Elisse Joson
Being a mom still feels new to me,” declared actress Elisse Joson, who also said she welcomes the opportunity to be in the company of other moms in order to hear their insights on issues related to raising her 2-year-old daughter Felize.
“I still consider myself a new mom, so it’s nice to know that I will be in the company of women who have been moms for a long time already. I look forward to gaining wisdom from them, hearing them share stories of their struggles or their happy memories as they raise their children,” Elisse told reporters during the recent ABS-CBN-organized event titled “Save the Date.”
Celebrity mommies will be given a special tribute on Mother’s Day with the first “Star MAMAgic Day” on May 10. The strong and beautiful mothers under Star Magic such as Jolina Magdangal, Vina Morales, Dimples Romana and Janella Salvador will also be in attendance with their kids.
Elisse said she was aware that the public has not fully accepted the idea that she is now a mom. “I think it’s normal because I started working in this business quite young, as a teen contestant in ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ I’d get there, eventually. I look up to moms like Ate Dimples, but I’m in no rush [to be like her]. I guess that’s how people see me now—that I’m a young mom, but [at 27] I really don’t think I’m one,” she explained.
BGYO members Akira (left), Mikki and JL with Bini Mikha (center)
Being a mom has definitely changed her, said Elisse. “The change is more on the aspect of not putting myself first anymore. I grew up being an only child, and that’s a big factor. Before, I wasn’t too aware of my surroundings and was never concerned about other people’s needs. Now, there’s awareness of other people’s feelings, especially of my daughter’s. Basically, the change is in prioritizing other people over myself.”
Enjoying motherhood
Elisse continued: “I’m aware that one does not become a wonderful mother in a snap. What’s good about what’s happening to me is that, every day, I learn something new. I’m able to figure out what works for me and Felize. I also learned not to be too hard on myself, especially if I see other moms doing things quite differently from how I’m used to doing them. Motherhood is different for everybody. I’m enjoying it, especially now that Felize is 2 and is at that stage where she’s very sweet and clingy.”
Elisse said she is grateful to have a good support system, especially when she is busy with work. “McCoy (de Leon, her partner) is there for his daughter. When both of us are busy, we are able to trust our families to watch over Felize,” she said.
Also present at the “Save the Date” event were Ria Atayde, Xyriel Manabat, Bini Mikha and members of the all-male group BGYO, Mikki, JL and Akira, as well as business unit heads Reily Santiago and Raymund Dizon, and Star Magic special events and digital head Love Capulong.
Elisse (right) with Ria Atayde and Xyriel Manabat
To kick off the Kapamilya summer festivities, Star Magic is mounting the first-ever “Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball,” with the aim to promote self-love and body positivity. This event on May 4 will be bannered by stars Maymay Entrata, Chie Filomeno, Enchong Dee, Jake Cuenca and Ria Atayde. “This event tells everyone that we can slay in any shape, size and age. For me, ‘sexy’ has always been about being comfortable in your own skin, being able to embrace and celebrate it because of and in spite of its flaws,” said Ria, who was recently launched as the calendar girl of a liquor brand.
“I think the calendar strengthened this belief even more for me. It made it more real for me because, when the calendar came out, there were negative comments. But more than that, there were people who reached out to say, ‘Thank you because you embraced your body and taught me to embrace mine, too.’“
‘Ruthless’
When asked whether she was ever approached by colleagues wanting to discuss their insecurities with her, Ria said: “I’ve had conversations both with people from the industry and from outside about this. I think it’s normal given how society works. Especially in our industry, it can get very ruthless. I always tell people that what should matter to you is the opinion of people you consider important. I have hypothyroidism and I have no gall bladder, so losing weight is harder for me than it is for other people. I say, ‘Go ahead! Call me fat! But what can you do? I’m sick with stuff that I can’t fix.’ It takes a level of embracing yourself and really understanding yourself, too. At the end of the day, it’s only you and yourself.”
Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts and fans alike will be delighted to know that the “All-Star Games” will be held on May 21. Among the highlights of the day-long event are competitions featuring the likes of Daniel Padilla, Donny Pangilinan and playing coach Gerald Anderson. Star Magic is also gearing up for the June 2023 launch of the latest edition of the “Star Magic Catalogue,” which features its talents in their most glamorous poses. INQ