In a society that is often judgmental about women who bear children without religion-sanctioned rituals, show business is certainly more open-minded and accepting.
Since most of us are still reeling from yesterdays Mothers’ Day festivities and activities, we thought it best to write about some of the fabulous single moms we know in this business. Soul sisters Max and Andi Eigenmann, national film treasure Angeli Bayani, and the well-bred and very brave Denise Laurel are some of the most beautiful single ladies who happen to be wonderful moms, too.
Max Eigenmann admits that motherhood has tamed her. “Oh yes! Becoming a mom for the first time certainly turned everything around for me. And becoming a mom twice has definitely changed how I view life, see myself, and how I deal with things and situations,” she said.
Mom to her two boys, Alessandro and Massimo, Max prefers to be a hands-on mom. “It shouldn’t be seen as sacrifice because being there for your kids is a natural thing. And the happiness I get from being with my boys, like simply driving them to school and doing things with them, is always priceless.”
With a regular daily drama like Bridges of Love on ABS-CBN, Max has prepared herself to deal with erratic time schedules and work locations. “It can be tough juggling your daily work schedule to match it with your kids’ daily activities. Oftentimes, you miss them so I constantly get in touch with my kids when I’m at work.”
Max is also thankful that she has her mom to run to every time she needs another pair of hand to help care for her kids. Max posted this message on her social-media account to pay tribute to her mom, Bing Pimentel. “Happy, happy Mother’s Day to the woman that raised me, taught me my manners, taught me the true meaning of strength; and to the woman who made me the mother I am today. I learned true love because of you. My children are fantastic because of all that you’ve taught me. I may not see you as much as I’d like but I want you to know that I love you so very, very much, Mom. I am who I am because of you! I love you so much!”
MOST TREASURED POSSESSION
Even while controversies continue to hound her excursion into motherhood, Andi Eigenmann has learned to just shrug these off. She once shared with us that motherhood has taught her to simplify things. “In this business, everything tends to be magnified. Everything can be big deal to some people. When I became a mom amid quite complicated circumstances, I learned to just live the life I want for myself and my baby.”
Andi’s daughter Ellie is her most treasured possession. “She is growing up so fast. But I enjoy every minute I spend with her. Suddenly every little thing that is associated with her has a meaning. My life suddenly had a meaning when I became a mom.”
Andi and Max lost their dad, Mark Gil, last September and both are sad that their late father will not be able to see his beautiful grandchildren grow up. “I guess both Max and I can just raise our kids to be good and happy people so that dad can be proud of them, too.”
PURE BLISS
When he visited Manila recently, Oscar-winning director Ang Lee described A-list actress Angeli Bayani as a “national treasure” and most of those who understand film and acting certainly agree with the illustrious Taiwanese-American filmmaker. But for Angeli, her real treasure is her seven-year old son Rowan Marek.
“Marek is my joy. He is my inspiration whenever I take on a new project. It has been the two of us for the past seven years. No matter how tired I am from work, hugging my son when I come home and lying beside him even if he is already asleep is just pure bliss.”
She shared that being a single mom is challenging because she does it all alone. “When you are a single mom, you instantly take on the role of both parents and it’s not easy. It is true that everything is a decision, and I made a choice to be a single mother. I certainly have no regrets.”
Angeli is currently working on the new GMA prime-time dramedy Let The Love Begin, and she will soon start working on a film for the annual QCinema film festival.
SO MUCH LOVE
Denise Laurel is one of the most respectful and well-bred actresses that we know in the Star Magic roster of talents. Almost five years ago, she faded out of the scene just when she was starting to peak as an actress because she got pregnant.
Her little mestizo boy Alejandro is a cute bundle of joy. Alejandro’s dad is of Italian-American descent. Denise has found a new love in the person of professional basketball player Solomon Mercado. In fact, they are engaged and are planning a wedding in 2016.
Turning 28 this year, Denise is happy that her son and her fiancé are very close to each other. “I can’t wait for our family unit to be formalized. There is already so much love at home even at this time.”
Denise is in the main cast of ABS-CBN’s afternoon soap Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, and she is happy that her being a single mom has helped her improve as an actress. “Motherhood opens up many doors and unravels many emotions in a woman. I believe that being a real-life mom has made me understand and appreciate the different roles I take on as an actor.”