Andi Manzano-Reyes / ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — Host and former MTV VJ Andi Manzano-Reyes is savoring every moment of raising her two daughters, who will soon welcome another sister with a new baby along the way. And it is no sweat for her as she finds motherhood so much easier now.
“I think we are fortunate because we are able to work from home. We’re able to spend time, we’re able to mother, we’re able to bear it and have a business and do everything at home,” she told the Inquirer in an interview recently at the sidelines of a media gathering where she was launched as endorser of a personal care line for mothers and babies.
Dubbed the “Chief Mama Officer,” Manzano made comparisons about motherhood then and now, when mothers may now enjoy a wider support system.
“I think now people feel that they are not alone when it comes to motherhood. Now with social media, with the internet, it’s easy to join groups on Facebook. I feel like we have a better support system that even you can find friends or people going through the same thing you’re going through, even if they’re far away from another country,” she explained.
Women also find it easier now to enjoy their “me time” away from their children, and indulge in self-care practices.
“I think all of you will agree that spending time alone and having time for yourself really helps you mentally. It also helps you with your mood swings,” she said.
Manzano said she enjoys “a quiet bath, waking up early in the morning having your coffee, or watching your Netflix show. I like going to the grocery. I enjoy going to the grocery now.”
But no matter how times may have changed, and how easier life has now become for moms, “the love of a mother” to her child will always remain the same, said Manzano, who is married to entrepreneur GP Reyes. EDV