I think of unconditional love. Happiness, for her, is putting my own happiness first, before her own.

LJ Reyes

LJ Reyes

My mother is very supportive. Her love for us is unconditional. And now, having my own kid, I appreciate her even more. I wasn’t a rebellious kid by any means, but there were times when I wouldn’t abide by her rules, or hurt her unwittingly. But she was always there, supporting and loving me. She’s the epitome of love.

My parents are separated, so my mother had to raise us by herself. And growing up, I learned that a woman’s strength is like no other. She worked overseas to give us a better life—big sacrifice. But she’s a tough one.

Arjo Atayde

My mom (Sylvia Sanchez) taught me how to adapt to difficult situations and to be respectful to the people I meet. And I think I’m doing pretty well in that regard.

Gil Cuerva

Growing up as a kid, there was always this longing to fit in and have many friends. But I didn’t have a lot. And I would always go running to my mom because I felt bad. She would comfort me and tell me that things would get better. She assured me that, someday, I’d find my place under the sun; that I will discover something that will make me happy; and meet people who will accept me.

I appreciate the fact that my mom’s very open-minded and has always been supportive of my passions. She said she would rather support me doing the things I love, than force me to do something I don’t.

She’s an empowered woman with a commanding presence.

Jennylyn Mercado

Jennylyn Mercado

I went through a lot of things in life when I was a teenager—not so nice things. But my Nanay Lydia’s patience was never-ending. She taught me to be God-fearing; to be kind to everyone around me; and to treasure everyone who was by my side from the very beginning, when I had yet to make it in the biz. These are things I want to impart to my son, Jazz.

Maris Racal

Maris Racal

My mom is God-fearing, a very religious person. That’s one of the qualities I got from her. So, whatever I do, I feel like someone’s always guiding me.

While I’m more independent now, she’s still there for me. She always reminds me to choose to do what’s right.

Jameson Blake

Jameson Blake

My mom is generous, lovable and kind—I can’t ask for anything more. She wants me to become responsible and independent. As a kid, she made me do household chores, which I appreciate.

I’d love to give her something special this Mother’s Day, perhaps some cooking tools. Then, I’ll spend time with her at home in Pampanga. My biggest dream is to build her a new house.

(Conclusion tomorrow)