Saab Magalona admits feeling ‘mom guilt’

Saab Magalona-Bacarro (top, right) and best friend Candy Gamos (top, left) share with host Bianca Valerio their sister-like bond./SCREENSHOT

MAKATI CITY, Philippines—Singer and streamer Saab Magalona-Bacarro is the picture of calm with glowing skin and a bright smile whenever she goes in front of the camera, seemingly unfazed with raising two children while juggling homemaking and a music career.

But she admitted to once getting bouts of “mom guilt” before when she felt she was depriving time and energy of her baby whenever she would attend to personal needs.

“I struggled with that,” Bacarro said during the first episode of “SIS Sessions,” an online talk show on the Physiogel Philippines Facebook page, on Sept. 25.

But she later realized that selfcare is as important as rendering service to loved ones.

“If I’m not happy with myself, they can feel it. So take time every day, if you can afford it, even one hour, to do the stuff you like to do,” Bacarro shared.

“It is important to do things for yourself because your children can feel it if you are burned out,” she continued.

Her best friend and “Cheats” bandmate Candy Gamos also joined in the conversation and shared how their friendship, which blossomed into a sisterhood-like relationship, helped them cope with the challenges of life, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I love that I found Candy. I have three sisters by blood and Candy has one. But the bond outside of blood, we choose them. It’s magical,” Bacarro said.

The two met through their respective ex-boyfriends and hit it off. They remained close even when they had broken off with the men who served as the conduits to the bond they enjoy now with each other.

Aside from bonding over music, the two also talk about their quirky interests with which nobody else seems to be an affinity.

And even when the pandemic hit, the two would continue to talk, almost every day, over the phone.

“We don’t have to set a meet-up. We’d just call and ask how our day went,” Gamos said.

For her, knowing that someone is there no matter what happens, and with no judgment, is good for oneself.

“Being in tune with myself, knowing what my body and soul needs, sharing the positivity with those around you,” are a form of selfcare for Gamos.

Bacarro, for her part, said “selfcare is essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You have to care for yourself to have the energy to give, to love, and to care.”

She also reminded people that selfcare differs from person to person. “I like arranging stuff, furniture. Having a nice space makes me happy. That’s selfcare. Calling up Candy, making chika,” Bacarro said.

The two also shared that they are currently working on their music and will be releasing some of their work very soon.