Our moms say a loooot of things, especially back when we were growing up. Remember that time she said she wasn’t mad but it’s been 15 minutes and she’s still talking about what you did but insisting she’s not mad? Or how about all those sermons, advice, and her pa-baong wisdom that we used to hear over and over again that we could almost recite them ourselves?
When we were kids, these antics from our moms were just empty words, but do you realize now how full of wisdom, love, and regard for our protection those words were? We tried to recall those common phrases. Here are 8 life advice from moms we heard as kids that only make sense to us now!
1. “Gabi na, matulog ka na!”
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But you were a kid and didn’t want to stop playing. Now, you’re working, consistently tired, and wishing you took on those extra hours of sleep. Time capsule, please.
2. “Wag ka magmadali tumanda, anak.”
You’ve been told you were too “pa-dalaga”, back when you were just eight. But now that you’re all grown up? It’s like, kenat adult anym0re po hAlp.
3. “Wag ka tatamad-tamad sa school, para sa’yo yan!”
Tbh, you only went to school to see the tropa, chika, basketball after class, and for crush (aminin)! But now that you’re a professional? You’re thankful your mom pressed you to study—you are where you are today because of her!
4. “Boyfriend lang yan! Marami pang mangyayari sayo,”
You were 18 and heartbroken. This advice did not make sense back then. You were desperate to get him back! But you didn’t, and now that you’re happy with where you’re at in life, you see that everything happens for a reason. Mom was right.
5. “Anak, maganda ka! Kamukha kita diba?”
Cue your mom assuring you you’re beautiful, on those days you were down and just wanted to fit in at school. Remember that awful afro you grew? Or all those whitening products? Only now do you understand that the best version of yourself, is the true you.
6. “I-text mo ko kung nasan ka na.”
Mom, teaching us since we were kids that it’s important to keep in touch with the ones we love, and those who love us.
7. “Magpakabait ka lagi ha?”
Mom’s number one bilin when she had to leave us or when we had to be away from her, because she knew how kulit you can be. And tbh, you carry these words with you until now because she made you understand that kindness takes people a long way.
8. “Anak, ano ba yan! Always wash your hands!”
You were so tamad omg. You didn’t wash your hands, you licked your fingers after eating chips, and you’d go back to playing even when your hands were sticky. Aren’t you thankful you eventually learned proper hygiene and hand washing? Cos, ew, germs everywhere. Thanks, Mom!
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No matter what our moms tell us, one thing is for sure: their words are always rooted in love. These motherly advice are their pabaon for us as we face life and reach for our dreams. This was indeed true for Norman King, the first Aeta to graduate from one of Philippines’ premier universities, and his mother, Warlita King, whose relentless love and guidance paved the way for Norman’s bright future.
Warlita wanted to give her son lifelong protection. Like all Filipino moms, she believed that her “pabaon” would prepare Norman for his journey ahead. Safeguard is one with all the parents in encouraging them to provide their children with different “Pabaon sa Buhay” which can help protect them as they explore the world on their own. What a child learns at home, protects him in life (ang natutunan niya sa bahay, proteksyon niya sa buhay).
Watch Warlita and Norman’s inspiring story here:
What is the best pabaon your mom has ever given you? Tell your story in the comments.
