As we enter the month-long celebration of beauty and feminine energy, we also get the chance to recognize the overwhelming contributions of women to society. We have yet to fully achieve equality as it is difficult to reverse preconceived notions and deeply embedded norms but every day is an opportunity to acknowledge the power and indomitable spirit of women. I am sure that if we just take time to get to know our mothers, sisters, female friends, and colleagues, inspiring stories of hope, faith, love, and ultimately, strength, will be revealed.
In my attempt to pay tribute to a few women so close to my heart (aside from my mom and sister!), I dropped notes to my friends’ husbands early this week to ask for the top-of-mind moments that remind them of having married a strong woman. Here are the heartwarming answers I collected:
“While Chee was pregnant, we had to transfer store locations, and move into a new home successively. She took care of most of the planning and execution of both life-altering events while she tried to navigate all the challenges of being pregnant for the very first time. I knew she was tired most of the time but she never complained about the situation nor made me feel bad that she had to do all those extra work.” – Jeffrey Choi on Cheerine
An achiever since she was a student, Cheerine is a hands-on mom and entrepreneur who has mastered the art of organizing things and multitasking.
“Tin went back to full-time work one full month ahead of the maternity leave she was entitled to. Nobody forced her and there was no pressure from the company. She just knew that she’s more than capable of handling the tough demands of her full-time job and the needs of our newborn baby, of course with full support from myself and the entire family.” – Jaryd Chan on Kristine
Kristine is a power woman as a lady boss in one of the country’s top multinational companies but it is amazing how she transforms as a wife and mom who prioritizes her family.
“Pano ko malaman malakas asawa ko? Lagi akong talo sa debate kaya andito ako ngayon naghuhugas ng plato habang nanonood siya ng Korean series. [How do I know my wife is strong? I never win in a debate with her and that’s why, here I am, washing the dishes while she’s watching Korean series.]” – Marvin Estacio on Anna
Kidding aside, Marbs told me he appreciates his softspoken wife’s logic and having a mind of her own. Anna is also a super hands-on mom even with a flourishing career in IT.
“I’ve always known that Lorra was a person of strength and integrity in the way she forged her own path in life. But setting aside a career that’s defined so much of who she is, so that she can homeschool our two kids is on a whole other level. It’s tested and continues to test her self-identity, her core values, and her mental health, all so our kids grow up to be the best that they can be.”
– Elbert Or on Lorra
Since she first gave birth in 2016, Lorra has been in charge of taking care of the home and family full-time (without househelp!). She has also been doing a great job homeschooling their children.
“It’s her dedication to her family, work, and pursuits. I have never met someone so dedicated to study and making herself better everyday while also being a full-time wife and mother. It’s her everyday consistency and almost “legendary” stamina to complete what should be done (at home or at work) and not to wait until tomorrow.” – Eric Yan on Valerie
Valerie found out she was pregnant with their second child two weeks before the start of her master’s degree program at an Ivy League university. With Eric’s support, Val excellently does her parenting duties while still getting straight As in school.
“I already knew Em was a strong woman, even before we got married. But she proved this even further ever since our daughter Martina was born. Em always prioritizes Martina’s well-being and I saw that being a mother even made her even stronger.” – Bodek Bautista on Em
Em has always been a vision of kindness and strength. Being a wife and mom just magnified that. Her kind heart is her superpower.
“There are a few specific moments I remember where I knew I married a strong woman in Maycee. First, just hearing her story before we were married, how she lived in Brunei by herself and managed to work and save up enough to go to university in the States.
Another time was when she gave birth to Tala. Maycee is very averse to pain. And yet, she did amazing the whole way through, and then did it two more times with Malaya and Reyna. She was even sick with COVID when she had Reyna, and the epidural didn’t work. But somehow, she was able to do all that. Incredible.
Finally, we have three very energetic girls who are adorable but can be a handful. I do what I can to watch them but Maycee is still able to make time for them. This is when she is currently working on her MBA and working full time! How on earth does she do it? She is an amazing woman and I count myself incredibly lucky to have found such a person. I truly know of no other person who is as strong and determined as her.”
– Spencer Lamb on Maycee
Highly independent even as a kid, Maycee once did the unthinkable and gave up her studies at a top university in the country to find herself and pursue her dreams abroad. She has since proven the power of grit and focus.
Happy Women’s Month to these inspiring women and every woman out there!
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