Motherhood? Let Judy Ann Santos, Vicki Belo, and Heart Evangelista define them in their terms
Motherhood. Just like any word, people have their own way of defining the role. Because of the complexities it involves to be one, society has found ways to simplify the concept. Being a mother means giving birth to a child. You are one, but it must happen by this age, or else. Can you still call yourself a mother when you are not biologically related? But with the empowered status of Vicki Belo, Heart Evangelista, and Judy Ann Santos, they have taken charge of giving meaning to their revered responsibility.
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Beyond what society says about motherhood, these celebrities prove that the role is theirs to define in their own terms. Here’s how they’ve been doing it ever since:
Motherhood has no age limit
In 2016, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho introduced their daughter, Scarlet Snow Belo, to the world. At that time, the doctor of the stars had already aged gracefully past 60. How did the pregnancy happen? Isn’t she too old to be a mother? These were the questions people asked when they shared their blessing to the world.
The doctor explained that Scarlet was conceived through in vitro fertilization, and a surrogate mother gave birth to her. In an interview with Korina Sanchez, Vicki opened up that she just wants to keep working and improving on herself for her young daughter, who just turned nine this year. One of the ways they make the most of their time together is through traveling.
Motherhood is a humbling experience
For years, Heart Evangelista has always been vocal about her desire to become a mother. However, the journey to becoming one has never been easy for the fashion icon. “I was really preparing for her. I really thought I was going to have a baby at that time,” Heart opened up in her most recent interview with Boy Abunda. “But, it’s okay. I’m not the type to question anything. It’s just sad because I thought I was going to be able to share what I do with my last girl.”
But with Heart’s powerful force in her personal and professional life, she takes charge of motherhood in different ways. Apart from spoiling her fur babies, she appreciates the bond that she has formed with the twins of her husband, Chiz Escudero, from his previous marriage. “I feel like I also grew up with them. I didn’t give them the gift of life, but they taught me to love in a special way.” Heart also shared in the same interview that she also felt the love of Chiz’s children even at the height of their marriage’s rough patch last year.
Motherhood is a work of chance and choice
In her tenure in show business, Judy Ann Santos has learned to stand up for her decisions, especially those that involve her personal life. Back then, she knew that she wanted to be a mother by the age of 26. “It was a prayer that I really wanted to happen,” the actress opened up to Kris Aquino. “Dati nga wala akong planong mag-asawa! Baby lang!” Her daughter, Yohan, even became her child first before hers and Ryan’s. Today, she is also legally adopted by her parents.
In 2019, the actress wrote a heartfelt caption for her oldest daughter. “You will always be a reminder that God listens.” Explaining Yohan’s importance in their family, Judy Ann would tell her daughter, “Ryan and I started a family because of you. Your name is Johanna Louis. Lucho’s name is Juan Luis. Luna’s name is Juana Luisa. All named after you. You came first. Always remember—hindi ka saling kitkit dito. You started this family. Napakagandang salita ng adopted or adoption because somebody wanted you in their lives.”
Photos and Featured Image: JUDY ANN SANTOS, VICKI BELO, and HEART EVANGELISTA (via Instagram)