Motherhood is a journey unlike any other - a profound transformation filled with love, challenges, and moments of deep self-discovery. In our recent IG Live session, we sat down with Thea & Krystle from The Virago Soul and and our very own Meldy Hernandez, founder of Mamapina, to talk about the realities of motherhood, cultural identity, and how we, as Filipina moms in the diaspora, can embrace self-care while staying rooted in our heritage.
If you missed it, here’s a recap of the heartfelt conversation (and why you need to watch the replay! 😉).
The Realities of Motherhood: What We Don’t Always Talk About
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Every mother’s story is unique and valuable - yet, so many of these stories go untold. We often don’t talk about just how hard motherhood can be. From navigating postpartum struggles to redefining who we are, every mom experiences a major identity shift, and that’s completely normal.
Thea & Krystle pointed out an important truth: mainstream media glamorizes motherhood, creating unrealistic expectations that leave many moms feeling like they’re falling short. The reality? Motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and transformative - all at once.
Reconnecting with Ourselves as Mothers
Motherhood changes so much of who we are, and often, we find ourselves grieving our past selves. The group shared that this "grieving period" is a natural part of the process; it’s about recognizing who we were and who we are becoming while giving ourselves grace.
We also talked about normalizing the postpartum struggle, not just postpartum depression, but also postpartum rage, which isn’t discussed as often. Many moms experience feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration, and acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward mindfulness and healing.
Weaving Filipino Heritage Into Motherhood
Culture plays a huge role in how we raise our children. The group shared how Filipino traditions naturally show up in motherhood—through:
- Food – Cooking Filipino dishes as a way to pass down traditions
- Discipline – A unique parenting style that shapes resilience
- Family Values – The deep-rooted love and "family first" mentality
- Respect & Community – The spirit of Kapwa and Bayanihan
Meldy also shared a powerful insight: when children compare themselves to others, Kapwa and Bayanihan are their superpowers. These values remind us that we are part of something bigger - a community, a legacy, a story that connects generations.
Mindfulness in the Midst of Motherhood
Mindfulness isn’t about adding more to our to-do lists: it starts with self-awareness. We reflected on how often we say, "Where did all that time go?" without realizing that most of it is spent on work, responsibilities, and everything but slowing down with our kids.
💡 Ask yourself: Are my children getting my presence, or just my service?
At the end of the day, our kids won’t remember the tasks we checked off - they’ll remember the moments we shared. So let's make each day count. And most importantly: let’s remember to have fun.
The Healing Power of Returning to the Motherland
For many Filipino-American moms, there’s a lingering feeling of "I don’t fully belong." Krystle shared a beautiful perspective: if you haven’t been to the Philippines yet, or if you’re still rediscovering your roots, visiting the motherland can be deeply healing. Reconnecting with where we came from can bring a sense of belonging, clarity, and pride in our heritage.
Watch the Replay + Join Our Self-Care Giveaway!
This conversation was so powerful, and we’d love for you to experience it, too. Watch the full IG Live replay here and join our Self-Care Giveaway for a chance to win a special Mamapina earrings from us!
To enter the self-care giveaway:
- Tag 2 fellow moms in the comment section of the IG Live replay
- Then answer this question: How does Inabel bring meaning, warmth, or connection into your home?
Giveaway closes on March 31, and we’ll announce the winner in the first week of April!
PLUS! Don’t forget to download our FREE Self-Care Workbook - a beautiful guide to mindfulness, cultural connection, and self-care rituals for busy Filipina moms. Inside, you'll find:
✨ A self-care checklist
✨ Reflection prompts
✨ A cultural tradition tracker, and more!
✨ PLUS: Exclusive discount codes from Mamapina (for our Inabel collection) and Virago Soul!
Download Your Free Workbook Here!
Let’s continue weaving love, culture, and home - one story, one tradition, and one moment of self-care at a time. 💛
Let's Connect!
*Follow Mamapina on IG
*Shop Mamapina Inabel Blankets
*Connect with Thea
*Connect with Krystle
*Visit The Virago Soul's Website