Page 154 - Philippine Tatler (April 2019)
P. 154
“We try to stand up for who we
are, fight the good fights, travel
the trail, give and receive love,
and always try our best to make
this world...That’s happiness. God
willing, we will raise these children
to be the same, or even better“
what he does best. I’ve been a journalist for is about commitment and giving it your best.
all my adult life. And I’ve been immersed in A life for others. Both Mar and I have been
Philippine politics the past 10 years as his wife. committed, giving our best and living for
It is common knowledge that the country others for much of our adult life. Finally having
needs more people who have the background, children and building a family will be the same.
the wisdom, the ability, and the integrity to We just either add or shift some of our energy
strategise, plan, get things done, and keep their and time to this now.
hands off the people’s money. You might say “Nothing you want to do well will be easy.
I’m biased. Well, I’m not. I will fight for Mar to If I set my mind to it, I will make it happen.
get elected and serve in any court, country, or I declared to my husband years ago before
planet—and I can prove why.” we decided to have the kids that I would be
Politics will always be a part of her life a working mum. Only I can define myself as a
with Mar, but parenthood takes priority now. mother. I will continue work as a journalist,
There are certainly challenges that come with be an advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness,
being older parents, but Korina is unfazed. do my charity, save the dogs and cats from
“To say it is a handicap to be parents past 50 the streets. If I need to shave off, I will know
is looking at the glass half-empty. Older or it and decide it. A woman is often judged for
younger, parenting is equally double-edged. how she chooses to juggle motherhood and
Oh, what I know now that I’m sure many living a full life. My commitment is, first and
parents wish they knew then. So much more foremost, to these kids and the mothering will
to share with my children.” have to be a carefully thought-of standard.
Besides, both Korina and Mar are in great Most, if not all, mums know a mother has only
shape, not just for their age, but for any age. the best in mind for her children. Of course, I
“Mar and I are both health-conscious and balance that with what my husband thinks.
we actively pursue fitness. Mar is strong. I’m “Fortunately, he knows that as much as I
trying to get stronger. These kids will help us trust him on how to run this country, he needs
live to 120!” to trust me on how to raise these kids.
The sudden expansion of the Sanchez- “Happiness is freedom. While there’s no
Roxas family unit from two to four has already such thing as absolute freedom, one should at
changed the lives of Mar and Korina, but not least be free to decide well and responsibly for
in the ways people have cautioned them about. one’s self. We try to stand up for who we are, Hair: kiel otilla; make-up: cariSSa cielo
There is a refreshing clarity to the way both fight the good fights, travel the trail, give and
double have approached parenthood. “People do keep receive love, and always try our best to make
happiness telling me, ‘Your life will change.’ Half of them this world a better place to live in, in small or
Silk print dress sound threatening, like being a parent means big ways. That’s happiness. God willing, we
by Numéro
Venteuno from imminent suffering. I’m not so convinced it’ll will raise these children to be the same, or
Distinqt be that jarring for either of us. You see, this even better.”
154 philippine tatler april 2019
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