Everyone’s journey to parenthood is different, and some women find themselves navigating that journey on their own, playing the role of both mother and father to their children.

Celebrities aren’t exempt from this, and many make use of their platforms to encourage and inspire their fans by sharing what they’ve learned from being a single mother.

Here, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) lists some life lessons culled from interviews with these celebrity single moms.

JACLYN JOSE – Don’t forget your own future

In an interview with PEP.ph back in September 2022, the late Jaclyn Jose confessed to feeling very lonely, what with her children Andi Eigenmann and Gwen Guck now living their own lives.

This deep loneliness prompted Jaclyn to give the following advice to single mothers: “Siguro before it’s too late, maghanap sila ng katuwang. Yung makakasama sa buhay hangga’t maaga pa.

“Kahit na may mga anak na sila, kung single parent ka, isipin mo, aalis at aalis ang mga ‘yan. Maiiwan kang mag-isa.”

While she acknowledged that single mothers tend to make their children their top priority, she urged that they continue to pursue their own dreams, and build their own relationships with friends or even a potential partner.

Jaclyn said, “Kailangang maging matapang ka thinking of your future.

“Para kung umalis man sila, iiwanan ka, may kanya-kanya nang buhay, e, meron kang makakasama. Mahirap mag-isa. Malungkot mag-isa.”

DENISE LAUREL – Take care of your health

Back in 2015, Kapamilya star Denise Laurel had a health scare.

As a single mom, it was a wake-up call that made her take extra care of her health so she could continue to be there for her son Alejandro, whom she affectionately calls Bukie.

She said in a 2020 interview with PEP.ph, “I think it’s different once you know that you are responsible to care and to love for an entire human being.

“You know, like, a solid, real, holding in your arms a newborn-baby… This is real. I’m-in-charge-of-this-person-until-the-day-I-die levels.

“I have to stay healthy, and I have to be there for him no matter what.”

She also said in the same interview, “”I’m mom and I’m also dad and I’m also an actress. I have many hats, but I wanna be a hundred percent in everything I do.

“So, I kind of really have to run a tight ship. But the thing that holds that ship together is my health.”

SUNSHINE CRUZ – Treat them as barkada

When it comes to raising her daughters Angelina, Cheska, and Sam, Sunshine Cruz has a secret that has worked so far — to treat them like her barkada.

The celebrity mom said in a 2017 interview with PEP.ph, “I know my kids, I have confidence in them. And talaga namang masisipag na mga bata ‘tsaka masunurin.

“I know that they’ll grow up to be good people naman because I always talk to them, parang barkada.

“We’re like barkadas, and I think it’s working naman.”

She also sees her girls as “tough girls,” as she said in an Instagram post back in 2019, “They are just like their mom, marunong lumaban kung kinakailangan at marunong magpasalamat sa biyaya, maliit man o malaki.”

JANELLA SALVADOR – Have a healthy co-parenting setup

Janella Salvador may have broken up with Markus Paterson, but she ensures that he is still a constant presence in the life of their son Jude.

She said in an interview with PEP.ph back in February 2023, “Okay naman, we’re co-parenting nang maayos. Okay naman, wala namang problema.

“We have a system naman. He borrows Jude when he’s free but he stays with me talaga.”

Back when she confirmed her status as a single mother in 2022, she also said in a separate interview with PEP.ph, “We’re both happy as individuals and our main priority is Jude.”

SARAH LAHBATI – Trust your intuition

Sarah Lahbati’s advice for first-time moms back in 2016 still holds true now that she is a single co-parent with ex-husband Richard Gutierrez to their sons Zion and Kai.

She said then in an interview with PEP.ph, “Trust your intuition.”

Sarah expounded, “There are days that are hard for me especially being a first-time mom, but then, you know, when I feel like, ‘Can I still do this?’

“I look at Zion and when he smiles, parang, it changes my perspective and it motivates me to keep on going.”

Her belief to “not sweat the small stuff” is also particularly helpful for single moms who may feel like they need to do it all.

JODI STA. MARIA – Think twice about life decisions

As a single mom to son Thirdy, Jodi Sta. Maria approaches life decisions — especially romantic relationships — with extra caution.

She said in an interview with PEP.ph back in 2020, “Siguro kasi, dahil ngayon I have a son…

“When you make decisions in life, parang you always have to think twice na, e.

“Siyempre, iyong isang decision para sa sarili mo. And then iyong decision naman na gagawin mo is, kailangan mo isipin kung paano ito makakaapekto sa anak mo.

“Kasi, kumbaga, hindi na lang ikaw iyan, e. I know that in everything na gagawin ko, alam ko na merong Thirdy na maaapektuhan.

“So, I think I just have to be more discerning and wise pagdating sa mga bagay na iyon.”

ANGEL AQUINO – Be strong for your kids

Having a child with a medical condition is heart-wrenching for any mother, and Angel Aquino knows this only too well.

Back in 2016, she spoke candidly about her daughter Thea’s hydrocephalus during a guesting at the ABS-CBN’s morning show Magandang Buhay.

Angel related, “Ako bilang mom yung bigat sa puso, sa damdamin, sa isip. Pero I can’t imagine what she went through.”

Thea was able to overcome many challenges, and graduated from college in 2022.

Angel celebrated this milestone with a paean to her daughter in an Instagram post at the time, “Thank you for being unlimited, undaunted, unafraid.

“Your indomitable spirit powered through, Thea. That is your gift from God. Don’t ever lose it.”

Thea’s accomplishment is a testament to Angel’s own strength as a mother.

As she had said in the 2016 Magandang Buhay interview, “You just have to keep your faith and you have to be strong para everyone around her is strong also.”

TONI FOWLER – Use words of affirmation

When it comes to showering her daughter Tyronia with praise, Toni Fowler certainly doesn’t hold back.

In a YouTube vlog in January 2021, Toni was visibly puffing up with pride as Tyronia showed her her report card.

She burst out, “Anak, I’m so proud of you! Parang hindi kita anak, I love you! Ang galing mo naman anak, ang talino mo!”

Toni also reminded Tyronia to play the long game when it comes to her education, as she said, “Okay lang walang medal basta may diploma.”

ZARA LOPEZ – Consider what’s bigger than your own problems

On February 12, 2024, Zara Lopez broke the news of her separation from her partner Simon Javier in an emotional Instagram Reel.

But the former Viva Hot Babe showed her steely resolve to raise her daughters as a single mother, choosing to set aside whatever problems lie ahead to prioritize their wellbeing.

She said, “Hindi dahilan ang problemang pinagdadaanan kung may isang musmos na bata ang magsasakripisyo para sa sariling kapakanan.

“Hindi sapat ang salitang problema para magdusa ang walang kamalay-malay na bata.

“Walang anumang dahilan ang puwede irason para sa anak at pamilya.”

SUGAR MERCADO – Find strength in your faith

Sugar Mercado is candid about the struggles she faces as a single mom to daughters Gabrielle Sophia and Olivia Isabelle, but she’s equally open about how she is sustained by her faith in God.

She said in an interview with PEP.ph in November 2023, “Mahirap na masarap. Mahirap kasi mag-isa ka, nanay, tatay, ate, kuya, best friend ka nila.

“May pagkakataon, sobra pagod ko, nagkasakit ako, tapos bata pa anak ko, dasal ko talaga huwag muna ako kunin kasi di ko kaya iwan anak ko sa ngayon, di pa nila kaya.

“Sabi ko sa mga anak ko pag nawala ako, Bible huwag nila kakalimutan basahin, walang ibang nakatulong kay nanay kundi Maylikha lang.

“Nagiging emotional ka pag sobrang pagod, pero masarap kasi kaya mo pala, kaya mo kasi andiyan mga anak mo at may ibibigay ang Diyos na mga tao na tutulungan ka, all glory to God.”