Chynna Ortaleza (left) with Stellar and Salem
To say that being a mother is their most challenging role is an understatement, especially with the ongoing pandemic. But despite the sacrifices they have to make, the trying moments they have to bear, and the balancing act they have to maintain, raising kids is a “magical,” “colorful” and “fulfilling” journey.
And for these celebrity mothers, there’s no better energy booster than their children’s smallest displays of love and affection.Mother of two Chynna Ortaleza loves it when her 5-year-old daughter, Stellar, compliments her efforts at home. “She’s a very affectionate kid and would randomly come up to me when I’m busy with work and when I’m cooking,” she told the Inquirer in a recent virtual interview. “When she feels like I’m not giving her enough attention, she would go tell me, ‘Mommy, I want you to know that I appreciate you and you’re the most beautiful in the world … You make the best food!’” related Chynna, whos’ married to music artist Kean Cipriano. “I was surprised because I wasn’t like that as a kid. I think she got that from Kean, who’s more vocal.”
‘Boost of power’
Her 19-month-old son, Salem, is just as sweet and loves physical contact with her. “His way of showing affection is by wrestling with me,” Chynna jested. “Sometimes, he would put his face close to mine and say, ‘Hello? Hello?’ And when he’s in a certain mood he would kiss me on the lips—it has to be on the lips!”
“Whenever they do those things, I get a boost of power,” the 38-year-old actress added.
LJ Reyes’ son Aki is turning 11 in a few months, but remains as caring and loving as he has always been.
“At his age, I thought he would stop being malambing. He can be naughty, but he’s really affectionate. He still says, ‘I love you.’ Now that he’s older, we have heart-to-heart talks. He tells me I’m the best mother,” he said of Aki, his son with Paulo Avelino.
Meanwhile, LJ’s 2-year-old girl, Summer—with current partner, Paolo Contis—always gets excited over the actress’ cooking.
“She’s so cute and always thanks me for everything. She goes, ‘Thank you, mom!’ in a very cute manner, then stares at me like she’s so in love with you,” the 33-year-old Kapuso star said. “She’s so talkative for her age.”
LJ Reyes (right) and daughter Summer
Unmistakable
Luane Dy’s son, Christiano, may have only turned 1 year old this month, but their bond, she said, is unmistakable. “His first word is, ‘Mama!’ They say that boys are closer to their moms, and it’s true—he’s so clingy. He looks for mommy all the time. He’s sweet. Every day, he will kiss you upon waking up. And before going to sleep, he kisses everyone … even his stuffed toy,” said the 35-year-old television host, who’s married to actor Carlo Gonzalez.
Nursing is also her favorite bonding moment with her baby. “When I feed him or put him to sleep, there’s always that eye-to-eye contact,” she related “He can’t talk much yet, but you can more or less understand what he wants. He shakes his head when he doesn’t want something, and passionately head bangs when he wants something!”
And as their kids grow before their eyes, they can’t help but realize how much they see themselves in them—for better or worse, they jested.
“‘Naku po, tayo pa ang pinagsama,’ I would always tell Kean when the kids are being a handful. One time, during a party, there was a TikTok dance contest and Kean wanted Stellar to join. But she was painting that time, so she said, ‘Don’t force me,’” Chynna related. “When she’s nagsusungit, Kean always gives me this knowing look, as if saying, ‘Alam na!’”
Luane Dy and son Christiano (foreground)
Full of energy
“On the other hand, when I see the kids so full of energy—shouting, running around or boxing—I know where that comes from. That’s Kean,” she quipped.
Luane had a realization while watching Christiano play with his stacking toys. “He can be impatient like me! And I’m amazed he could already do it when he was 9 months. But when he makes mistakes, he would throw them away. Gigil na gigil siya sa sarili niya. Very mommy!” I said.
Summer seemed to have inherited LJ’s boundless energy, but also Paolo’s goofiness. “One time, I asked her how many fingers she has, and she replied, ‘Many!’ My friends teased me that I should ask Paolo to stay away from Summer, but I think her being a jokester is already in her blood!”
Aki, on the other hand, “is so me,” LJ said. “He’s also energetic and athletic, but sensitive and soft-hearted at the same time. We both cried when we saw ‘Frozen’ for the first time … and when we watched ‘Coco,’ mukha kaming ewan!” LJ said, laughing.