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It’s one thing to care for daughters and another raise power women. While no one can predict their children’s future, it takes a certain strength, a different kind of courage, and a tremendous amount of unwavering support to shape girls into empowered women as they grow.
MEGA turned the spotlight on the women behind some of today’s most influential figures—from Melanie Marquez, mother of Michelle Dee, and Min Bernardo, Kathryn Bernardo’s first role model, to Carla Guevarra, mother of KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza—and we asked them what it truly means to be raise strong, unrelenting women.
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Pride and Presence
There’s an immeasurable sense of pride in watching daughters grow into women who inspires others. Seeing them achieve their dreams, step into the spotlight—not only for their talents but also for the values they uphold—emits a feeling that the words “I’m proud of you” don’t give justice to.
Among JMA Jewelry founder Suzette Ayson’s three daughters, two have found their place beside her in the family business. For Suzette, whose own love for jewelry-making was passed down from her mother, seeing her daughters inherit that same passion feels like passing down a priceless heirloom. “All three of my daughters have set standards that are very aspirational,” she expressed. “Despite all of their achievements, they have remained humble. I am beyond proud of them.”
For interior designer Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, whose love for art and philanthropy was instilled by her mother, it’s equally fulfilling to see her daughters Natasha and Bella, TAYO Philippines co-founders, embrace the same values and make them their own. “I learn from them every day when they let me into their world. It’s a gift to be able to dream with them and watch it unfold,” Bambi said.
Pride is an understatement for theater actress and mother Carla Guevara-Laforteza as she watched her daughter chase her idol dreams. KATSEYE leader Sophia Laforteza went from singing in karaoke to a survival show to global stages, and she fought tooth and nail to claim her place in KATSEYE. “I am simply bursting with pride,” Carla declared.
Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez not only raised the standard for Filipino pageantry, but also her daughter, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee. If anyone knows what it means to pass down a crown and legacy, it’s Melanie. “Being her mom? It’s a mix of pride, prayers, and patience,” she laughed. Watching Michelle Dee grow into the influential and fearless woman she is today is nothing short of awe-inspiring.“I see parts of myself in her, but I also see how much farther she’s going. And that’s the best part.”
Box-office queen, entrepreneur, and award-winning actress—Kathryn Bernardo is a superstar, but to her mother Min Bernardo, she’s still the baby she carried in her arms. While proud, Min admitted to carrying a quiet fear for her daughter. “With Kathryn being a public figure, she’s exposed and vulnerable, and that scares me,” Min confessed, prompting a strong urge to protect her.
And yet, she finds comfort in the fact that Kathryn is strong, capable of handling anything life throws her way. She is her mother’s daughter, after all.
“When life becomes too much to bear, she knows that she can always come back to her mama.”
– Min Bernardo, mother of Kathryn Bernardo
Lessons That Stick
Mothers aren’t just caretakers—they’re our first teachers. From simple childhood manners to life-defining values, they impart to us several lessons growing up, but there will always be that one lesson that shape who we become.
Suzette has imparted many lessons to her daughters from the moment they started to speak, whether it’s a lesson in school, in love, or in the jewelry business. But there is one that became a constant reminder to her daughters, rooted in purpose. “Do things with purpose so you become significant in this world,” she advised. True to her words, each daughter has made her mark in her own way.
As an artist, Bambi taught her daughters Tasha and Bella Tanjutco life lessons through the lens of art. “Tasha embraced ‘the work of the hands develops the brain,’” Bambi shared. “Bella, meanwhile, uses art as a tool for social and environmental justice, for problem solving and addressing issues.” Through her daughters, Bambi has passed down a belief that art isn’t just for self-expression—it’s a force of change, capable of moving people, stories, and lives.
“It’s a gift to be able to dream with them and watch it unfold.”
– Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, Mother of TAYO Philippines co-founders Isabella and Natasha Tanjutco
There are several lessons Melanie imparted to her daughter, as a mother and as a beauty queen, but one that she valued the most was humility. Throughout Dee’s several achievements, she remained grounded, never forgetting her roots.
“I always told her, ‘You can wear the crown, but never let it wear you.’”
– Melanie Marquez, mother of Michelle Dee
Min has several lessons to be proud of, but out of all she taught her throughout her career, two have anchored the actress: “To always be kind and grateful.”
Carla takes pride in knowing that Sophia’s strength, bravery, and kindness were instilled and nurtured at home. “She has grown into the woman I had prayed for her to be,” Carla expressed.
Full Circle Moments
Motherhood is a two-way street. No matter the age or role in life, everyone is capable of learning something new, but the greatest lessons usually come from their children.
With several years of experience as both a daughter and a mother, Suzette takes pride in raising three daughters alongside taking care of a business. But learning doesn’t stop when you have become a mentor.
“I’ve learned that acknowledging my mistake doesn’t make me less of a person,” Suzette said. In fact, this has helped her understand people and their situations more. With her daughters, she has learned to open both her heart and mind to the people around her.
“It’s called empathy, and my children taught me that.”
– Suzette Ayson, mother of Trish and Stephanie Ayson
Bambi has taken the role of a mentor to her daughters. But despite becoming the leading light, she has also learned a lot from raising Tasha and Bella. Her daughters instilled a lesson in Bambi that she carries with her to this day: “How the power of storytelling and imagination can change lives.”
Melanie has realized that it’s never too late to grow, no matter the stage in life, because learning doesn’t stop with time. “I’ve learned to embrace change, to speak out, and to listen more,” Melanie listed out. “She pushes boundaries, and sometimes, she pushes me too!” She said happily.
Much like Melanie, Min was also taught to keep growing, to keep learning. “She (Kathryn) always encourages me to do things for myself, to explore, and to be adventurous despite my age,” She recalled.
With several years of experience in the entertainment industry, Carla already knows the ins and outs, the dos and don’ts, and all things to be wary of. With Sophia navigating the same industry she’s in, it has brought Carla new understanding.
“I realize that all the sacrifices, fear, and worries my own mother went through with me growing up and being in the entertainment industry were all true and legit feelings,” Carla pondered. “And I’m now experiencing that with Sophie.”
“Sophie has taught me to appreciate and understand my own mother even more.”
– Carla Guevara-Laforteza, mother of KATSEYE leader and member Sophia Laforteza
Raising children is already a job in itself, but raising one who will go on to create change in the world is a remarkable privilege. From quiet lessons to unwavering support, these mothers are living proof that behind every power woman is a mom who believed in her first. And that legacy will always outshine the spotlight.
Featured Image and Photos: CARLA GUEVARA-LAFORTEZA, MIN BERNARDO, MICHELLE DEE, SUZETTE AYSON, BAMBI MAÑOSA-TANJUTCO
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