Since her return to show business, singer-actress Jolina Magdangal-Escueta has reaped many accolades for her performance in Your Face Sounds Familiar and the afternoon drama Flordeliza with Marvin Agustin. But her flourishing career hasn’t stopped her from being a hands-on mom to one-year old Pele.
A self-confessed “praning” mom, Jolina enumerates the top five motherhood lessons she has learned since she gave birth to the love of her life, Pele.
Motherhood comes first everywhere. Even with her busy schedule, Jolina is devoted to being a hands-on mom. In fact, his son often comes with Jolina to her taping. “I want to be there for Pele’s every milestone. I don’t want to miss a thing,” Jolina says. “I’m glad the production staff of my shows understands where I’m coming from as a mother. They help me ensure I have space to breastfeed, and to set up Pele’s playpen and cot so he can be safe and comfortable.”
Keep calm. Pele getting sick is one of Jolina’s biggest worries. “He is generally a happy baby, so I know right away when he isn’t feeling well. Because I am a first-time mom, I used to panic at the slightest sign of fever — I call my pediatrician right away. Si Mark (husband Mark Escueta of Rivermaya) is usually the calm one, and he reads a lot of parenting books, ako yung madaldal at nagwo-worry,” Jolina says. “Mas panatag ako ngayon with Paracetamol Calpol because it is pedia-recommended, and I have the support of the #GoGinhawa community to share experiences with.”
Jolina was recently launched as a #GoGinhawa Mom for Paracetamol Calpol, along with TV personality Suzi Entrata-Abrera and lifestyle blogger Jackie Go.
Involve your husband. Jolina says it is hubby Mark who keeps her balanced. “Ay mas involved siya kasi siguro nakikita niya na nagwo-worry ako, so dalawa yung inaalagaan niya eh,” Jolina elaborates. “Yung emotions ko parang roller-coaster na pag masaya si Pele e di ako rin masaya, tapos pag nilalagnat na ulit parang maiiyak na naman ako. So, ngayon yung asawa ko siya yung nagbabalanse sa amin. Kung ako konting kibot magte-text agad sa pedia, siya, nakabalanse sa baby and sa akin, hands-on talaga siya.”
Mommy knows best. Jolina appreciates the guidance from her own mom. “Siya yung nagturo sa akin paano maghawak ng bata, kahit mahina likod niya dahil sa scoliosis,” Jolina narrates. “So tinuro niya pa rin sa akin bago pa bumigat si Pele. As in talaga from Tagaytay umuwi siya para turuan ako.”
Share Best Practices. Aside from the Calpol #GoGinhawa community, Jolina swaps mommy tips with other celebrity moms. “Kami ni Kyla — our kids are almost the same age, months lang ang pagitan. Tapos yung OB ko nakuha ko kay Juday. Ngayon, sa Your Face, kami ni Melai (Cantiveros). Minsan naglalaro sa playpen ni Pele yung anak niya. Tapos si Ate Carla (Estrada) rin.”
For mommies, more valuable tips can be found in the #GoGinhawa Mom Movement community that provides a wealth of information for mothers, including fever management tips and advice through the #GoGinhawa Mom blogs, articles, and educational videos. For more information, visit www.calpol.com.ph, or sign up to be a #GoGinhawa Mom by liking Calpol Philippines on Facebook .