Make Mom Happy Today
by Ellen Joy Anastacio
Mother's Day  2003

Nanay, Ina, Mama, Mom, Mommy…all these stand for the woman who bore us for 9 months, and is still bearing all our loads, whether we're six or 60. She's the one who picked us up when we tripped while playing patintero, and she's the one who picked us up when we tripped in school, love life, careers, and everything else in between.

Whether she's a housewife or a working mom, the Filipino mom is always responsible, loving, and caring. She goes to the market to buy the ingredients so she can cook all our favorite dishes. She takes care of the house so that when we go home, we will always be comfortable and happy. She takes care of tatay, the kids, and grandkids. She knows how to take care of every situation. It's no wonder that when the going gets tough, we always call out for mommy.

She is a mom 365 days of the year, 24/7 without any breaks. So this Mother's Day, turn the tables on her and pamper her. I guarantee that it will give you an indescribable feeling of happiness and love.

So how will you show it to her? Here are some tips:

• Shop for her or shop with her! Moms have an inexplicable desire to keep on shopping, whether it's in airconditioned malls, tiangges, or on roadside stalls that sell white corn or fruits. So what better way to bond with your mom than to take her shopping?
• Cook for her. For once, give her a respite from the kitchen by cooking her favorite dishes for a change.
• Or, take her out to dinner. Bring her to her favorite restaurant, where she can have her fill to her heart's content.
• Bring her grandchildren home to her. Moms are moms, and as a lola, she's mom times two! They are terribly enthralled and enraptured with their grandkids that the sight of them will be enough to make her incredibly happy.
• If you can't be with her, call her on the phone. The sound of your voice as you swap stories and anecdotes is a sound that she's been waiting for, even if you just talked the other day. That's how moms are.
• Pamper her as much as you can. Take her to the spa, or give her a personal massage! Bring her to the beauty salon and do the girl thing with her.
• Most importantly, tell her how much you love her. A simple "I love you, Mom!" with a hug and a kiss may be all she needs to make Mother's Day complete.